Programs will highlight 'positive parenting'

Children don’t come with an instruction manual, but it’s a rare mother or father who doesn’t crave some expert advice for the challenging task of raising them.

That’s the idea behind Positive Jewish Parenting, an evening of practical workshops with Jewish experts, Dec. ‘9 at 7 p.m. at Yavneh Academy, 155 N. Farview Ave, Paramus.

Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb

"Parents are thirsting for more support," said Aliza Frohlich, director of guidance for the yeshiva’s middle school. "We have done workshops for Yavneh parents, but this is the first time we’re offering a program for the community, with topics based on what parents told us they want to hear. It will be full of practical strategies you can go home and use."

Sponsored in conjunction with the Orthodox Union, the event will begin with a choice of concurrent presentations.

From 7:30 to 8:30, psychologist David Yammer will speak to early-childhood parents on how to set limits; clinical social worker Gila Zelinger will offer advice on helping grade-school children negotiate social hurdles; and psychologist/educator David Pelcovitz will address "The Wild and Wacky World of Adolescence."

From 8:40 to 9:40, Nancy Bossov, director of early childhood education at the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York, will discuss how to teach preschoolers life skills through play; Pelcovitz will talk to parents of grade-school pupils about how to create positive self-esteem without creating a selfish child; and Zelinger will hold a session for parents of middle- and high-school students on body-image issues.

From 9:50 to 10:30, Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, a clinical psychologist, will present the keynote address, "Instilling Positive Jewish Values in Our Children."

"From years of experience we have learned just how crucial these workshops are for families," said Frank Buchweitz, who created the Positive Jewish Parenting program as national director of community services and special projects for the Orthodox Union.

Frohlich added that parenting books also will be on sale during the event, in partnership with Borders. "We will have five titles as resources for parents to enrich their parenting strategies," she said.

Frohlich said that in an effort to make the event broadly community-based, Yavneh sought support from area synagogues. Those that are co-sponsoring the program are Cong. Beth Abraham of Bergenfield; Congs. Ahavat Achim and Shomrei Torah of Fair Lawn; Cong. Beth Tefillah of Paramus; and Congs. Beth Aaron, Bnai Yeshurun, Keter Torah, Rinat Yisrael, and Zichron Mordechai of Teaneck. Yavneh’s parent association also is a co-sponsor.

Admission is $10 per couple in advance ($15 at the door). To register, contact Chana Besterman at Yavneh, (’01) ‘6’-8494, ext. 354, or yavnehparenting@aol.com

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Programs will highlight ‘positive parenting’

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