kiddish
9
SEPTEMBER 2015
Use seemingly mundane tasks to bond with your children.
hungry, when we adults (with our fully-
teenage daughter when I was shocked to
formed prefrontal cortexes) act the same
learn that she had been recording a video
way? As these mirror neurons fire away,
of me that would later be shared with her
we must remember what behaviors we
friends on “snapchat.” Fortunately my
want our children to embody and who is
spirited monologue about surface tension
responsible for modeling them.
on the oil-slicked road and its impact on
Asking thoughtful questions helps us
frictional force was nothing to be ashamed
engage in rich dialogue, exhibit empathy
of, but it did highlight the reality that we are
and problem solve life’s challenges with
constantly being “recorded,” and the files
increased grace and encouragement. Take a moment and ask: • What healthy coping skills do I have? • Do I persevere when faced with obstacles? • Do I have a sense of humor when I make a mistake? • Is technology use interfering with my family relationships? • How can Jewish tradition and celebration positively impact our sense
are not readily deleted after uploading. “Mistakes are opportunities to learn” is our mantra at Irvine Hebrew Day School, and we apply this same principle here, letting this wake-up call propel us to become our best selves. In the 4th chapter of Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, an honorable person is defined as “someone who shows honor and respect to other people.” In this time of self-reflection and personal improvement we set the stage to grow our souls and our relationships with
of belonging, significance and family
our children to new levels of love, honor
togetherness?
and respect. ✿
Recently, I was driving in my car during a brief moment of rain, seemingly having a normal conversation with my
Tammy Keces M.A. is the principal of Irvine Hebrew Day School and a lead Certified Positive Discipline Trainer.
WE MUST GLANCE IN THE MIRROR AT HOW WE ARE FUNCTIONING AS ROLE MODELS FOR OUR CHILDREN.