The Optimizing Mother's podcast

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 #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, parents can engage more thoughtfully and intentionally with their 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? This enlightening conversation emphasizes the duality between the divine soul's reliance on Hashem's guidance for spiritual fulfillment and the animal soul's survival instincts shaped by childhood experiences. 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. 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.

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 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.  

Tune into Episode #23 of the Optimizing Mothers podcast, hosted by Mrs. Sara Blau, Mrs. Shterna Ginsberg talks about guiding children in making minute to minute choices & showing them how their Neshama is their truest self. Her goal is to help mothers help their kids understand their inner voices according to Tanya. Are there skills I can teach my child to help them navigate their inner voice? "All my friends are smarter than me!" “Chani made me so mad today in school!” “My principal keeps on insulting me and making me cry!” Should I just validate them or is there something more to do? Have you ever thought about this? Listen in as Sara & Shterna explore empowering ourselves to flip a switch in the way you and your children think and make choices.  

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 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.   

Am Yisroel is in trying times. Our children need a role model to know how to act and what to do. So, What's the secret to raising fearless children? In this remarkable episode, we have the privilege to hear firsthand from the pioneer Shlucha of Chevron, Mrs. Batsheva Cohen on how she is a beacon of light and strength for her family and the soldiers in Chevron.   Despite the destruction, mortality, and immense havoc surrounding them, Mrs. Cohen remains fearless. She empowers the chayalim and her family to add positivity and goodness and live with unwavering faith.  

How do you cope when your world suddenly plummets? Tune into Mrs. Chaya Sofer's story as she discovers what it means to be present in her life and the lives of her children. Chaya delves into her inner bitachon and discovers how to tap into Hashem's Higher Power.   She redefines her connection. She lives in the present. Listen to this phenomenal episode as Chaya conveys profound lessons she has gained from her journey. Chaya lets us in on how we can use these tools in trusting in the Aibishter in our daily lives as mothers and women.  Please say tehillim for the speedy recovery of  חיה ברכה צירליא בת רסיה.

In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Mrs. Rivky Katz, a dedicated mother and teacher. In this conversation, Mrs. Katz flips the focus of our lives, and by extension, our children's chinuch, on its head. Who needs who? And for what purpose?   Join us as she shares her profound insights on understanding the "Why?" that can make a practical difference in חסידישע חינוך. She also explores the authentic role and innate desire of a mother according to חסידות. Take advantage of this enlightening conversation!   

How pivotal is our upbringing in dealing with life's challenges? Can we pass resilience onto our children? In this episode, host Sara Blau is joined by Mrs. Ester Zirkind, a teacher and two-time author, to discuss how she copes with life's challenges. She draws on the upbringing instilled in her by her mother and endeavors to pass those same values on to her students and children. Gain strength and insight from this powerful conversation on how the Chinuch messages we received as children help us endure challenges throughout life.  

What does emotional health mean, how do we achieve this goal in our children, and what role do fathers play in the process? Early childhood consultant, parenting coach, and certified temperament specialist, Estee Lieblich sits down with host Sara Blau to discuss the trials of raising emotionally healthy and aware children. How does one get there? The answer may surprise you. Listen in for tips and insights from an experienced parenting consultant. 

Author, nurse practitioner, and BR alumnus, Chaya Shuchat is passionate about supporting mothers and empowering them in their significant role. But where did it all start for her? What was her mothering journey like to lead her to this passion? Listen in as Chaya sits down with host Sara Blau to tell her story and share her number one's in parenting. What does ideal mean in home-making? What role does a mashpia play in motherhood? And what chinuch lessons can be gleaned from the Pesach seder? With best wishes for a kosher and freilechen Pesach!

If you had to choose one parenting tip that was as vital as air, what would it be and why? Listen as host Sara Blau sits down with principal, lecturer and mother, Mrs. Dena Gorkin to discuss just that. Connection, she says, is the foundation of all chinuch. By developing a strong bond with your children, you can accomplish so much more. Gain tips and inspiration from this meaningful conversation and hopefully you can integrate these lessons in your own homes.    Dena Gorkin is the founder and prinicpal of Bnos Chomesh Acadamey Junior High School & High School. She is the director of community education for Operation Survival and a teacher at Bais Rivkah Seminary. She can be reached via her website at Denagorkin.com

Who decides whats normal? How do we impart resilience during challenging times to our children? How do we instill confidence in the next generation? Join host Sara Blau for a conversation with Mrs. Henya Laine, as they discuss all these topics and more. Mrs. Laine, a mother of eight children ka"h, shares insight and nuggets of wisdom on important subjects relevant to all those in chinuch. Get inspired as she speaks about her experiences and gain lessons for your own home and classroom. 

