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In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

This article is written leilui nishmas Sarah Shaindel bas Yitzchask Shraga HaLevi.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Wrong On Paper

By Henni Halberstam

Nobody will care about his resume or yours. Nobody will gape at your age difference. And nobody will ask how you could have dated a teacher. EVERYBODY will be too busy admiring your blessed connection and your wonderful happiness.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Making Good Decisions

By Rifka Schonfeld

Short-term emotions are in the moment emotions that can cloud our decision-making process. Short-term emotions can make you replay conversations over and over again until you can’t think straight – even if nothing has changed since you first starting thinking about it.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

It would also be prudent to limit the information you share with your parents. This will help you limit the opinions you get. This may be hard if you are used to sharing everything with your mothers and if you are close with them.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Size Me Up

By Henni Halberstam

We should care about our appearances and do what we want to make us feel good both inside and out. What this might mean to one person might be different to another.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Learning A New Language: Speaking To Your Tween

By Rifka Schonfeld

Suddenly, it may start to feel like your like child does not want to speak to you at all. And this is especially difficult at this age since you may feel an even more pressing need to support and protect them as they gain independence.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

Share your own experiences with overcoming challenges to show vulnerability and resilience.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dates Are Just A Number

By Henni Halberstam

Take a deep breath. You are doing so well. Dating someone you like, and feeling positive about your dates is huge. Everything was going nicely until your sister’s blanket statement about timelines and expectations through you off course.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Lazy Summer Days: Beating Summer Brain Drain

By Rifka Schonfeld

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that children tend to lose approximately two and half months worth of material over the summer. That is, rather than retaining the material they have mastered during the school year, student who do not flex their academic muscles over the summer revert back to the skills they had in April as opposed to June. Researchers call this phenomenon summer brain drain.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

While it may appear to these people that by getting their way they are winning the battle, they are, in fact, losing the war. In other words when people behave this way, they may temporarily get their way, but ultimately, they can lose the relationship.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dating 101

By Henni Halberstam

You need to be fully engaged on your dates. Make eye contact, allow your body language to showcase your interest, and listen carefully to what your date is saying. Show them that you are fully present and happy to be with them.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

The Importance Of Playdates

By Rifka Schonfeld

We don’t often think about children at such a young age having social skills, but did you know that you begin to develop social skills from birth?

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

We all have to make this choice. We can wallow in self-pity or we can do whatever we can to deal with our challenges.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Perfect But Single

By Henni Halberstam

There is no room for arrogance in dating. There will always be someone prettier, richer, smarter, and more talented than you. There will always be a girl who is more than you. If you do not see these girls, and only see those that are less than you, read this article carefully.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Can Food and Anxiety Be Linked?

By Rifka Schonfeld

People who are emotional eaters use food to make themselves feel better. In other words, they eat to fill emotional needs, rather than to fill their stomachs.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

Please don’t feel that this situation is hopeless. You appear to have the appropriate attitude to life.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

My Date. My Choice

By Henni Halberstam

A dater must always have an open mind. Objectivity and humility are central to dating and there are certainly times when we can lose ourselves in the exhaustion of it all.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Asperger's Syndrome And Autism

By Rifka Schonfeld

Asperger's Syndrome was first described in the 1940s by an Austrian pediatrician, Hans Asperger, who noticed that he had many patients with deficient social and communicative skills even though they had normal language development and cognitive abilities.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

As a grandparent, it is definitely a huge gift to give your children time to get away; however, you also have to know your limits.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Be Real

By Henni Halberstam

Reflect on the moments where he yelled or screamed. You may notice that there are even more instances than you originally noticed.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

What Are You Feeling?

