In Episode 37 of the Optimizing Mothers Podcast, host Mrs. Sara Blau sits down with Mrs. Ruthie Sperlin for an important conversation on speaking to our daughters about Hashkafa on Yichud. One powerful message Mrs. Sperlin shares is the importance of talking to our daughters and having open conversations about Yichud and the feelings that may come up for them. It's about validating their experiences and explaining that what they're feeling is normal and part of how Hashem created us. She also emphasized that mothers should make sure their teens stay busy and have hobbies they enjoy and care about. 🎧 Listen to Episode 37: It's Normal! But Not Yet. Talking to Our Daughters About Yichud, Feelings, and Right Timing Available at www.bethrivkah.edu/brpodcast or on your favorite podcast platform.  

Tune into Episode 25 of the Optimizing Mothers podcast, hosted by Mrs. Sara Blau, Rebbetzin Bassie Garelik, one of the pioneer shluchas sent by the Rebbe, imparts timeless wisdom on raising today's generation. Rebbetzin Garelik shares mind-blowing, personal Rebbe stories and imparts timeless lessons on nurturing children with high standards and a genuine appreciation for Yiddishkeit. When challenges arise, do you feel discouraged and wonder, "Am I even cut out for this mothering thing?" Hear the Rebbe's uplifting response to a woman who felt so downcast, doubting her capabilities. How do you give your children a strong feeling of pride to be different, amid prevalent social influences that could naturally make them feel ashamed? In disciplining your child, how do you effectively balance firmness with unwavering love and support? In this inspiring conversation, renowned educator, Rebbetzin Garelik emphasizes how the Rebbe esteemed women, drawing attention to their crucial roles as akeres habayis. This profound episode offers real chizuk and empowerment.    

In Episode #28 of the Optimizing Mothers podcast, host Sara Blau speaks with Mrs. Vivi Deren about the delicate art of raising children with chassidishe chinuch while fostering relationship built on trust and connection. How can parents guide their children on the right path without resorting to control? What role does a parent’s personal growth play in the development of their child? Mrs. Deren shares her experiences and insights, reminding us that parenting is not about perfection but about connection. By creating a joyful environment, modeling values, and respecting a child’s individuality, parents can guide their children to thrive both spiritually and emotionally. Find out more in Episode 28, “Connection Over Control”: Listen to this episode and previous ones at www.bethrivkah.edu/brpodcast. Available on all major podcast platforms.  

In Episode 26, Busy with Blessings, hosted by Mrs. Sara Blau, Mrs. Raizy Mendelsohn, the first Shlucha to Wyoming, talks about raising her eight children in a place where their only friends are their siblings. She is passionate about living in the present and making your life work according to your strengths. When life just becomes a game of juggling and you feel drained, are there things that you can let go of and delegate? How can you get yourself to replace the “Oy” with joy?  In this candid conversation, Raizy shares how replacing stress about the future with Bitachon and Emunah enables us to find true inner joy and live a Tefach higher.  Hear Raizy's insights on freeing her children from tech cravings by replacing screen time with nature and creative activities. This episode is dedicated leulei nishmas Toiba Raizel A”H bas Yosef Yitzchak.  

In Episode #27 of the Optimizing Mothers podcast, host Sara Blau and guest Devori Nussbaum discuss how "Moach Shalit Al Halev" (the mind ruling the heart) influences optimal parenting. By harnessing cognitive faculties to manage emotional responses, you can engage more thoughtfully and intentionally with your children. When family chaos erupts and you feel a loss of control, how do you stay regulated and calm? Do you find yourself reacting impulsively to triggering situations and question the underlying causes of those disproportionate responses? Tune in as Devori shares her personal insights on how incorporating Chassidus fosters harmony and connection in her role as a mother and within herself. The purpose of this episode is to share tools to help overcome challenges with insights from Torah, specifically Tanya. Let us remember that Torah is Torahs Chayim, providing instructions for all areas of life and is not limited to any specific interpretations.

Join Sara Blau as she sits down with Shalom Bayis Coach and creator of 'Relationshift', Mrs. Sara Gita Soble, to discuss common challenges around Shalom Bayis and marital relationships. Listen as she discusses how to create a more joyful marriage and home, by using tools to create an environment of respect. She discusses the imprtance of Shalom Bayis and it's affects on the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of the children. Mrs. Soble shares tried and true methods from her Relationshift courses on how to work through disagreements with a spouse, whether its a Hashkafic question or regarding the emotional climate of a child. Using her methods help to eliminate the hurt and increase the joy in a marriage and home. 

In Episode #29 of the Optimizing Mothers podcast, host Mrs. Sara Blau explores the topic of  parenting our children with intention with guest Mrs. Nechoma Itkin. Mrs. Itkin shares her perspective on how every detail in chinuch should be thought out. From visiting malls during the holiday season, deciding if her daughters can go ice skating and choosing which homes her children can visit, every decision was meticulously planned. My child is very smart and bored in class. What should I do? How can I maintain a high standard at home if not all my children are up to it? Find out more in Episode 29, “Intentional Parenting”: