Timeless Wisdom, Practical Guidance

Dear Rebecca, My ten year old daughter is so negative. She complains about what she doesn’t have that others do and isn’t happy with the good things she has. Her negativity is draining and leaves her, and those of us who have to listen to her, often unhappy. What can I do to help her stop complaining and start seeing the good in her life?

We’re all searching for the parenting elixir, the magic formula that will transform chaotic mornings and exhausting evenings into calm, connection, and clarity: the secret recipe that changes cranky, argumentative children into cheerful and cooperative youth. All of that can be found in the holiday of Shavuot, which begins Thursday evening, the 3338th anniversary of the most critical event in world history: the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. The Jewish nation arrived at Mt

Few things grate on a busy mom’s ears as much as the inevitable whine “Mom, I’m bored!”. But before you jump to respond with suggestions and activities, consider the blessings of boredom. An entertained child is amused by sights and sounds outside of himself. The problem with external amusement is that when the entertainment ends, boredom returns. The answer to boredom isn’t entertainment, but rather to develop an internal spring of creative energy that leads a child to never

Every family is wholly unique, no less than Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, standing alone, entrusted with their own path, their own decisions, and their own sacred work.

Exactly one week ago, we celebrated the wedding of our second son in a joyous and beautiful ceremony in Israel. Since then, we’ve been hosted each night for sheva brachot , festive meals in honor of the bride and groom, lovingly arranged by family and friends. On the way home from the final sheva brachot last night (an unexpected bonus of our return flights being cancelled due to the New York snowstorm was that we were able to participate in all seven celebrations), I realize

How are parents similar to the Maccabees? Let me take you back over two thousand years to uncover a parenting truth within the story of Chanukah. Many people are familiar with the basic storyline. After the Syrian-Greek king attempted to suppress Jewish faith and religious observance, the Maccabees rose up and battled the Greek army until they reclaimed the Beis HaMikdash (Holy Temple). They removed the idols the enemy had erected and cleaned, repaired, and restored the Templ

This week, Jews around the world celebrate the holiday of Sukkot , the Feast of Tabernacles . For seven days, we eat, relax, and spend...

The Days of Awe—Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur—invite deep reflection, a chance to examine our lives and realign our daily rhythm with God’s...

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is completely illogical. Every action creates a reaction, every decision has an effect, and every deed...

Have your children ever felt you were cold-hearted? If you’ve never been a “Mean Mommy,” then perhaps it’s time to step into the role. 😉...

Did your child struggle last school year? Are you dreading a repeat this fall of watching them fall behind, lose confidence, or feel...

A real parenting question from our Guided Year community and the kind of thoughtful support you’ll receive all year long. These are...