By Rifka Schonfeld

Sometimes it is hard to name what you are feeling. Suddenly, you feel hot. You feel a bit of a burning session in your chest and on your neck. You can open a window to cool off, but you might not actually be addressing where that physical manifestation is coming from.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

Driving in the tri-state area can be very difficult. There is a lot of traffic and impatient drivers. I think for all of us who drive, we feel the constant frustration in dealing with so much craziness on the road.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Same Ending. Different Story

By Henni Halberstam

While this is not simple, it is certainly possible. While, you may see that you are less malleable, you may notice that you are wiser, and more focused on what truly matters in building a happy life.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Teens And Honesty

By Rifka Schonfeld

Feeling like you are different can affect your self-esteem. And self-esteem is essential for forming healthy relationships.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

The truth is that we can’t improve the situation without working on ourselves. Every person only has the power to change themselves.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Rethinking Explosive Children

By Rifka Schonfeld

Rather than attempting to modify behaviors right away, Dr. Greene advocates for solving the underlying problems. That means that the challenging behaviors that we might want to change are symptoms of a larger issue that we should focus on rather than those specific challenging behaviors.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

The dynamic of talking in shul during prayer or the reading of the Torah, when all is said and done is, with regard to many congregants, a conscious willingness to pervert the fundamental spiritual decorum.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

One Way Street

By Henni Halberstam

It is inappropriate to date two girls at once. This applies to any number of dates that have passed. It’s wrong and there is no way to change that.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Lighthouse Parenting

By Rifka Schonfeld

If resilience were a trait, something you had or didn’t have, there would be little we could do to foster it in our children. Part of what is so exciting – and important – about the work of youth development is that children’s resilience is largely determined by how parents and communities raise them.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

It seems like Hashem gave you important things in life that money can’t buy. He gave you a special husband and a good family. These brachos are invaluable. Money does not buy happiness.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

I Can(t)

By Henni Halberstam

Sit down for a minute. Just one minute, because this is going to be hard for you to hear. Date him. Date him with intention and an open mind and heart. Focus entirely on him when you date and give him the best version of you filled with enthusiasm and positivity.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Learning to Belong

By Rifka Schonfeld

Women have a particularly difficult time with shame because there are different (often stricter) societal expectations for women as mothers, fashion figures, and careerists. Therefore, it’s really important to recognize the negative effects of shame on your life and to transform yourself in an effort to control it.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

First try to figure out what is making your husband angry. He may have an issue with anger in general, but perhaps you can isolate the trigger points.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Last (Wo)Man Standing

By Henni Halberstam

It's okay not to attend. You don’t need to give a reason. You can just say that you wish her the greatest happiness but you won’t be able to fly in. That’s it. No explanation necessary.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

The most important thing is to keep reminding yourself that you are okay and safe to try to not encode this experience in a traumatic way.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

A Picture Is Worth…

By Henni Halberstam

People look different in person, and you know… when they are not two dimensional. People look different after we talk to them, after we connect with them, and certainly after we LIKE them.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Who’s Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf?

By Rifka Schonfeld

As your child grows and learns more about the world, it is natural for him to be hesitant or fearful of new circumstances. In some ways, it is good your child is afraid – it will make him more cautious and careful.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

You cannot blame your parents who probably suffer silently with the same situation. Please speak to your mechanechet who probably is not aware of your situation. Perhaps she can set up some kind of activity (even a chesed activity) that will foster friendships.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

On The Hook

By Henni Halberstam

While this is someone you really like, someone you even imagined marrying, you are not comfortable in this place of indecision. You don’t want to make a mistake by dismissing the person who could potentially be your zivug, but you are also not happy to live without any form of real commitment.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Red Flags: How Do I Spot Them?

By Henni Halberstam

We are Jews dating Jews. Regardless of your background or hashkafa, right or left, black hat or baseball cap, look for someone who believes in Da'as Torah.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

What Happened To You?

