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.  

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 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 24 of theOptimizing Mothers podcast, hosted by Mrs. Sara Blau, Mrs. Chaya Raskin opens up about her experiences as a busy mother of eight children and a proud Shlucha in Ellenville, NY.  Given the constant juggling act of work, motherhood, cooking, and managing our to-do lists, it can be easy to fall into a pattern of self-criticism.  What is the key to switching from feeling frustrated to truly valuing the moments? Tune in for an inspiring conversation, guided by the wisdom of Torah and Chassidus, as we discuss practical strategies for embracing the imperfect yet beautiful journey of motherhood. Tune in and feel empowered and inspired by this engaging and authentic dialogue. Through her blog thegiftofchildren.com, Chaya shares her experiences, together with insights from Torah and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, aiming to empower mothers and challenge stigmas about family size seeping in from modern American culture. She has compiled her writings into a book called The Gift of Children, available for purchase now thon MosaicaPress.com.  

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.

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.    

In Episode 21 with Mrs. Dina Rosenfeld, an accomplished writer and educator, discusses ways to enhance mothering with creativity.  How often do you tell your children personal stories? Is bedtime a power struggle? Childhood lasts for a very brief amount of time. The clock is ticking on transmitting the Rebbes values. Mrs. Rosenfeld shares how you can impart valuable lessons in Chinuch through creative mediums such as art, music and storytelling. In this practical conversation, learn how thinking slightly out of the box can ease your daily mommying routine. Mrs. Rosenfeld shares a wide buffet of ideas to choose from that can expand your child's creative expression and foster a deeper connection.