The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 304 pages
• Published by: Penguin Non-Classics October 30, 2001
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0142196002
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0142196007
• Book Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Weighs: 7.2 ounces

Reader Reviews
This review is from: The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children (Hardcover) It is an unfortunate cultural truth that we American Jews often treat our kids like fine, hot-house flowers - delicate creatures with frail egos, in constant need of support and nurturing, lest they wilt under the strain of everyday living. This author's wise reflections on parenting demonstrate that trying to iron out any difficulties our children may face in life - now and in the future - actually hinders their development, producing offspring that have far less initiative, resilience, and character than they should! And it's true! Lately I avoid going to my daughter's soccer matches, because it's too silly to watch the field flood with doctors, lawyers, and therapists every time a kid makes contact with the ball! The author of this very useful book offers wonderfully concrete advice about finding a way to lovingly reassert our moral authority and spiritual mentorship over our children. As a mother of four, living in the same city and cultural/religious milieu as the author, I am impressed with her thoroughness in covering this topic, her compassion for both parents and children, and her knowledge of ancient and contemporary Jewish parenting literature. But most of all, I am impressed by the frank, realistic, and practical steps she offers parents (Jewish or not) for helping their children find strength - true moral, spiritual and psychological strength - in who they are as individuals. By the way, though only one percent of the Israeli population lives on a kibbutz (community farm), the kibbutzes regularly produce about eighty percent of the country's military and political leadership. Seems those tough farm kids know a thing or two about resilience! Comment (1) | | (Report this)