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The Blessing of a Skinned Knee

Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children

Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

In the trenches of a typical day, every parent encounters a child afflicted with ingratitude and entitlement. In a world where material abundance abounds, parents want so badly to raise self-disciplined, appreciative, and resourceful children who are not spoiled by the plentitude around them. But how to accomplish this feat? The answer has eluded the best-intentioned mothers and fathers who overprotect, overindulge, and overschedule their children's lives.

Dr. Mogel helps parents learn how to turn their children's worst traits into their greatest attributes. Starting with stories of everyday parenting problems and examining them through the lens of the Torah, the Talmud, and important Jewish teachings, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee shows parents how to teach children to honor their parents and to respect others, escape the danger of overvaluing children's need for self-expression so that their kids don't become "little attorneys," accept that their children are both ordinary and unique, and treasure the power and holiness of the present moment.

It is Mogel's singular achievement that she makes these teachings relevant for any era and any household of any faith. A unique parenting book, designed for use both in the home and in parenting classes, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee is both inspiring and effective in the day-to-day challenge of raising self-reliant children.

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  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Classical Jewish teachings can succeed in helping families when modern psychology falls short. As child psychologist Wendy Mogel describes her path to this discovery, Carrington MacDuffie narrates with sincerity and intent. Real-life anecdotes from Dr. Mogel's practice, her lecture circuit, and her own parenting are illuminated through Talmudic teachings, traditional practices, and Judaism's deep system of values. MacDuffie surmounts the challenge of Hebrew pronunciation fairly well, but with occasional lapses. (The Hebrew word for sin, "kheit," she pronounces like the name "Chet," while a Passover "Seder" sounds more like "cedar.") Nonetheless, Mogel's insights are certain to help parents get a better grasp on when to draw the line, and when to cut it. S.E.S. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from January 1, 2001
      Frustrated with a therapeutic practice that "shifted too frequently to be an anchor" for parents struggling with issues like overindulgence and overscheduling, clinical psychologist Mogel turned to her religious heritage for ways to help her clientsDand her own familyD"find grace and security" in an increasingly complex world. "In the time-tested lessons of Judaism, I discovered insights and practical tools that spoke directly to these issues," writes Mogel, who left her psychology practice in order "to help parents look at their children's anxieties and desires using a different lens." Digging into the rich traditions of the Torah, the Talmud and other Jewish teachings, Mogel builds a parenting blueprint that draws on core spiritual values relevant to families of all faiths. With warmth and humor, she offers strategies for encouraging respect and gratitude in children, and cautions against overprotection ("we treat our children's lives like we're cruise ship directors who must get them to their destinationDadulthoodDsmoothly, without their feeling even the slightest bump or wave") and the pressure of "Lake Wobegon parenting" (a reference to Garrison Keillor's fictional town where "all the children are above average"). Her thoughtful observations consistently illuminate and reassure. Impassioned, lyrical and eminently practical, this inspiring volume is a real treasure. Agent, Betsy Amster.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Text Difficulty:9-12

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