parenting
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Listening Is a Dying Art. Let’s Revive It.
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If you want to be a good friend, listen completely.“I never learned anything while I was talking.” —Larry King It’s one of my favorite quotes of all time and something I strive to remember, each and every day. Every person has a story to tell. A thought. A bit of advice. Every person and every
Filed under: Living -
Why Do We Ask Children Questions They’re Too Young to Answer?

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
Filed under: Baby & Toddler -
“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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Filed under: Baby & Toddler -
How Renee Muller’s Family Kicks Off the Chanukah Festivities

My children are counting the days, I am sure yours are too. And no, it’s not only because they’re looking forward to the gifts. There’s so much more than that. Here’s how we get the Chanukah festivities started! Think of Chanukah and you will get this cozy, warm feeling of family time, while watching the
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Healthy(ish) School Snacks for Kids

I despise chips. My kids don’t want snack bags from the health food aisle. Can we find common ground? In some ways, my kids are lucky. I love ice cream, so they get to go to the ice cream store often because mom is much more likely to take them there if she wants it
Filed under: Children & Teens -
My Perfect Morning. And My Typical Morning.

The morning I wish to achieve and the morning I actually have. Oh wait, those are about to change. “This winter I will get up extra early in the morning,” I keep telling myself. “I will stick to it,” I repeat. “It takes 30 days to create a habit,” I remind myself. “I can do



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