It’s during these weeks before Pesach, when we’re working so hard, that these feelings tend to creep up. How do we deal with it? It’s Pesach again! Ah! The Yom Tov of freedom, when we’re meant to feel like kings and queens, the pinnacle of royalty. Freed from the bondage of Mitzrayim, which the sefarim…
3 Ways to Make Sure Your Child Feels Whole
The root of “Chanukah” is “Chinuch.” These three chinuch lessons are a must-know for the well-being of your children. In honor of Chanukah, let’s talk chinuch. There are many ways to explain the link between these two words, which share the same root, but let’s focus on one that is particularly relevant to parenting. On…
Is Parenting More of a Challenge in the Summer?
It’s harder to stick to routine when there’s so much fun around and kids challenge the boundaries. Instead of yelling – you can create magical bonding moments. Here’s how. “Right we’re nuts, Mommy?” My daughter asked me on one of those nights when I kept shooing the kids into bed too many times to count….
How to Raise Children Who Feel Happiness in Their Torah Life
As mothers, the way we interact with our children can mean everything in the way they view life as a Torah Jew. One of most moving pieces I’ve read about the unforgettable Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein zt”l was a young woman’s account of how he radically changed her perspective on living a Torah life. He did…
It’s Normal! Are You Viewing Your Child’s Behavior in Context?
Often, how they’re acting is exactly as a healthy child should! Were you really disappointed when that ladies’ day out you planned didn’t pan out due to inclement weather? It can’t be you were frustrated that the kids left their shoes right at the doorstep when they came home from school. And did you seriously…
You Have a Fresh Start This Rosh Hashanah: Start By Loving Who You Are
There’s something about a new year, fresh chances, that is inherently inspiring. Like that student in her starched uniform shirt on the very first day of school, we feel a sense of conviction to do it right this time. That’s not to say that we’ve been doing it all wrong, of course, but you know,…
Why Even a Mess Is a Blessing
This is my new perspective on dealing with all the bumps that come with motherhood. On a recent Motzaei Shabbos, I experienced an epiphanic moment. I had just finished reciting G-tt fun Avraham, the tefillah where I beseeched the Ribono shel Olam to send us a week of bracha, hatzlacha, and an array of blessings….
Observing the Torah is Not Only a Ticket to Gan Eden.
How could we survive the struggles of life without it? It’s no news to any of us that the essence of Shavuos is infinitely more profound than elaborate tablescapes and delectable dairy goodies (though making the Yom Tov as pleasant and joyous as possible is important too). So we know that it’s the day on…
So Many Emotions, So Many Emotions. What Are We Supposed to Feel After a Tragedy?
What a heartrending parsha all of us in klal Yisrael are experiencing together these days. From every corner of the world, Yidden have been touched, deeply moved, profoundly impacted, by the indescribable tragedy. All of us are in mourning, each in our own way. Some of us are crying copious tears, our eyelids heavy and…
This is the Best Way to Say “No” to a Child
There’s a reason why we tell our children “No.” And it’s not because we’re a mean Mommy. One day last year, my friend and I were walking home from the park together with our kids. As we strolled and chatted, the little ones started running ahead. When they approached the one street we needed to…