By Rifka Schonfeld

Our experiences quite literally shape us – and more specifically – shape our brains. That means that we will each see the world in a unique way because of the way that our previous experiences have shaped our brains.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

They found that sharing similar personality traits does not necessarily mean that a relationship will be more satisfying; however, perceiving that you are more similar will usually predict more satisfaction in a relationship.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

A Damaged Dream

By Henni Halberstam

It is possible that this couple is not meant for one another. It’s possible that they will be better off going their own ways and finding different matches. It’s possible that their son knows absolutely that his feelings will never change.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Twice Expectational

By Rifka Schonfeld

A perfect case of a child who was twice exceptional is Albert Einstein. Even though Einstein was brilliant when it came to visual and spatial reasoning, as a child he had behavioral problem, was a terrible speller, and had trouble verbally expressing himself.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael,

By Dr. Yael Respler

Try hard not to overwhelm your kids when you talk to them or make them feel bad about their behavior.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Support Me!

By Henni Halberstam

You feel like you are close to an engagement and understandably want and expect the support of your family and friends. Yet, they are refusing to give you their blessing and have expressed concern instead.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Too Much Studying?

By Rifka Schonfeld

Use graphic organizers. Graphic organizers can use key words, pictures, or icons. These mental images can help arrange the information in a coherent and streamlined manner.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Third Times A…

By Henni Halberstam

I am more often than not of the belief that another chance is the way to go. If the possibility even exists that this could be your match, you are looking at a lifetime of connection and happiness at best.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

Everyone is put in this world to fulfill a mission. We do not know what anyone’s mission is, and we must try to see everyone as a creation of Hashem and to treat everyone with the respect they deserve.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

You Are Not Alone

By Henni Halberstam

Dating can be easy for some. They date one boy or two, they connect, build a relationship, and soon after they create a home and a family. For others, dating becomes complicated.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Navigating Social Seas: Equipping Kids With Essential Social Skills

By Rifka Schonfeld

Children and teens often face significant challenges that make school life difficult. Whether it’s the anxiety of meeting new people, the fear of rejection, or the complexities that come with learning differences like ADHD, these struggles can hinder their ability to form meaningful relationships.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

It is hard to break negative cycles in life. However, you chose to break the negative cycle by working to support your family and loving your wife and children, so that your children are able to grow up in an emotionally healthy home.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dating Advisory

By Henni Halberstam

The solution is to stop going home. Just kidding. That would be a terrible solution. Instead, go home and have a sentence of appreciation at the ready.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Sensory Processing Disorder Explained

By Rifka Schonfeld

The first way that sensory processing disorders affects academics is simply in the child’s ability (or inability) to sit still when there is a plethora of sensory information in a classroom.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

While I can give you tips on how to do this, it appears that you already have created a good, loving, and fun life where you give to others and you have close relationships.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Business Or Pleasure

By Henni Halberstam

You need to take yourself into account. You need your family now, their love, and the comfort and food from home. You need to spend time with family, and you need rest. This matters too. This matters more.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Self-Esteem And Friendship

By Rifka Schonfeld

Many people confuse the concepts of self-esteem and ego, assuming that if you believe in yourself you are automatically egoistic and arrogant.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Answer My Prayers

By Henni Halberstam

Some people view dating like they would, sitting in traffic, or a in a parking lot. They believe you need to wholly focus on dating and getting married, and once you have accomplished that, you can expand and grow. So, they go to work and come home.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

The fact that you realize this need is exacerbated due to your struggle with self-esteem is helpful.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Selective (Or Elective) Mutism

By Rifka Schonfeld

It makes sense that your daughter’s teachers would not have picked up on this in preschool because children are not often forced to speak in the learning process.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

Baruch Hashem you have a devoted husband, caring children and grandchildren. Although it is challenging to depend on others, you must be grateful that you are not alone and there are others around who care about you.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Men Vs. Women: A Response

By Henni Halberstam

What I find to be most objectionable however, is your statement, People today believe, (especially wives) if I make money that means I’m equal to a man. Bless your heart.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Ticking Tempers How To Solve, Surrender, Or Simulate? (continued from last week)

