Question of the Month

How can I keep my son involved in Jewish activities now that he has been Bar Mitzvah?

Studies demonstrate that the greatest factor in determining whether or not a Jewish adolescent will stay involved in Jewish activities is the influence of the parents. Send your teen a strong message about continued involvement, but also provide your teen with enough choices so that he/she can truly be a partner in the decision. Jewish youth groups, supplementary high school level Hebrew programs, Jewish summer camps, and Israel experiences are some of the many activities can keep your child connected during the teen years.

Tip of the Month

Have you ever needed a day off when you weren't actually sick? Our teens lead highly stressful lives, both academically and socially. Why not establish a policy of one "mental health" day off from school per marking period, to be used as needed, but under reasonable conditions (for example, no days off on exam or assignment due dates). While one day off from school will not be a decisive factor in your teen's GPA, it can help reduce the stress and show your teen that you understand and care.

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