Life Lessons From Raising An Autistic Child (Part IV)

Posted on: August 2nd, 2013

The uncle’s story: When Menachem was a baby, he seemed like any other normally developing kid. Videos from that time show him laughing and reacting to other people; you’d never guess how he would turn out. I don’t know, maybe a professional might have seen the signs, but I certainly didn’t.

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Coping With The Loss Of A Child

Posted on: August 1st, 2013

Caring gestures like a homemade, baked item, a small gift, or a card are very appreciated and leave an extra-special warm feeling - that someone with whom you are not particularly close is thinking of you. It also takes away the lonely feeling of being "failures" or "ones who are different."

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Shame On Shame

Posted on: August 1st, 2013

“I could never let someone else raise my children. I don’t think I would have had kids if I had to work.” “I would go crazy if I had to spend all day with my kids. I don’t know how you do it.” “I wish I could eat like you, Mindy. But, I just can’t.” “If you made more time for exercise, you’d be happier with yourself. I’m just trying to help.” “I wish I didn’t care about what I wore all the time, just like you. I always feel like I have to put on make up.” “If only I had your time in the morning to get dressed.”

Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities

Posted on: August 1st, 2013

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The Importance Of Grandparents

Posted on: July 26th, 2013

Be careful to avoid arrogance by not extensively discussing the virtues of your family members to those who are prone to jealousy. This can only fuel more envy.

Beating The Worry Bug

Posted on: July 26th, 2013

As children grow, the things that they scare them change, but most children regardless of their age, have rational fears that can be addressed. Just think about yourself – there are things that you still fear even though you are an adult. Of course, there is a difference between rational and irrational fears. So, what fears should you expect from diverse age groups?

Active Listening And The 10 Commandments of Communication

Posted on: July 26th, 2013

Active listening is only one part of the marriage equation; learning what to say and what not to say is the other half. And, it’s not just about expressing your feelings, but doing it in a way that avoids hurting the other person.

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Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities

Posted on: July 26th, 2013

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A Sample Homeschool Chumash Lesson

Posted on: July 19th, 2013

My approach to teaching is to take a “discussion-based constructivist approach” to learning, encouraging children to arrive at their own understanding of Torah through text-based study and a great deal of discussion. I constantly encourage them to think, ask questions and to arrive at their own insights into the Torah.

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Homeschooling On The Rise In Orthodox Community

Posted on: July 19th, 2013

For many children, going to school involves spending their mornings and afternoons traveling to their destination amid classmates and chatter on a large yellow bus. But for a growing number of children all around the world, the process of getting an education may involve no commuting at all.

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Looking For The Right Girl

Posted on: July 18th, 2013

Dear Dr Yael: My husband and I have seven children; three are married, and our 19-year-old son is currently looking for a shidduch. We are chassidish, so we check out every girl very thoroughly before our son meets her.

Learning To Read (Faces)

Posted on: July 18th, 2013

Do you ever wonder if your child has social skills challenges? Read through the statements below and check those that apply to your child.

The Cup is Half Full…

Posted on: July 18th, 2013

It is more than a year since I have seen Chaim K. The last time was when he was hospitalized here at Shaare Zedek’s Pain Clinic with intractable pain. I had kept in touch with him and his doctor, and had recently noticed that he changed his picture on Facebook. When I asked him if he wanted to meet, he answered in the affirmative, and today he “rolled” in smiling.

Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities

Posted on: July 18th, 2013

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Child Support – Dollars And Sense

Posted on: July 18th, 2013

Family court, visitation and child support are all unavoidable realities for divorced parents. One particular rule that would be wise to heed is that child support should be less about dollars and cents and more about dollar and "good" sense.

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Reactions To ‘The Challenge Of Remarrying’

Posted on: July 12th, 2013

Dear Dr. Yael: I found your June 28 column, The Challenge Of Remarrying, to be very true. I too lost my husband and was encouraged by my married children to remarry. I was reluctant to do so, but since the man I was considering seeing was a friend who knew my husband and I had known his deceased wife, I felt there was a real potential. Thanks in great measure to my children’s pressure, we are very happy together.

Late, Lost, But Never Lazy? Executive Function Disorder And ADHD In Women

Posted on: July 11th, 2013

“Mommy, did you sign my spelling test?” “Mommy, do you remember how you told me last week that you would be able to have my blue shirt washed for school today? I really need it for the play.”

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From The Greatest Heights (Part VII)

Posted on: July 11th, 2013

The best way to describe our emotions the morning of our major ultrasound was nervous excitement. We had survived a serious scare with a threatened miscarriage a few weeks prior. My wife was on bed rest at home, but we had no real reason to assume there would be any new problems.

Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities

Posted on: July 11th, 2013

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Improving The In-Law Relationship

Posted on: July 5th, 2013

Dear Dr. Yael: My in-laws have a wonderful reputation in our community. They are looked upon as truly charitable and giving people. However, charity should begin at home. My in-laws never helped us financially, even when approached gracefully and tactfully. But they often give generously to their shul’s tzedakah funds, among other charities – as long as the public recognizes their contributions.