Top 10 Ways to Celebrate in June

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News You Can Use

June 2011

In This Issue

	Shavuot Petting Zoo: Sunday!
	How to Talk So Kids Will Listen
	June PJ Library Books
	PJ Shavuot Central
	Reviews, Interviews & More
	Community Calendar
	PJ Library Cincinnati Contacts

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Greetings!

Next up on the Jewish calendar is harvest time. Shavuot was originally an ancient harvest festival, and it is now celebrated as the time when the Torah was given on Mount Sinai. Shavuot begins the evening of Tuesday, June 7.

The Torah actually contains a list of 613 commandments. These have been summarized into 10 categories commonly known as the 10 Commandments. Shavuot offers an opportunity for you to teach some of the concepts of the 10 Commandments as well as understand the importance of ways in which rules can guide us through life's confusing influx of information and opinions. I recommend you to take a few minutes to compose a fun, but meaningful list of

Top 10 Rules for Your Family -- My Family Rules might be:

Treat everyone with respect.
Try not to wake a sleeping child (or parent).
It's ok to make mistakes.
Fairness is a goal that cannot always be achieved.
Happiness is important, but understanding boundaries is a must (aka, it's ok to say "No").
Honesty is best... parents will usually know if their child is lying.
Safety first.
Don't keep secrets from parents.
Clean bodies help the house smell better - aka you can't skip your bath when it's needed.
Everyone's voice should be heard, but parents are empowered to make the final decisions.

I will talk with my children about their ideas. I'm guessing they may differ from mine. Enjoy checking out Cincinnati's Shavuot family celebrations (listed below) as well as PJ Shavuot books and recommended enrichment activities.

Linda Kean

Co-Coordinator, PJ Library Cincinnati

There is still time to share your interests and opinion as we plan for future programs:

Take PJ Library Cincinnati Family Survey

Shavuot Petting Zoo at the J_________

10 Ways To Talk So That Children Will Listen

by Erin McNew, Jewish Family Service Parenting Educator

1. Connect before you direct: get your child's attention by getting in front of him, at his level. Make eye contact, say his name and put a gentle hand on his shoulder. This is to ensure he is listening to you, and not distracted by other things!

2. Keep it short and simple: whether you are correcting behavior ("you must walk in the store -- running is not allowed") or giving instructions ("now it's time to brush your teeth").

3. Have your child repeat the request back to you.

4. Be positive: tell kids what they can do, instead of what they can't ("use your regular voice inside -- shouting is for outside").

5. Use age-appropriate language: younger children need simpler instructions.

June Books from PJ Library