“My child just asked me,” a mother wrote, “ ‘Why do people hate the Jews?’ ” Another parent wrote, “I can explain the cause of the war; I can retell history. I cannot explain these atrocities against the Jewish state of Israel. Help me.” A third came this morning. “Thank you for your blog about the War in Israel. It wasn’t enough.” I spent the day today thinking, researching, pondering, digging for answers, talking to colleagues. I even called Rabbi Steve Leder. Rabbis are teachers, … [Read more...] about What DO I Say about the War in Israel
Elementary School Children
Talking to Your Children About the War in Israel
I absolutely hate that I have to write this blog. There is a war in Israel, and this is the reality of the world in which we must raise our children. But my job is to help and support parents and children. And so I write...again. Wasn’t it only yesterday that I wrote about talking to your children about the War in Ukraine? Having to explain an act of terror or violence or trauma to a child of any age is just plain daunting. As much as we try to shelter them, our children get exposed … [Read more...] about Talking to Your Children About the War in Israel
Back to School for Toddlers to Teens
Going back to school or starting a new school...or just starting school the first time for our littlest ones...is a mixed bag for kids and for their parents. The process and the thoughts about it are seasoned with excitement as well as creeping anxiety. What's a parent to do? For First Timers to Pre School... ...The start can be more emotion filled for the parent than for the child. After all, the child doesn't really know what to expect. The most challenging part is, of course, the … [Read more...] about Back to School for Toddlers to Teens
Timing is Everything: Set yourself up for successful conversations with your child
Finding the right words to use with children is undeniably powerful. But coming up with the “right” response in the moment, creating just the script that is called for can be challenging. In fact, knowing this led to writing my first book, Just Tell Me What to Say. Successful communication with children of all ages, however, is more than your words and your script, (and your tone, your facial expressions, your body language.) It is also about your timing. Most parents know, for example, … [Read more...] about Timing is Everything: Set yourself up for successful conversations with your child
Do You Love Your Child Enough?
Seems like a ridiculous question, I know. But since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, it feels fitting. One of the lessons our children will learn as they mature is that are lots of different kinds of love… the love for chocolate; the love for your favorite song; the love for your most comfy jeans; the love that grown up partners feel for one another; the love you have for your best pal; …And the deep, enduring love that a parent feels for her … [Read more...] about Do You Love Your Child Enough?
Teaching Civility: What the Queen’s Funeral Taught Me About Raising Kids
I was transfixed by the coverage of Queen Elizabeth’s death and funeral proceedings. The pageantry, the ritual, the lock steps, the salutes, the uniforms…I was mesmerized. The English loved their queen. Her passing marked the end of a 70 year relationship, and so many were really sad. Children watched their parents weep, curtsy, and bow their heads in silence. Their parents’ motions were the language of their feelings as they demonstrated their respect for the crown. While the … [Read more...] about Teaching Civility: What the Queen’s Funeral Taught Me About Raising Kids