Jewish Proverbs and Quotes on Parenting

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With so much advice on raising kids, what is one to do? Don't despair if the little one or older one is getting on your nerves today--you're not alone! Just remember the Jewish Bible said that "children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." With that said, living in this crazy world, and a full schedule, we all need a break. We’re not asking that you take all that will be presented. However, let’s consider it food for thought for your journey, so we will start with some wisdom, and then move to the lighter quotes about parenting (Phyllis Diller has a great one). Hopefully, this will inspire you to laugh at yourself, and allow reflection to the always serious side of life and parenting. Take it easy, as we have what is needed for a tough day, and understand your challenges. You're in and found the right place!

Special Connection

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“A mother understands what a child does not say,” according to a Jewish Proverb. There is a special connection with a child a mother has, and she knows ahead of time what her child needs. There is a partnership that goes on here, too. It is not just for the parents to connect. Children need to honor their parents as well. The Lord told Moses: "Speak to all the community of the Children of Israel, and say to them–‘You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy. A man shall revere his mother and his father and observe my Sabbaths; I am Adonai your God.’” Also, God was not done with what He wanted children to do: “Honor your father and your mother so that your days will be lengthened on the land Adonai your God gave to you.” This takes time to build, and it is fine if there were mistakes made, we’re a work in progress, both kids and parents. In the end a mother already understands what her child needs a head of time. However, as they grow older, the little one needs to learn to honor her parents.

Purpose

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“There are no coincidences,” Jewish and political writer Elie Wiesel said. He was right. We are not living life without purpose. If we feel that way, our kids will also pick up on this, and this leaves them feeling that we're are just existing, blowing with the wind. We all have purpose today and everyday! Those who are parents and who are not parents have a purpose. We need to teach children that everything in life is not a random event. We can glean important lessons by taking in this truth. How does the Torah define success, and happiness? First we all look for it in the wrong places and everyday can be a fresh start. This includes parenting, and being the best person you can be by leading by example. "People often avoid making decisions out of fear of making a mistake. Actually, the failure to make decisions is one of life's biggest mistakes." – Rabbi Noah Weinberg. Live and teach with intent today.

Silence

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There is power in silence when raising children. "I don't speak because I have the power to speak; I speak because I don't have the power to remain silent," Rabbi A.Y. Kook said. None of us like to hold the tongue, but kids need to feel they're being acknowledged. Kids will mimic parents, so be that role model, and allow them to express themselves. For example, if you honor your parents they will do this for you. You know what another Jewish Proverb said? “Whether you have money or not, you should respect your father and mother---even if you have to go begging from door to door,” the Talmud Yerushalmi, Peah explained. You also can take the pressure of yourself, too. You may get to the point where you have done all you can do with a child. But “Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands,” said Ann Frank.

Wonder

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“If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in,” Author Rachel Carson said. She also explained to give a child a sense of wonder: "This fosters the healthy, creative and emotional growth of a child. Forms the best foundation for later intellectual growth. Provides a way in which children get to know the world and creates possibilities for different ways of responding to it. [This] fosters empathy and wonder.” Let this be a note to you serious types out there. Maybe this is for parents, too! We are so serious all the time as adults, too serious. No wonder kids are so uptight and fearful today. So lighten up, and calm down. As they say enjoy the journey as time passes by way too fast! Look to find your sense of wonder together again.

Live a Little

We promised to offer some funny sayings as well. “We spend the first twelve months of our children's lives teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve telling them to sit down and shut up,” said comedian Phyllis Diller. Then there is the Jewish Proverb that explains the pain of raising daughters: “Great is the pain of bringing up sons, and greater of bringing up daughters.” Rabbi Chananya Reichman once shared: “Little children are a headache and big ones a heartache.” Humorist Erma Bombeck also joked about parenting and her kids. "Do you know what you call those who use towels and never wash them, eat meals and never do the dishes, sit in rooms they never clean, and are entertained till they drop? If you have just answered, 'A house guest,' you're wrong because I have just described my kids."