In the trenches of a typical day, every parent encounters a child afflicted with ingratitude and entitlement. In a world where material abundance abounds, parents want so badly to raise self-disciplined, appreciative, and resourceful children who are not spoiled by the plentitude around them. But how to accomplish this feat? The answer has eluded the best-intentioned mothers and fathers who overprotect, overindulge, and overschedule their children’s lives.
Dr. Mogel helps parents learn how to turn their children’s worst traits into their greatest attributes. Starting with stories of everyday parenting problems and examining them through the lens of the Torah, the Talmud, and important Jewish teachings, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee shows parents how to teach children to honor their parents and to respect others, escape the danger of overvaluing children’s need for self-expression so that their kids don’t become “little attorneys,” accept that their children are both ordinary and unique, and treasure the power and holiness of the present moment.
It is Mogel’s singular achievement that she makes these teachings relevant for any era and any household of any faith. A unique parenting book, designed for use both in the home and in parenting classes, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee is both inspiring and effective in the day-to-day challenge of raising self-reliant children.
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"Really liked it. Looking forward to hearing the author next week at Barrington High School. This book focuses more one little kids and her newest book, Blessings of a B- focuses more on teens - still trying to get ahold of that one at the library. Perpetually checked out! "
— Erin (5 out of 5 stars)
“For anyone who has a child, was a child, or cares about children. Wendy Mogel teaches you how to raise a child to be a good person and not just raise a child to feel good. Great for the Jewish parents, great for the Presbyterian parent, the Buddhist, and even the skeptic.”
— Carrie Fisher“Her thoughtful observations consistently illuminate and reassure. Impassioned, lyrical, and eminently practical, this inspiring volume is a real treasure.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Carrington MacDuffie narrates with sincerity and intent…Mogel’s insights are certain to help parents get a better grasp on when to draw the line, and when to cut it.”
— AudioFile“Although she clearly draws on Jewish teachings, as well as on her psychology training, much of her wisdom is applicable to families of all faiths.”
— Library Journal“We like the emphasis this book places on the parents being the center of the wheel of the family and the importance of raising children who appreciate their place in the world and their obligation to be mensches [Yiddish for ‘people of integrity and honor’].”
— Ayelet Waldman and Michael Chabon“Wendy 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.”
— Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, author of Putting God on the Guest List“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.”
— Peter Cobb, executive director, Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education" The author gives some excellent advice regarding raising self reliant respectful children. The religious angle was a bit heavy handed for those who are not Jewish. "
— Cheryl, 5/15/2011" Great parenting book. Reinforces a lot of what we already know deep inside and builds confidence to follow through. "
— Megan, 4/30/2011" This book was recommended to me by a friend, and you do not have to be Jewish to appreciate this book because the underlying parenting advice is universal. Absolutely loved. "
— Michelle, 3/31/2011" A refreshing, worthwhile read. It wasn't targeted towards solving specific parenting issues, so much as it was aimed at the structure and vision of raising good kids. "
— Anne, 3/31/2011" This book changed my life. INCREDIBLE. "
— Julie, 2/25/2011" Since I'm not Jewish I learned about Judaism, and I found Mogel's approach very common sense. "
— Nicole, 1/24/2011" It all makes perfect sense. "
— Barclay, 1/23/2011" Ok concepts, but I liked presentation of other books better. "
— John, 1/19/2011" 2.5 stars. This book just never resonated with me. Most of it seemed like 'Duh!' common sense, but it also came across as preachy, and I didn't feel connected with the journey the author was attempting to take the reader on. "
— Angela, 1/7/2011" Great ideas for parenting, and grand-parenting, more boldly with faith and biblical teaching. "
— Teri, 12/29/2010" I liked this book--it got a little preachy at times. I think it would be more valuable to read when my kids are a little older 3-6ish (as opposed to in utero. haha) "
— Emily, 12/24/2010" Thought this book was great for all families - great ideas and thoughts about parenting. "
— Jessica, 12/17/2010" What an important handbook for anyone raising children in this day and age. Just when I was certain that children didn't come with instruction manuals, I found this book. I've read it 2X and highlighted several parts. "
— Kat, 12/10/2010Wendy Mogel, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, parent educator, keynote speaker for educational and religious organizations and schools, and the author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller The Blessing of a Skinned Knee.
Carrington MacDuffie is a voice actor and recording artist who has narrated over two hundred audiobooks, received numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has been a frequent finalist for the Audie Award, including for her original audiobook, Many Things Invisible. Alongside her narration work, she has released a new album of original songs, Only an Angel.