In Episode 35 of the Optimizing Mothers Podcast, host Mrs. Sara Blau sits down with Mrs. Gavriella Aber for a conversation on being honest with our children.  Mrs. Aber emphasizes how developing an honest relationship with ourselves and our children is vital. "So much of what stresses us out in parenting isn't actually the ikar, it's the outside pressure. The trends, the expectations, what everyone else is doing. But we don't have to let that into our homes. You can step back and ask yourself: Is this really my avodah, or am I just trying to keep up?" 🎧 Listen to Episode 35: "Honesty is the Best Policy" Available at www.bethrivkah.edu/brpodcast or on your favorite podcast platform.  

In Episode 36 of the Optimizing Mothers Podcast, host Mrs. Sara Blau sits down with returning guest Mrs. Estee Lieblich for a conversation on parenting through the lens of the sefiros.  Back on the podcast by popular demand, Mrs. Lieblich goes through each of the sefiros and explains how it connects to each type of child.  "There's the Chesed child. She is generous, big-hearted, and trusts her impulses. There's the Gevurah child. She follows rules, is detail oriented and is always looking to do the right thing. Each child has their strengths and weaknesses and by utilizing the sefiros we can help our children grow to the best of their abilities. " 🎧 Listen to Episode 36: "Soul Strengths, Chinuch Through the Lens of the Sefiros" Available at www.bethrivkah.edu/brpodcast or on your favorite podcast platform.

In Episode 34 of the Optimizing Mothers Podcast, host Mrs. Sara Blau sits down with Mrs. Doba Webb for a meaningful conversation on chinuch.  One powerful message Mrs. Webb emphasizes is that everything comes from Hashem, including our struggles, faults, and mistakes. "I wasn't able to daven for more than five minutes. And by the time I went to sleep, all I managed was a short Shema." Mrs. Webb reminds listeners that raising Yiddishe kinder is holy work. Rather than focusing on what didn't get done, mothers are encouraged to recognize the unique and sacred avodah only they are privileged to carry. 🎧 Listen to Episode 34: Presence, Not Perfection  Available at www.bethrivkah.edu/brpodcast or on your favorite podcast platform.

Meet Mrs. Goldie Plotkin. A Shlucha to Markham, Ontario, lecturer, preschool director and co-director of Tamim Academy Toronto, and mother of eight children, ka"h, Mrs. Plotkin shares her experience of mothering her son with special needs, Zalmy OBM. From the moment she heard the words, "your son has Down Syndrome", until she unfortunately had her last moments with him just a few hours before his fifteenth birthday, Mrs. Plotkin worked to remain positive and connected throughout it all. Whether it was dealing with unforeseen instances just as she was about to head out the door to school with her children, or Zalmy's delays and unique challenges, Mrs. Plotkin saw the silver linings in the, sometimes, grey clouds. Get inspired as Mrs. Plotkin shares what got her through some tough times and what she still lives with today. 

In this episode, Mrs. Hinda Sosover, a certified parenting coach, brings a unique and valuable perspective to parenting through her combination of Chassidus and life coaching. Are you losing patience when your child stubbornly refuses to go into the shower? "I'm clashing with my child. Is relating to my child even possible?"  Look at your child. What does he/she need? Tune in as Hinda and Sara explore the ups and downs of motherhood. Mothering is not easy, yet it is the most rewarding. Learn to slow down and find out what your children are really all about. Discover practical ways to look beyond the antics of your child's behavior and how to preempt chaos in daily family life.  Find out the secret to harmonious connection. See Mrs. Hinda Sosover's work: www.chinuchwithconnection.com  

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.  

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.