50 Pathways to Parenting Wisdom

Shira Frank has written a highly practical guide to parenting our children in an increasingly complex world. Informed by decades of practice as a therapist helping parents strike the delicate balance between love and limits, this book presents easily implemented approaches to raising children through use of praise, empathy and an unemotional and gentle strategy for limit setting. In addition to suggesting practical, Torah-informed strategies for improving communication, Mrs. Frank tackles special challenges such as helping children deal with divorce, and providing guidance for parents faced with the unique stress of parenting children with special conditions such as attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorders or pervasive developmental disorder. Shira Frank has provided our community with an invaluable resource for helping parents navigate the increasingly complex demands of raising children. I highly recommend this book. David Pelcovitz, Ph.D., Professor, Straus Chair in Psychology and Education, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Yeshiva University.

Without question, the greatest challenge people face is “successful parenting.” The traditions and practices that formed the framework in the shtetl are gone, and the high-tech, instant-gratification of our culture require special techniques to raise healthy, productive, happy and respectful children. Shira Frank has provided us with 50 techniques, stated concisely and clearly, to help us meet this awesome challenge of modern life. Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, MD.