The Blessing of a Skinned Knee

Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children

By: Wendy Mogel PhD

Narrated by: Carrington MacDuffie

In the trenches of a typical day, every parent encounters a child afflicted with ingratitude and entitlement. In a world where material abundance abounds, parents want so badly to raise self-disciplined, appreciative, and resourceful children who are not spoiled by the plentitude around them. But how to accomplish this feat? The answer has eluded the best-intentioned mothers and fathers who overprotect, overindulge, and overschedule their children’s lives.

Dr. Mogel helps parents learn how to turn their children’s worst traits into their greatest attributes. Starting with stories of everyday parenting problems and examining them through the lens of the Torah, the Talmud, and important Jewish teachings, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee shows parents how to teach children to honor their parents and to respect others, escape the danger of overvaluing children’s need for self-expression so that their kids don’t become “little attorneys,” accept that their children are both ordinary and unique, and treasure the power and holiness of the present moment.

It is Mogel’s singular achievement that she makes these teachings relevant for any era and any household of any faith. A unique parenting book, designed for use both in the home and in parenting classes, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee is both inspiring and effective in the day-to-day challenge of raising self-reliant children.

©2001 Wendy Mogel, PhD (P)2007 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“For anyone who has a child, was a child, or cares about children. Wendy Mogel teaches you how to raise a child to be a good person and not just raise a child to feel good. Great for the Jewish parents, great for the Presbyterian parent, the Buddhist, and even the skeptic.”

(Carrie Fisher)

“Her thoughtful observations consistently illuminate and reassure. Impassioned, lyrical, and eminently practical, this inspiring volume is a real treasure.”

(Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“Carrington MacDuffie narrates with sincerity and intent…Mogel’s insights are certain to help parents get a better grasp on when to draw the line, and when to cut it.”

(AudioFile)

“Although she clearly draws on Jewish teachings, as well as on her psychology training, much of her wisdom is applicable to families of all faiths.”

(Library Journal)

“We like the emphasis this book places on the parents being the center of the wheel of the family and the importance of raising children who appreciate their place in the world and their obligation to be mensches [Yiddish for ‘people of integrity and honor’].”

(Ayelet Waldman and Michael Chabon)

“Wendy Mogel presents us with one of the finest and most challenging books on parenting to emerge in recent years. In a firm and loving voice, she reminds parents and all those who care about children of the sanctity of parenting. Her blending of Judaism and parenting wisdom jumps off every page. I love her work—both as a rabbi and as a father.”

(Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, author of Putting God on the Guest List)

“Prophets call on the wisdom of a tradition, its revealed truth, to say out loud what we know but are afraid to utter. Wendy Mogel has issued a prophetic call to good parenting, one laced with psychological insight, practicality, and humor. Her words are themselves a gift of faith and a blessing.”

(Peter Cobb, executive director, Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education)

a window into valuable parenting perspective

I finished this book with new knowledge of Judaism, actionable ideas of how to improve as a parent, and a sense of calm to not take myself so seriously.

Beautiful point of view of children

I love the honor and respect that the author uses to frame her understanding of children.
This book helped me to remember what is truly important and notice and appreciate when my child shows goodness. It also helped me communicate discipline with my child in a way that promotes her good qualities and does not shame her.

Great Parenting & Life Advice!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Wendy Mogul and have already started to put some of her lessons to use with my own young children!

amazing perspective on children's upbringing

who can't benefit from this unique approach to dealing with children? rooted in tradition 1000 of years old and absolutely relevant today. brilliant.

Wisdom for all parents

Wonderful wisdom for the family (not just about raising children) no matter your religion. Bring God into your family .