Toras Imecha Parsha Parenting

In both of the last two Parshiyos the women had the opportunity to donate their jewelry. They refrained last week and yet were the first to volunteer this week for the Mishkan. We have this strength from them of being able to do for the right cause, (mothering!), what we've never done before.

Moshe shares with the entire nation a message of love and reconciliation as soon as possible. We can emulate him in reaffirming our love and relationship with our children soon after a distancing experience.

In the midst of working through issues we don't always see Hashem's hand, but when we look back we can.

Appreciating what we have while we have it... big things and small moments.

Lessons from the Parsha in helping our children learn to accept limits and disappointing realities in ways that facilitate emotional health and growth.

When scared or distressed we can choose to rush into hasty action, or to pause and practice patience as faith in action.

Hashem describes His relationship to us identically when He is amongst us in the Mikdash, and when we have lost that privilege. Even in a state of punishment, we are connected. We offer the same assurance to our children. Even in times of punishment, our relationship is secure.

We learn common courtesy from an unlikely place so we can behave with courtesy even in situations where it may seem unnecessary.... like with our children...

A mother's love once imbued a robe with spirituality that transcended death.

Olives yield oil under pressure, and children also need to develop resilience by being allowed to work through challenges.

When we make an effort to inspire ourselves spiritually, we light a lamp that can burn for generations.

We all need to feel like contributors of worth, and our children are no exception.

The Mishkan replicated a Jewish home, and our Jewish homes replicate the Mishkan.

What brings your family joy?

Some thoughts on how to answer a sensitive child's questions about topics he isn't yet ready to handle.

Building a mishkan and raising a child are both creating a container for Hashem's presence, and therefore must be done for the sake of Heaven.

Parents sometimes feel alone as they try to do their best for their children, but Hashem is with those who are alone.

Attempting to direct or instruct a child when that child is not in a positive relationship with his parent, feels like coercion or kidnapping, and isn't likely to succeed. We must first realign the relationship and then guide our child.

Why should we acknowledge our children's good intentions even when they don't live up to them?

Having a child is similar to our acceptance of the Torah - full commitment before knowing what we've undertaken!

Sharing the reasoning behind some of our decisions as parents gives our children the tools to make decisions of their own.

Each child brings out different qualities in a parent.

Why were the women spoken to before the men and what are they supposed to teach? The answer can help us parent each day.

A person's relationship with Hashem has its roots in his relationship as a baby with his parents.

Caring for ourselves, getting help, and having the whole family contribute in the household is good for us and for everyone else too.