The Blessing of a Skinned Knee » (Unabridged, 7 CDs, 470 minutes)

Wendy Mogel, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles, lectures widely to parents, teachers, rabbinical students, and mental health professionals on meeting the challenges of modern family life. She is a member of the board of directors of the Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education, a century-old national organization serving independent schools. Dr. Mogel lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband, author and filmmaker Michael Tolkin, and their daughters. Visit Wendy Mogel on the World Wide Web at wendymogel.com.

Mothers and fathers want to raise self-disciplined, appreciative, and resourceful children.

Publishers Weekly

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. (Jan.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Contents

Author Notes

1. How I Lost One Faith and Found Another
2. The Blessing of Acceptance: Discovering Your Unique and Ordinary Child
3. The Blessing of Having Someone to Look Up To: Honoring Mother and Father
4. The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Why God Doesn't Want You to Overprotect Your Child
5. The Blessing of Longing: Teaching Your Child an Attitude of Gratitude
6. The Blessing of Work: Finding the Holy Sparks in Ordinary Chores
7. The Blessing of Food: Bringing Moderation, Celebration, and Sanctification to Your Table
8. The Blessing of Self-Control: Channeling Your Child's Yetzer Hara
9. The Blessing of Time: Teaching Your Child the Value of the Present Moment
10. The Blessings of Faith and Tradition: Losing Your Fear of the G Word and Introducing Your Child to Spirituality

Notes

Recommended Reading

Index