How do I decide when it will be right? (If you need to make decisions now for next year, this may help!) “Should I send my 18 month old out this year or not? I have a newborn at home and can’t decide. What’s best at this age, when they don’t have to be sent…
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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…
What Kind of Mask Do You Wear?
This Purim, let’s take a peak at ourselves beneath the facade. As Purim dawns, the young and young at heart will don their masks and transform their persona into the hero, villain or neutral character of their choice. And we of the more adult variety smile indulgently as they pretend to be someone they are…
How Could He Sit on The Couch?
You’re rushing around frantically, cleaning for Shabbos, preparing for Sheva Brachos or getting the kids to bed. Ahh, finally, your husband is home. He lets himself in, and collapses on the couch. And he sits. You mop up the splattered tomato sauce. And he sits. You shove errant Legos into containers. And he sits. You narrowly prevent your…
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…
What Does a New Year for Trees Have to Do with Me?
What should we be thinking about and davening for on this day? Tu B’shvat It’s a minor holiday, barely acknowledged, moderately celebrated. For many of us, it passes us by without us even noticing. But what is it all about? “It’s the Rosh Hashanah for the trees,” we have been taught since first grade, maybe earlier. The…
How to Gear Up Your Son for Any Sport
Not sure just what he needs to get playing? Whether he’s a toddler or an older boy getting started, this info may be helpful. Nothing builds boys’ confidence like excelling in sports. That confidence spills over into other areas of life. And a kid doesn’t need to be the best on the team to reap…
How to Toilet Train Your Toddler
Practical tips and steps to make the process stress-free for both of you. I never thought I would write a post on toilet training. Before I start, while training has gone smoothly for most of my children, there was one time that it didn’t. That one child completely demoralized my confidence in my ability to…
The Problem with Melatonin (And How to Fix It Without Melatonin!)
If a mom can’t get her kids to fall asleep, what else is she supposed to do? If we were sitting in a physical room right now, and I’d asked you how many of you have heard of melatonin, I’m guessing all hands would go up. And if I’d asked how many of you have…
How I’m Staying Connected to My Grandchildren
They might not be able to be close by, but I can stay connected to my grandchildren and help out my children during this time—and you can too! Are you watching from afar as your awesome children manage bustling households and wishing you could be “the extra pair of hands” you usually are? Let’s turn…