Raising a Child with Soul: How Time-Tested Jewish Wisdom Can Shape Your Child's Character

by Slovie Jungreis-Wolff

With the seemingly insurmountable pressures placed on families today, many parents lack the spiritual foundation and practical knowledge to chart a clear-cut course in child-rearing. Parents question whether nurturing their children's souls is even possible in the fast-paced materialistic culture in which we live. Utilizing the insight that springs from her knowledge of Torah wisdom, her personal experiences and the experiences of those she has counseled, Slovie Jungreis-Wolff, a longtime parenting coach and advisor to young couples and families teaches in detail how to approach the entire gamut of issues, with a special emphasis on strengthening the child's morality and character. Parents will learn how
• Instill simchas hachayim , "true joy," in their children
• Value chessed , kindness, in a self-absorbed world
• Create a mikdash me'at , a home filled with calm and reflection
• Teach children gratitude and appreciation
• And much more…
From discipline to sibling rivalry to effective communication skills, Raising a Child with Soul offers unique concepts and pragmatic ideas that can be understood and applied to both Jewish and non-Jewish households.

Genres: Parenting, Jewish, Nonfiction, Judaica

283 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2009

Reviews

[Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read lots and lots of parenting books. Sleep books, discipline books, you name it. I appreciated bits and pieces from each of them but nothing really clicked. Until this book. From day one, I read things that struck a chord with me. I loved how the author explained all of her reasoning. There are so many parenting books that lay out a list of "donts" but either don't explain alternatives or explain why those things are detrimental to our relationships with our children. After reading a borrowed copy, I bought this book. I now use it as a reference book, much as I did with Dr. Sears' Baby Book when my kids were babies. At 2 and not-quite-5, I have many challenges ahead and I know this book will help me navigate. Side note: I am Jewish, but I think this book would be a real asset to any parent. There's so much we can all relate to in her compassionate, gentle parenting.

[Valerie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Jewish friend lent this to me and I wish I had my own copy because there is so much I wanted to underline. I may actually go buy this for myself because I'll probably want to go back through it from time to time. It is definitely geared towards parenting the younger years, but the concept and values can carry over into any age. She does mention pre-teens and teens and their more unique situations, which I appreciate. On top of all this wisdom I also learned so much about the Jewish religion which is truly beautiful. I've been waking up every morning with the mindset of PURPOSELY parenting, not just going through the day haphazardly.

[Rory Foster · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lots of unsupported assertions about the way we/kids are now, versus the good old days. Lots of examples of times that the author's kids or parents did something amazing(!) without much deep reflection on why. Lots of sometimes-relevant examples of how great(!) heroes from the Torah are. Plenty of examples of when parents told her what awful thing they do to their kids and she let them know that those things were indeed awful. (Spoiler alert - you shouldn't applaud every time your kid walks into the room.) Plenty of examples of parents thanking her for changing their lives without deep (or any) discussion of the guidance she actually gave them.

There are so many other useful books on parenting and morality. Spend your time on one of those.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing amazing read

This is such an interesting and insightful book on the importance of being intentional with raising a child and how to do it the right way. In a time when parenting has been greatly corrupted, the values in this book are even more relevant

[Martinette Brunette · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the author’s wisdom and direct moral guidance for parents trying to raise good hearted children in a modern world.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! A must-read for any Jewish parent.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tear jerker. Met Slovie at a private event for Jewish Sisters. She speaks with her heart. Her experiences ring true with all moms of today. Slovie allowed me to take steps to enjoy the moments with my daughter and I no longer feel burdened with my two year olds demands and needs. She keeps it very real. Must read for all moms and dads alike.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some gems, some clunkers, and some oversimplifications. One compelling anecdote I want to try: the author put her children to bed with a soothing prayer in which the children are given the chance to forgive all those who upset/wronged/frustrated them. Love that!

[Ilana Mollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An parent’s inspiration

Such an inspiring book filled with wisdom, spirituality, and the tools to truly raise a child with soul. I highly recommend this book to all parents and parents to be

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I highly recommend it and I think I may very well read it again, soon.

[Memory Toast]

I read this book not so much to learn anything new, but to be moved by the author's framing of certain good parenting mindsets and to expose myself to values that I want to continue to grow into.