Parenting Advice from 9 Commandments



If you count the 10 commandments, you'll find that there are only 9.  The first commandment, "I am Hashem your G-d who took you out of Egypt", there is nothing being commanded.  It's really more of a statement.  Maybe that's why a more correct translation of עשרת הדברות might be "The Ten Statements".

There's an amazing parenting (and general relationships) lesson in this, however, which makes a huge difference in conversations.  Many times, parents find themselves saying things like "You must do this", "Because I said so" or "You're not allowed to do this".

The first commandment is not, "You must believe in one G-d".  It is a statement:  "I am Hashem your G-d".  It's a fact, and it's so true, that I don't even have to command you to do anything.

Try "We don't do this" instead of "You're not allowed.  Try "This is how we do things in our house" instead of "You have to do this".

This is something that can totally changed the narrative in my house, and I hope that you'll find it useful and meaningful too.

Have a wonderful Yontef,

Rabbi Abrams 

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