Are we over-indulging and over-scheduling our children?

Monroe — Congregation Eitz Chaim is hosting experienced educator Sherrie DeBergh on Sunday, Feb. 25, to help provide some of the tools needed to raise our children in a world of overindulgence where our children are programmed from morning until night. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., DeBurgh will lecture based on the principles of a book by Wendy Mogul, “The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children.” Wendy Mogel “helps parents look at their children’s anxieties and desires using a different lens.” She examines the traditions of the Torah, the Talmud and other Jewish teachings, building a parenting handbook to which families of all faiths can relate. Learn strategies for encouraging respect and gratitude, as well as learning the pitfall of overprotecting children. “We treat our children’s lives like we’re cruise ship directors who must get them to their destination to adulthood smoothly, without their feeling even the slightest bump or wave,” says Mogel. Everyone must pass a road test to get a license and pass classes to graduate high school, but to have a baby the only thing anyone asks as a mother walks out of the hospital is, “Do you have a car seat?” Maybe she took a class on how to change a diaper but does she feel confident that she can raise a baby to become a good, kind, well-adjusted member of society? How exactly does she do that? While parents learn answers to these and other questions, children ages 2 to 5 can celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss, with the wonderful teachers of Gan Shalom. They can make a craft and maybe make a new friend. Congregation Eitz Chaim is located on County Road 105. Suggested donation of $10 per family. RSVP by calling 845-782-2077.