Tuesday, May 03, 2005

...and back to positivity ;)

On a totally opposite note, I'm feeling a whole lot better about children (no, not for me as of now-see below). One thing that has always made me kinda hesitate about teaching, and quite a bit nervous about raising kids in general, has been the rapid deterioration of kids and their midos at a younger and younger age.

BUT there is hope!! My sister has been here for the past week or so with her absolutely adorable children-3 boys and a girl. They're not angels-au contrare, they're quite mischevous, but the word chutzpa has NO place in their vocabulary. They'll destroy a house rather easily, but if one of their parents tell them to stop, they will-right away.

I was in Toys R Us with them yesterday, and, like any children, they wanted just about the whole store. But when told they could only get one thing, they chose it, and were thrilled about it! In fact, my nephew pointed out to me that they "already had" one of the toys, and was so excited! They don't get extras usually, so being able to buy a new toy is SUCH a treat!!

An interesting thing to note-they don't have a TV, they don't have internet. They live in a rather religious settlement in Eretz Yisroel. They don't have the newest toys or games, but the supply of love is never-ending. These are kids who DO live with constraints, and yet are soooo happy! Ah, the joys of simplicity and love of Torah! :)

2 comments:

Keren Perles said...

For anybody who doesn't believe TRW:

YES, HER SISTER'S KIDS ARE AMAZING!

Okay, got that out of my system. But yeah, growing up removed from the gunk that is materialism really makes an impact on kids. And when parents approach it the right way, when they pass on the right hashkafa in a loving but firm manner, it can help their kids to truly appreciate the little things in life.

Can such a family only truly exist in Eretz Yisroel? Can anyone cite a parallel family in America?

Just curious...not l'maaseh right now, of course.

Batya said...

It's easier to raise kids on yishuvim. Each yishuv is different.
and about teaching, it's theater! a stage with a captive audience, ok, so sometimes you have to turn on more charisma, but when it's good it's great!