Raising kids who value effort and balance


Hi Reader,

As we pause for Labor Day, I’ve been reflecting on what this holiday really represents. It’s not only about barbecues or the end of summer—it’s about honoring the dignity of work and the people who make our communities thrive.

For me, that connects deeply to parenting. One of our greatest tasks as parents is teaching our children the value of effort: that meaningful things take time, energy, and perseverance. When kids learn to contribute—whether it’s helping with a family chore, practicing a skill, or following through on a responsibility—they discover a sense of pride and capability.

But Labor Day also reminds us of something just as important: boundaries. The labor movement fought not only for fair pay, but also for reasonable hours, rest, and safety. Our children need to see us modeling that balance too—working with purpose, but also knowing when to pause, recharge, and take care of ourselves.

When we live this balance, we send a powerful message: You are worthy not only because of what you do, but also because of who you are.

So this weekend, as you celebrate Labor Day, I invite you to take a moment with your kids. Talk about the joy of working hard for something that matters, and the importance of rest. It’s a lesson they will carry into adulthood—and it begins with us.

Wishing you a meaningful holiday,

Efrat

The Parenting Wisdom

Our educational system often falls short, focusing on subjects that lack relevance for our children's futures. This approach can breed a disdain for learning and lead them away from their passions, disconnecting them from their true paths. The Alternative Parenting podcast aims to address this gap by exploring the essential skills, tools, and traits necessary for our kids to thrive and find fulfillment in life. Join my weekly newsletter where I will inform you on new episodes of the podcast where we delve into how to empower our children to pursue their interests, dreams, and create lives rich with purpose and meaning.

Read more from The Parenting Wisdom

Hi Reader, I recently started my own YouTube channel—and wow, it’s such a learning curve! This digital world has been full of highs and lows: days when I’m motivated and excited, and days when I feel like giving it all up. It really is an emotional rollercoaster. One of the things keeping me going is knowing that my kids are watching my every move. I share the little wins—like gaining just one more subscriber 🤗—and the losses too, like when a video gets no views at all. This week I was...

Hi Reader Are you overwhelmed and exhausted? Do your kids constantly need your attention, leaving you with no time for yourself? If so, you’re not alone. Many mothers quietly give up on themselves for the sake of their children. Why? Because we’ve been taught to believe that a “good mom” sacrifices everything. She shows up at every game, makes the healthy snacks, reads to her kids every night, kisses them first thing in the morning, and pushes through even when she’s unwell — and never stops....

Hi Reader, One of the most challenging things we face in parenting is when our kids just don’t listen. If it happens once in a while, it’s manageable. But if it’s constant, it can turn into a daily struggle. We end up stuck in the cycle of asking for something, getting ignored, asking again and again, and still—nothing. We try to be kind and patient, but it doesn’t seem to make an impact. Eventually, we get frustrated, lose our cool, and resort to yelling, threatening, or manipulating just to...