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<p>Yesterday, at a teacher's training workshop, the instructor asked for a show of hands from those who felt they were creative. Only one-third responded, while others shied away with comments like, "I'm not artistic, can't draw, can't carry a tune." As if creativity only referred to the arts and to a mystical process known only to unique souls endowed with "talent" that they draw upon at midnight in their moonlit studios.</p> <p>Webster's Thesaurus lists the following synonyms for creative: inventive, innovative, imaginative, ingenious, original, resourceful, clever, mystical. These are qualities needed in most every walk of life. They make the difference between automated response and truly human existence. They are qualities we want our children to feel comfortable and confident using to handle life's challenges. How can we develop, nurture, and support their creativity?</p> ...
<p>Some kids are very dramatic. Everything is a big deal. They cry loudly when slightly bruised, shout loudly when slightly impatient and whine loudly when slightly annoyed. Nothing is subtle. Other kids aren't that way all the time but, hey – they might also have their moments!</p> <p>The problem with drama is that it is very catchy. When a kid gets all emotional, he triggers a similar response in the parent. Then the parent's hysteria further fuels the child's upset. And they both go spiraling out of control. Here's a little scenario to illustrate the dynamic:</p> <p>Mom: <i>"Hurry up. We're going to be late. Come on, get moving!"</i></p> <p>Child: "<i>I can't find my brush! Who took my brush? I can't leave until I brush my hair and I can't find my brush! I'm not going to school today if I don't find that ...
<p><i>Dear Bracha,</i></p> <p><i>My eldest son, who is almost six, wakes up much earlier than my younger son, almost four. The older one wants my attention just when I need to start my day and prepare food for breakfast and lunch. Then, when it's time for my younger son to wake, the older one wants to play with him, and often they begin to fight. I get no cooperation from him, which means no cooperation from my younger son, who is fond of imitating his big brother. I hate having to raise my voice before leaving the house instead of spending it happily with my children. Additionally, I am often late to work. Any suggestions?</i></p> <p><i>Worn-out Single Mom</i></p> <p>Dear Single Mom,</p> <p>You obviously have your hands full, and with no backup at home you are at a two-against-one disadvantage. However, as you explained, your older son is the focal point of this problem.</p> ...
<p><i>Question:</i></p> <p><i>My twelve-year-old daughter has a very hard time making decisions. The truth is, I see myself in her because I'm the same way. Decisions were always difficult for me and I often procrastinate as a result. Therefore, my question is, "How can I help my daughter?"</i></p> <p><i>Answer:</i></p> <p>From all of creation, only man has the power of free choice. All other creations are subject to the natural laws with which G‑d created the world. A ray of sunlight will always be refracted into a spectrum of seven colors and the sun will always rise in the east and set in the west. Even an angel's existence is static. Man alone has the capacity to become closer with G‑d through his ability to make choices on how to respond to life's situations.</p> <p>Life is a series of decisions. Who you are today is a result of the choices ...
<p><i>Dear Tzippora,</i></p> <p><i>My husband and I are divorcing. We have three young children, ages five, three, and one, and I'm very concerned how my children will respond to this upheaval. How do we break the news to the kids, and what should we tell them?</i></p> <p><i>Divorce-Bound Mommy</i></p> <p>Dear Divorce-Bound Mommy,</p> <p>First of all, let me commend your maturity and your commitment to your children's welfare. It must have taken a lot of self-control to put aside your own pain and write this letter. Divorce is a trauma that sometimes makes it hard for parents to separate their children's best interests from their own.</p> <p>The fact is that it is almost always in the children's best interest to grow up in an intact family. Research has shown that the trauma suffered by children whose parents have divorced lasts well into their ...
