“When should I start making my kid come to shul?” This is a question that comes up a lot, usually between the ages of seven and ten. This will shed some light on how to potentially come to an answer, and how to make it happen successfully when it is time to bring your son…
Family
This is what being ‘flexible’ is really about
Flexibility is the key to marriage and parenting, but what does it really mean? This week’s parsha and the Tom Tov we just experienced is full of wisdom on what a successful marriage is about Marriage is Invented In parshas Bereishis we are introduced to the world and then to the institution of marriage. Marriage…
A Warm Home? Or a Home with Strict Rules and Boundaries? How Am I Supposed to Parent?
It seems contradictory, but there’s a balance to achieve when raising successful, confident children. A few years back, I mentioned to a colleague that the most common mistake I see parents make is being too lenient with their children. They don’t set clear, firm boundaries. He looked at me sideways, a bit confused. He said…
Criticizing: How and When to Do It
Giving a word of critique is not a simple matter at all. Before you give mussar, this is what you need to know. Mussar certainly needs to be said; when something wrong is being done in the home, you have a responsibility to say something. Nonetheless there are quite a few things we can learn…
Why Can’t I Get My Child to Listen to Me?
We think that parenting tips are supposed to work magic. But what should we really be seeing from our efforts? “What is wrong with me, why can’t I get the hang of parenting?” “I’ve told my child again and again, why isn’t he getting the message?” “I went to parenting classes and read books. Everything…
Research Your Family’s History: Top 5 Jewish Resources
If you’d like more information on your family tree, these are the places where you should begin. Jewish genealogy is special because of our unique heritage and identity that separates us from our non-Jewish neighbors. Jewish communities worldwide have their own languages, cemeteries, historical vital records, newspapers, publishing houses, and social networks. In the world…
Does Your Wife Have One Trait That Annoys You?
Sometimes, the most glaring traits are not the positive ones, but the negative ones. This is why. Pizza and Ice Cream is Not Enough When our children learn about the mon in cheder, and how it’s taste could be manipulated by thought, it sounds like a dream come true! The kids are drooling! Pizza and…