Thursday, April 15, 2010

The Gifts Conversation

"I'm glad I caught you. I wanted to tell you a story about your kids," began the principal of my third-grade twins' Solomon Schechter school. And despite her casual tone, I suddenly stood erect, sucked in my stomach (as if that would help), and readied myself to hear an account that would require "a little chat" at home.

"So, Jacob and Sophie were playing basketball at recess together," she began.

(Recess? Ok, not usually a problem. Together? Hmmm…isn't that why we chose a school with three third grade classes? For less "togetherness"? Togetherness for our kids is not next to Godliness - in fact, it's in a coffee klatch with Madness, Boisterous and Riotous).

To read the rest of this article from the Jewish Week, click here!

Deborah Grayson Riegel, MSW, ACC
www.myjewishcoach.com

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Come on In, The Water's Fine!

This morning, I told Jacob and Sophie that we'd be going swimming after baseball camp. By "we" I meant my husband and the two of them. "Why aren't you coming?" Jacob asked, annoyed. "Oh, I'll be there....I'm just not going in," I told him. This was not - or shall I say, should not, have been news to him. I show up at all kinds of bodies of water -- even in my bathing suit, which is one of my least favorite parts of the whole ordeal. But getting into a chilly lake, ocean or pool just is not my cup of (iced) tea.

"Mom," Sophie said calmly. "How about if we give you as much time as you need to get used to the water? We promise not to rush you." "Yeah!" Jacob said, in a rare moment of twinship.

I have to say that I'm considering it. If Jacob and Sophie keep their end of the bargain - which, as they know, includes no splashing, rushing or taunting -- perhaps I can take my time to make something I dread more enjoyable for me, which will make a great experience for my kids.

Where do you need to take it slow so that you can acclimate? What's your "cold water"? And who can help you make it a warmer experience?

To your Success without the Tsuris,
Deborah
www.myjewishcoach.com
www.myjewishcoach.blogspot.com