In this episode, Mrs. Chanie Wolf joins host Sara Blau to discuss what true Chinuch means. An experienced teacher and educator, Mrs. Chanie Wolf offers a refreshing perspective on the Chinuch of our children. Get inspired as Mrs. Wolf shares how to reveal our children's unlimited potential and how parenting is not control. Listen as she tackles this intriguing topic, Meet the True Inner Child.

"Where ahava flows, chinuch flows." In this episode, Mrs. Dinie Greenberg joins host Sara Blau to discuss the integral concept of Chinuch with love, what it means, and how to implement it. Listen as she brings sources from the Torah and the Rebbe and shares stories about the power of using chessed and love to embody Chinuch. Get inspired as she shares the message of love and positive affection and what it means for this generation of parenting. 

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 the fast paced world of technology, parents around the world struggle with the dilemma of how and when to introduce the many forms of screens to their children. Enter MUST, Mothers Unite to Stall Technology, an organization run by a group of mothers passionate about keepsaking their childrens' childhoods and avoiding screens as much as possible. Mrs. Simcha Minkowitz, wife, mother, business owner, and a founder of the Crown Heights branch of MUST, sits down with host Sara Blau to discuss how parents can best prepare for the new school year regarding smart devices. Gain tips and wisdom from Simcha as she shares stories and insight about this world wide dilemma and how we can work together to collectively delay the onslaught of technology for our children.

Multi talented and highly experienced, Rivky Boyarsky wears many hats- nurse, midwife, kallah teacher, author, blogger, recipe developer, and more, but her most treasured hat of all is being a mother. Listen in as Sara Blau and Rivky sit down to discuss how she juggles it all and get inspired as she elaborates on the times she has had to make difficult decisions to put her family and home first. Gain some practical tips on how to slice the pie of life and how to maximize your time and energy. 

Sara Blau and Rivky Boyarsky discuss the proposed regulations on our school's education system and why it is important to sign the petition.   Your voice matters! Take 30 seconds and sign to protect our Chinuch.  www.protectchinuch.com

In this episode of The Optimizing Mothers Podcast, experienced mother and long time educator, Mrs. Pearl Stroh joins Sara Blau to discuss new ideas on early childhood development. With over thirty years of experience, Mrs. Stroh is passionate about preschool and its impact throughout a child's life, as well as guiding other teachers in their careers. Listen as she tells over the power of nature and the calming affect it has on children, along with the appreciation it brings for Hashem's beautiful world. Get inspired, learn some new tips, and enjoy!

In this episode of The Optimizing Mothers Podcast, host Sara Blau is joined by Mrs. Shternie Althaus, a Shlucha, teacher, and lecturer. Mrs. Althaus is passionate about the power of teaching through modeling, as well as the importance of bonding with children in the way they receive love. Listen as she shares practical examples to impart values and beliefs in a loving and effective way. 

In this episode, host Sara Blau speaks with Shlucha to the Golan Heights, Mrs. Devorah Hertzel. Listen as she recounts personal anecdotes from her family and shlichus, as well as her story of challenges and trials. Get inspired as she speaks of the strength and Bitachon she acquired through her journey and what brought her through some of the darkest times.

In this episode, money coach and host of the award-winning podcast, Jewish Money Matters, Yael Trusch, joins Sara Blau to discuss all things money and morals. Yael shares personal and professional experiences as well as tips for finances and budgeting for the average frum lifestyle. Listen as she discusses the importance of aligning your spending habits with your true value system and get inspired as she speaks about how to give over a healthy and Yiddishe perspective on money to the next generation. 

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 this episode, experienced parenting mentor and Kallah teacher, Mrs. Frumie Piekarski, joins host Sara Blau to discuss all things parenting and motherhood. Get inspired as Mrs. Piekarski shares stories from working with parents who are seeking guidance and how she helps them to find their own strengths, as well as those of their children. Listen as she discusses the importance of meaning and authentic Ruchniyus in the lives of children, as well as other tried and true tools that have helped the many parents that  she has worked with. 

In the exciting first episode of The Optimizing Mothers podcast, host Sara Blau is joined by experienced mother and educator, Mrs. Dinie Rapoport. Listen to Mrs. Rapoport emphasize the impact of teachable moments by sharing stories from her childhood and her experience as a preschool teacher. She introduces techniques by which to facilitate teachable moments such as big picture mindset, mindfulness, and “flexible consistency”. This episode discussed how to bring happiness and excitement to Yiddishkeit and the home.

The Optimizing Mothers Podcast is here to optimize the chinuch of our daughters by inspiring, uniting and celebrating the foundations of Bais Rivkah's families.    This podcast is a branch of the BRANCHES INITIATIVE by Bais Rivkah School.   Sara Blau,a mother like you will  lead you on a journey that's focused on optimizing everything you are already doing and making it better.    Enjoy both interview and solo style episodes.   For more info on this initiative, go to: bethrivkah.edu/branches bethrivkah.edu/brpodcast