Jam with us at a local studio hotspot for a Passover sing-a-long led by Vanessa Ressler – tot mom extraordinaire and certified Music Together instructor.  Hum and drum along to popular Jewish songs and fun Passover tunes to get ready and celebrate the upcoming festival.

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 at 10:00am
Location: Miami Children’s Music Inc in Midtown

I admit it: I allow my 16-month old to use my iPhone.  I figure if she’s going to use my tech gadgets, I should at least have some apps that are age appropriate or educational.  Here’s my top 5 list:

5. Shofar : a blast of high holiday trumpeting at your fingertips (note: fun in moderation!)  Free.
4. Jewish & Me Matching : a matching and memory game with Jewish themed cards.  Best for older tots.  99 cents.
3. Signing Time Lite : playful illustrations and videos of fun words in sign language.  Free.
2. Dreidel Tap: race to clear the flying dreidel toys by tapping each one.  Hard to master, but entertaining. Free.
1. Sing-a-ma-jigs: just like the popular toy, it provides one musical note at a time by touch.  Free.

Bonus: Wonder how much time until Passover? The Jewish Days app lists the date of (and countdown to) upcoming Jewish holidays.  Quick and easy!  99 cents.

It turns our parenting is a hot button issue of the first order!  Parenting is the toughest job a person will ever have, and yet most of us receive no formal training, no manuals, no mentors – other than our own parents.

In Chua’s book, she refers (occasionally) to her Jewish husband who was raised in a permissive Jewish home.  In a WSJ article entitled:  “In Defense of the Guilty, Ambivalent, Preoccupied Western Mom,” (1/15) Jewish mother, Ayelet Waldman, responds to Chua.  She admits to allowing everything that’s forbidden to Chua’s children:  sleepovers, playing on the computer, quitting music lessons, etc.

So who’s right?

Perhaps the thing which most offended people across America who read the article, was Chua’s self righteousness tone.  For most of us, parenting is a most humbling task.  Each of my 3 daughters has tested me, taught me, and humbled me.  Parenting is a series of best intentions, trial and error, triumphs and heartache.  It’s doing things we swore we would never do because we didn’t know any better when we swore it.

As for me, I still don’t have it right but I keep trying.  I bought Chua’s book to see if I could learn a thing or two.  If there’s anyone else out there who wants to talk about this, I’m hosting a discussion on Monday, March 7^th at 7:30 p.m.  You can rsvp to share@theopentent.org and I’ll tell you where we’re meeting.  I think there’s a lot we can learn from each other — as long as we realize there’s no one “right” way.  Indulgent vs. Militant?  How about somewhere in the middle?

My husband and I thought about planting a tree when our daughter was born. It seemed like a beautiful idea. But, we didn’t quite get around to it. Maybe for her next birthday. I recently watched a 4-minute cartoon video that tells the story behind this lovely custom of planting trees for the next generation — check it out.

There’s also a Jewish holiday marking the birthday of trees — it’s called Tu B’Shevat. Join the Open Tent for a celebration of trees. My 14-month-old daughter loves dried and fresh tree fruits, so I know that she’ll enjoy the yummy treats and juices (it’s all about moderation!). Personally, I’m looking forward to taking part in planting herbs in tot-sized planters that we’ll be able to take home with us. Since we’ll be having fun with dirt, our little girl will be dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. ;)

The event is this Sunday, January 16th at 10:00am at Maurice Gibb Park (18th Street and Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach). There’s also great playground equipment at this bayside park, including a tire swing. There’s something for every member of your family. Click here to RSVP – see you there…!

Date and Location: Sunday, December 5th, 2010
10:30AM- Chanukah Story-time at Books and Books in Coral Gables, 265 Aragon Avenue.

12:30PM-Chanukah Story-time at Books and Books in Bal Harbour, 9700 Collins Avenue.

Families are invited to attend a Chanukah Celebration hosted by The Open Tent, The PJ Library and Miami Munchkins.  Enjoy a special Chanukah Story-time, make Chanukah candles and have great fun with your family at two different Books and Books locations.

In just three weeks it’ll be Chanukah (beginning Wednesday night, December 1st until December 9th.)  Looking for fun activities to share with your family this year?  I’ll be shopping at my favorite online Jewish educational toy company for Chanukah art and craft supplies.  Every year, I go online for a refresher on how to light and bless the menorah.

We’re definitely looking forward to local events, too.  On Sunday, December 5th, our family will be heading to Books & Books for Chanukah storytime and entertainment.  There are two opportunities for the Tops, Tots, and Tales program: 10:30am at the Coral Gables store (265 Aragon Avenue) and 12:30pm at the Bal Harbour store (9700 Collins Avenue. Since we live in Miami Beach between the two, maybe we’ll go to both! The celebration is hosted by three of our favorite community resources: Shalom Tots, PJ Library, and Miami Munchkins. Then, admittedly, we’ll probably indulge in some oil-fried doughnuts at our local (and kosher!) Dunkin’ Donuts on 41st Street.

Speaking of fried foods, now I’m off to find a potato latke recipe.  Enjoy this Festival of Lights with your children, family, and friends.