Passing on wisdom

I feel like the most important part of teaching is not just instructing students on how to graph solids in space or calculate the volume of a cube, but rather how to function in the world.  And today I got the opportunity to pass on a little bit of wisdom.

I gave the students their assignment and allowed them to work in groups.  After they had partnered together, one boy said to me, "Ms. Brady, what story should I tell my mom if I have a dent in the back of my car?"

Conversation as follows:

Me: "What kind of car do you drive?"
Guilty boy: "A Jimmy.  It's like an SUV."
Me: "What year?"
Guilty boy: "2001."
Me: "Yea, they're not gonna fix that.  You're fine."
Guilty boy: "But what should I tell my mom?  I backed into Sam's car this morning."
Me: "Is there any damage on Sam's car?"
Guilty boy: "Just a little bit of paint smudged but he said he's gonna buff it out.  And if that doesn't work then I said I'd pay for it."
Me: "Ok.  Here's what I'd do then.  Just start with a positive.  Say something like, 'Good news, Mom!  Sam's car is fine.'  Then when she asks what happened, you can tell her and assure her that everything's good because no one got hurt or died."
Guilty boy: "So I shouldn't make an elaborate lie then?"
Me: "Nah, just tell her the good part, she won't be that mad.  Don't worry, I destroyed my high school car like 3 times."

The guilty boy seemed to be very happy with this suggestion so I hope it works out for him.  I will be sure to ask and let everyone know.  I'm just so happy that my own mistakes in high school are finally paying off for today's youth.