Adjusting to New Norms as an Israeli Parent

New immigrant Rachel is undergoing culture shock on behalf of her children. A friend once told me that I do my children a grave disservice by delaying their attendance in gan until they are 3, 4 or 5. She claimed that they need the gan experience in order to develop that tough exterior so useful … [Read more...]

Tips for Planning a Cooperative Playgroup or Camp

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...]

Wikler on Cooperation

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...]

A Family Trait

Today my five-year-old son reached a milestone, exhibiting for the first time a traditional family trait that he shares with his siblings and some first cousins. Like their parents before them, the kids in my extended family never let their teachers get away with giving incorrect information in … [Read more...]

Kicking Ourselves in the Foot: Guide to Choosing a Religious Elementary School in Israel

It's that time of year, when parents are running around applying to elementary school. Most families only make the decision with their oldest, so they must consider carefully. In the religious Zionist school system, grade school options generally include: a) Government-sponsored, public … [Read more...]