Product Description

Every parent hopes their child will be self-reliant, optimistic, and well mannered, a challenge in our current culture. Clinical psychologist and Jewish educator Wendy Mogel distills the ancient teachings of the Torah, the Talmud, important Jewish thinkers, and contemporary psychological insights into nine blessings that address key parenting issues such as:

* determining realistic expectations for each child
* respect for adults
* chores
* mealtime battles
* coping with frustration
* developing independence and self-control
* resisting over-scheduling and over-indulgence


The Blessing of a Skinned Knee guides us toward effective, enlightened parenting in an increasingly speedy, material, and competitive age.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6678 in Books
• Published on: 2001-11-01
• Released on: 2001-10-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

From 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 clients and her own family "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 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"Dr. Mogel's personal and caring touch comes through clearly as she presents practical and useful suggestions for parents." -- Jacqueline I. Haines, Director of the Gesell Institute for Human Development

"Impassioned, lyrical, and eminently practical, this inspiring volume is a real treasure." -- Publishers Weekly, November 20, 2000

...She hits all the difficult issues: materialism, permissiveness and the protection of sacred time and space. -- Reverend Robert Thompson, Minister of the Phillips Exeter Academy

A treasure trove of information. Dr. Mogel uses a personal, caring touch to present practical, useful ideas.... -- Jacqueline Haines, Director of the Gesell Institute for Human Development

Peter Cobb executive director of the Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education Prophets call on the wisdom of a tradition, its revealed truth, to say out loud what we know but are afraid to utter. Wendy Mogel has issued a prophetic call to good parenting, one laced with psychological insight, practicality, and humor. Her words are themselves a gift of faith and a blessing. -- Review

Wendy Mogel presents us with one of the finest and most challenging books on parenting to emerge in recent years... -- Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, author of Putting God on the Guest List

Review
Carrie FisherFor anyone who has a child, was a child, or cares about children. Wendy Mogelteaches you how to raise a child to be a good person and not just raise a child to feel good. Great for the Jewish parent, great for the Presbyterian parent, the Buddhist, and even the skeptic.

Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkinauthor of Putting God on the Guest ListWendy Mogel presents us with one of the finest and most challenging books on parenting to emerge in recent years. In a firm and loving voice, she reminds parents and all those who care about children of the sanctity of parenting. Her blending of Judaism and parenting wisdom jumps off every page. I love her work -- both as a rabbi and as a father.

Reverend Robert Thompsonschool minister of the Phillips Exeter AcademyWhile reading The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, I felt that I was being tutored by an elder in the ways of the world. As a Christian minister, I have found that our faiths have that relationship to each other. As a parent, I was encouraged in the very ways that our generation of parents is baffled. You have hit on all of the issues that are difficult: materialism, permissiveness, guardianship against the destruction of humane values, and preservation of sacred time and space in a harried, dislocated world.

Peter Cobbexecutive director of the Council for Spiritual and Ethical EducationProphets call on the wisdom of a tradition, its revealed truth, to say out loud what we know but are afraid to utter. Wendy Mogel has issued a prophetic call to good parenting, one laced with psychological insight, practicality, and humor. Her words are themselves a gift of faith and a blessing.

Customer Reviews

This is about Amazon, not the book
I paid a premium for 1-day delivery. It showed up 6 days later. The UPS delivery guy viewed the shipping label and confirmed that is was normal shipping. Amazon has not seen fit to refund my $3 or even answer an e-mail complaining about it.
About the book--My wife is teaching a parenting class at our Episcopal church with this book as one of the classroom aids. She reports it's very good. It would have rated 5 stars except for the delivery charge.
Jim A.

Succinct Wisdom
I don't use the word "wise" very often, but that's how the author and her book strikes me. My son is not quite two, and I imagine that I'll be dipping into this book many times over the years to remind myself of key points and fortify myself for battles at home.

I'm a non-practicing Jew who grew up observant. This book was recommended to me by a Christian friend, and I was pretty resistant to the idea of reading a book informed by Jewish tradition and law. After all, that's exactly what I have chosen to walk away from as an adult.

Well, I'm here to tell you now that Jewish or not, religious or not, there's a lot of meat in a small number of pages in this is book, and nearly all of it resonated with me. Whether it's guidance about establishing authority, recognizing that your child is not your masterpiece, or resisting the pressure to push your child to perfection, Dr. Mogel has strong words for parents. She also has much to say about valuing time, valuing chores, and valuing your marriage or partnership (if you are in one) while you rear your children.

Another theme that hit home with me was respect: respecting the opinion and advice of grandparents, teachers, and other parents; respecting your child in the way you parent him or her in all aspects; and respecting your own strengths, needs, and limitations.

I loved reading this book, and if I can be mindful of even a part of its advice, I know I'lll be a better parent for it. What I really wish, though, is that Dr. Mogel could live next door to me!

What works with kids and for parents
Child rearing is tough work, as tough or tougher now than ever. Mogul, a psychologist, sought to find a different, healthy approach to managing children and parenthood. She came to Judaism's traditional ways. For much of the book, the theme is simple: given three thousand years of parenthood, what are the lessons of what works? These lessons are presented clearly and helpfully. There's a bit of promoting Judaism in here, but anyone willing to read critically will easily be able to come away with some parenting gold nuggets. As the parent of young adults, I found some things that will even help me with their finishing the entry to adulthood and only the smallest number of ideas with which I disagreed. Highly recommended to prospective parents, those with youngsters, and anyone working with children.