The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel

Mogel goes on to remark that just as we are to “learn Torah lishma” (for its own sake), we, also, must love our children for their own sake.Īs a mother who often despises the mundane tasks I endure, I found the chapter on work – “finding the holy sparks in ordinary chores” quite intriguing. The author encourages us to get to know our children – what his or her particular temperament is, what his or her specific needs are, and who he or she truly is. In the chapter which explores the blessing of acceptance, for example, Mogel explains how our misguided expectations have led us to place inappropriate demands and a value for perfection on our children.

I believe Mogel’s attitude is captured in a single statement in her book: “The purpose of having children,” she writes, “and raising them to be self-reliant, compassionate, ethical adults is to ensure that there will be people here to honor G-d after we’re gone.” (p.26)Įach of the chapters in The Blessing of a Skinned Knee offers insight and wisdom based on a merit inherent in Judaism. Within these values come profound lessons for parenting by teaching children skills, honor, perspective, gratitude, and awe for something greater than oneself. Unlike other parenting books which provide instructions and methods for dealing with “problems” such as children who won’t sleep, how to use time out effectively, or how to manage disrespectful children, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee identifies Jewish values crucial to raising children. Using her background in psychotherapy and the transformational evolution of the manner in which she helped her clients, Wendy Mogel provides a practical and real contribution to parenting.

It is unique, not only for its Jewish insight but for the author’s brilliant perspective and powerful writing voice. The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel, Ph.D.