I have copied an excerpt of a letter to Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis. See the link for the entire question; she doesn't seem to have responded yet. . . . Now, here is our dilemma: Are we obligated to tell the shadchan, the girl and her family? My husband and I are conflicted. I say “yes”, but he … [Read more...]
Which Number Baby Is the Easiest?
July 11, 2007 by
Occasionally you will hear a discussion among mothers about which number baby is a bigger adjustment. Typical answers: The first, because you are new to motherhood. The second, because you must balance the needs of two. The third, because you only have two hands, or because the children … [Read more...]
Tips for Planning a Cooperative Playgroup or Camp
July 4, 2007 by
Since Sephardi Lady commented that she was hoping to start a playgroup, I thought I would share some experience. I've helped organize many different types of playgroups throughout my mothering career. The first thing to remember is that it's all about convenience. Each mother (or father) wants … [Read more...]
A Cooking Legacy
May 28, 2007 by
While in college, my friend Tzippy and her family generously hosted me for many a Shabbat and Yom Tov. Tzippy's mother didn't expect her to help in the kitchen; she told her that she would have plenty of time later, and now she should study and have fun. The mother was right; Tzippy did get married … [Read more...]
My kids and cooperation
May 20, 2007 by
Sephardi Lady asked me here whether I overestimate or underestimate the amount of help my kids can give. It seems that they always have plenty of time to read, go on the computer and play with friends, and study occasionally, so I guess they are not overworked. I suspect they would not agree! Of … [Read more...]
Dealing with Challenging Children
May 10, 2007 by
A mother I know described a challenging situation involving one of her children. Without relating to the specific issues, I decided to post some general suggestions for surviving tough times. Let go of the guilt. Yes, we all make mistakes, big and small, and need to improve, but guilt feelings … [Read more...]
Wikler on Cooperation
May 4, 2007 by
I like this article from Aish about cooperation from children because the author, Meir Wikler, expects children to help out as a matter of course. We shouldn't need to give prizes or even stickers to our children every time they help us, nor inflict a "consequence," even a "natural" one, on our … [Read more...]
My Answers
April 30, 2007 by
Raggedy Mom pointed out that I didn't answer all of the questions myself. I'm glad I waited to read the other responses as they helped me clarify my own thoughts. For married women, do you dress by the same standards as you did when you got married? Yes, as I mentioned in the original … [Read more...]
Rabbi: These are things that are not learned at home
April 19, 2007 by
Update: It seems that quite a discussion is going on with the rabbi in the comments section on Moreshet, for those who read Hebrew.A commenter on my previous post drew my attention to a responsum from the Orthodox website Moreshet. Here is my translation:Love and Warmth for a ChildShalom to the … [Read more...]
Recent Comments