Parents often give their children too much choice. Keep the choices and questions age-appropriate. By Toby Brecher This week, I heard my niece ask her 4-month-old, “Do you want to eat?” The better statement may have been, “Now it’s time to eat.” It wasn’t a question; she was going to feed the baby at that…
Parenting
“Why did she get the pink one?” 3 Things to Think About Regarding Sibling Jealousy
What causes jealousy? How can you avoid it among your children? Some people, children included, are born with a greater tendency toward jealousy than others. There will always be that one child in the family who’s bound to look over his shoulder when Mommy hands out treats. He’s making sure that no one gets one…
How to Swaddle a Baby
Wrap that baby tight! Learn step-by-step instructions for making the perfect swaddle from Artscroll’s new release, Baby’s First Year By Rochel Istrin, RN from Baby’s First Year The Baby’s First Year, by veteran nurse Rochel Istrin, RN, is the Jewish mother’s complete resource for any questions related to their baby’s development, following the baby from…
When the Kids Learned They Had Another Brother
When is it appropriate to talk about a baby that didn’t live? And how and when do you tell your children that they had another brother? I don’t think about my first baby, born 11 months before my oldest son, that often. Baruch Hashem, the next few children came in quick succession. I never had…
Temper Tantrum Brewing? Four Ways to Diffuse or Avoid ‘Em
There might be nothing you can say that will quiet that screaming child in the throes of a tantrum. But you can handle the situation, no prob. Some mothers, while in the midst of dealing with a child in a temper tantrum, resort to some desperate measures. I even once saw one other taping together…
Three Easy Ways to Teach Emunah to Your Children
The path to instilling emunah is simply leading by example For years, Mrs. Tammy Karmel gave emunah shiurim in my neighbor’s apartment in Yerushalayim. When her youngest baby was six months old, Tammy was diagnosed ALS and her shiurim took on a new meaning. Tammy’s body withered at a frightening pace. One week, she was…
How to Create Special Birthday Memories
Even without a party, a birthday can be a special, memorable day…it’s the little details that make a difference. We make a big deal about birthdays around here. Of course, I love planning big bashes, but those are very often not on the actual birthday, but rather on a convenient day near it (i.e. one…
Why I Give Birth at Home
One mother explains why she prefers to forgo the hospital during childbirth Well, why not?! Joking aside, of course, I’d go to the hospital in case of emergencies (chas v’shalom)… childbirth doesn’t fall under those categories! If there’s a medical issue in the process of my prenatal care or birth, I’d go to the hospital…
How to Make a Ponytail That Stays Perfect All Day
This trick will ensure your daughter returns home looking as fresh as when she left Since my first few children were boys, I had a lot of time to look at little girls and think and dream of what I’d eventually want my first princess to look like. I knew my eventual girl would never…
How to Pack Lunch and Convert Picky Eaters
I didn’t expect a bento box to be the solution for my picky eaters. I grew up eating everything that was served to me. Lox, spinach, broccoli, asparagus…all vegetables actually. Every type of fish or cheese too. Since day one. The term “picky eaters” was something completely foreign to me. Everyone in my family ate…