By Rifka Schonfeld

The prevalent attitude that frowns on parents for exercising authority over their kids creates confusion even in parents who believe in discipline. Children sense the ambivalence and use it to their advantage.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

Do you and your husband have any common interests? Maybe you can come up with some activities you both enjoy to do together without phones. Does your husband have any of his own hobbies or interests? Maybe you can encourage your husband to try hobbies that do not involve screens, like sports.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

The Apple And The Tree

By Henni Halberstam

What an uncomfortable burden to carry! You believe that you have become a responsible and well-liked adult with good character and middos. Yet, you still worry about becoming the spouse you watched in your home.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Ticking Tempers: How To Solve, Surrender, Or Simulate?

By Rifka Schonfeld

Expecting children in whom these skills are delayed to behave rationally when upset, and to penalize them for not doing so, is unrealistic, Greene argues. These children do not choose to behave badly any more than a child would choose to have a reading disability.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Fifty-Fifty

By Henni Halberstam

I think the reason that the guys are not able to validate your argument however, is not because they can’t agree on your delineated list of chores. I believe instead, that your fifty-fifty attitude is probably holding them back.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Looking Fear In The Eye: Facing Phobias Head On

By Rifka Schonfeld

A certain amount of anxiety as we go about our daily lives is normal. Most adults can navigate their way through the nagging concerns that dog their thoughts without getting derailed by them. Children, however, have a much harder time handling anxiety.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

Don’t say things to yourself that you would not say to a good friend. Be understanding, gentle, accepting, and loving to yourself as you would with someone else that you care about.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

The Money Tree

By Henni Halberstam

You family has done you a disservice in not being more transparent about the money that they earn to afford the lifestyle that they have raised you in and the effort that it takes for them to get there. Life in expensive.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Ready To Be Redt: Helping Singles Through Social Skills Training

By Rifka Schonfeld

Nechama is one of countless singles whose shidduch prospects are being limited by a lack of social skills. Such skills run the gamut from communication skills and grooming to anger management and stress control. And while social skills issues plague people of all ages, they are particularly damaging to singles on the shidduch scene.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Readers

By Dr. Yael Respler

Meira in Hebrew means giving light and our beautiful Meira was a light so bright, who during her young life, managed to chase away the darkness of her challenges to inspire her family, friends and community.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Sister Stand-Still

By Henni Halberstam

Perhaps though, decide to rely on Hashem and relinquish the power you are clinging to with shaky hands. Tell your parents that you would like to discuss the option of your sister dating as well and surrender your role as gatekeeper to a greater master plan.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Words As Weapons: Learning To Use Words Positively

By Rifka Schonfeld

Many of us remember our parents telling us that if people called us names or hurt our feelings, we should simply tell ourselves, Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never harm me. Unfortunately, that logic does not hold true.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

It is OK to mention my child to me. In fact, as I wrote above, it comforts me.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dateless

By Henni Halberstam

Take a moment to catalogue the net you have cast in shidduchim. Have you only reached out to people in your community, your state, or your exact upbringing? Consider widening the net to include a broader scale of possibilities.

In Print / Parenting Our Children

Temper Those Tantrums

By Rifka Schonfeld

Temper tantrums or fits are common for terrible twos and children entering adolescence. Interestingly, the reasons behind the tantrums and the effective ways to deal with these tantrums are the same regardless of age.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Dear Dr. Yael

By Dr. Yael Respler

The first thing I would recommend is for you and your husband to make some extra time for your marriage. Going out together, without any children, does wonders for that dimming spark, as you and your husband will be able to just enjoy each other without all of the distractions of daily life.

In Print / Marriage and Relationships

Show Me The Money!

By Henni Halberstam

I know that this will be uncomfortable for you to hear and will not offer you the satisfaction and peace of mind that you crave, but I need you to stay in your own lane. Unless you or your chosson are contributing financially to the wedding, this is not your business.

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