Family Life
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If Your Teen Is Out of School, You’re Not Alone
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Sometimes I think…what did I do wrong? And sometimes I think…Hashem sent this challenge specially for us. One mother shares the conflicting thoughts of parenting a struggling teen who’s been in and out of yeshiva. Editor’s Note: While this isn’t the format of a usual Between Carpools post, we felt that the honesty contained here…
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The Hidden Point System in Our Relationships
Tracking favors can make us feel safe, but it can also cost us real connection. Here’s why we do it, and how to tell if it’s working for you. In the past few months, your sister babysat your kids, baked a cake for your son’s birthday, and brought you a latte. You returned a pair…
Filed under: Family Life -
3 Things You Need to Know If You Are Parenting a Complex Kid
This coming Tuesday, October 13th, psychologist Ilyssa Bass, PhD will be hosting a free online event: Meltdowns and More: Navigating the Parenting Journey with Complex Kids and Teens. Dr. Bass has been working with complex kids and families for over 20 years–and this class is an overview of the practical tips and important knowledge she…
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Painter’s Tape Hopscotch
If you have a roll of painter’s tape, your kids can play hopscotch even when they’re indoors. Chalk is great for summer…what’s a little bit of extra chalk dust on top of everything else when they’re coming inside for showers after a long summer day outdoors? They sit on the pavement and color, or make…
Filed under: Crafts & ActivitiesTagged with: activities -
Welcoming a New Member Into Your Family
How to build connection, trust, and warmth from the first time that new son-in-law or daughter-in-law is at your table. There’s a shift in a family that doesn’t happen at a bris or a baby naming: it happens at the wedding. B”H, someone new is sitting at your table, not as a guest and not…
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Mommy is Davening, but What Are the Kids Doing?
Keep your kids busy (and well fed) all day so you can concentrate on the davening. The men and teens may be out of the house all day, but as a mom of little kids, you have a double task when Yom Kippur comes. Your kids will need you and want you, but you also…
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Helping Our Children Embrace the Gift of a New Year
The message to our children: Don’t look back. Think of the possibilities and look forward to being the person you truly want to be. Rosh Hashanah is a serious time. We stand before Hashem, reflect on the year that has passed, and think about the choices we have made. We speak about teshuva, repentance, taking…
Filed under: Parenting -
What Season Are You In Right Now?
Some seasons are just meant for holding on. Some seasons are meant for pushing forward. And some seasons are just for holding back. My niece hurt her ankle recently. Nothing dramatic — just enough that she suddenly couldn’t do what she normally does. Almost overnight, she felt off. Not just bored, but thrown off. She’s…
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Protecting Our Children While Preserving Their Innocence
The best way to bring up the subject of personal privacy and safety with our children is naturally, in the context of our everyday lives. For many years, the idea of teaching young children in our community about personal safety felt uncomfortable. Parents wanted to preserve their children’s innocence, maintain tznius, and shield them from…
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The Last Minute Items You Need for Back to School
You’ve shopped your supply list. But there’s still some things hanging. Here’s some quick clicks to our favorites. And, yes, these items will still come on time! UPDATED FOR 2026 See this post for the top school supplies that teens love. Still looking for a backpack? See our backpack roundup over here. Read this post to prepare your daughter…
Filed under: Children & Teens
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