Rav Berkovits discusses the general topic of life challenges by first giving us a framework for understanding the nature of different tests in our lives, and then delves into how each challenge is customized specifically for you. Hear the simple first courageous steps it takes to start facing them.
In truth, life couldn't be any better than it already is for each individual. Hashem gives each of us the specific tools and tests we need to fulfill our individual mission. When we can grasp the profundity of this concept then we will realize how even a 'special' neshama is truly living in their best of all possible worlds.
It seems beyond the abilities of human beings to be able to bless Hashem for the bad just as we bless Him for the good. Is this something feasible for us to consider? Rebbetzin Koplovits posits that we can. When we try our best to serve Hashem as best we can with the tools we're given, we can achieve happiness even without perfection. Get used to serving Hashem the right way, and apply them to the new circumstances that come our way.
Parents who have special children often suffer from guilt or anger. Hear many statements from Gedolim that prove how giving birth to a special child has nothing to do with previous mistakes. Rebbetzin Kalmanovitz describes how rarified the neshamos of these children are, and how truly close they are to the perfection we hope for them.
Rabbi Leff devotes this 'how-to primer' to parents of special-needs children. One unforeseen challenge that parents face is how to educate and inspire their other children to the sudden change of roles. Hear helpful language to allay many concerns a sibling may feel such as; explaining the extra parental care needed for special children; enlisting siblings to pitch in; explaining why Hashem created this family situation; and finally, dealing with the inevitable social reactions outsiders are likely to present.
Rabbi Leff explains simply and carefully to an audience of children (and their parents) why Hashem created the body, the soul, life after life, and why everyone is truly unique. With clear parables Rabbi Leff inspires children to be proud of themselves, and to recognize their ability to conquer their own problems.
The struggles parents face with their children are varied. Rabbi Orlofsky's humor is evident, as always as he describes some of the problems kids throw our way. We often don't realize how strongly we project our sense of selves onto our children. To truly reach them, we must first understand who we are, and touch ourselves.
Even if the entire circle of your acquaintances speak English, can ideas that are voiced still be totally misunderstood? Dr. Shulem outlines sensible ways to communicate so that everyone is understood, and offers proven ways to get everyone that is involved onto the same page.
We will be asked how hard we worked to bring children into the world, but we will not be asked how hard we pushed them to achieve certain goals. Hashem is in charge of the children we've been sent, and how much they will accomplish in their lives. Hear what our job as messengers is all about.
Parents of special children have a powerful need to still feel like a part of the society they belonged to before this new blessing and challenge entered their lives. Special needs children also have a strong desire to feel normal. Mothers need encouragement to set limits for their child in order to maintain control and a semblance of routine in the home. Also discussed is the importance of not speaking about special children in front of them, despite the doubt that they understand what is being said.