The dream of every mother is to be calm, organized and get to the finish line (Seder) in the best form possible.
Yet somehow we end up settling for ‘survival mode’, barely holding head above water in the storm of tension, arguments, and stress surrounding the Pesach preps.
Maneuvering Pesach cleaning and organizing can get *overwhelming*.
Well, that’s not new… It would probably be spot-on to say that parents are pretty overwhelmed year round.
So ‘ma nishtana’? What makes this different from any other time of the year?
Pesach is a celebration of the transition from slavery to freedom. Despite the fact that it occurred thousands of years ago, we continue to commemorate, and in each generation are directed to see ourselves as having personally been delivered from slavery to freedom.
Most of us today don’t experience slavery per se. We are basically free to live our lives how, where, and with whom we choose to do so.
So how is the concept of transition from slavery to freedom relevant to us? How can we identify with the concept?
By understanding the essence of slavery.
Being enslaved = not having control.
Feeling overwhelmed is a classic example of being out of control.
Thereby it can be called a form of slavery.
Can we as parents free ourselves from the ‘overwhelmed’ status?
The answer to that is YES!
The first step is the realization* that parents today are enslaved to preconceived notions and misconceptions about the relationships between parents and children. Many of these mantras give us low expectations of ourselves as well as of our children, pre Pesach and all year round. It’s just that Pesach takes it up a notch.
It doesn’t have to be like that!
The essence of being a parent is to lead.
Leaders are not enslaved.
Leaders are not overwhelmed.
The key is letting go of the shackles of doubt and guilt. That’s in your hands.
You are free to fly high. The sky’s the limit.
For you and for your children.
That’s freedom. That’s empowering.
That’s how it should be.
Questions and comments are welcome at 050-7710804