The Parenting Wisdom

Efrat Amira

The Parenting Wisdom Podcast is a place where we explore parenting from a truly holistic perspective. I believe that a wise parent is one who asks questions, keeps an open mind, and also trusts their deep inner knowing. Here, we integrate insights from psychology, sociology, holistic medicine, child development science, philosophy, and ancient wisdom. Because there is no single “right” way to parent — each of us is unique, and every child is a unique soul. The guiding principle of The Parenting Wisdom Podcast is that parents are their children’s leaders. And as leaders, we must be both humble and courageous as we raise children who will grow into independent, resilient, and fulfilled human beings — ready to share their unique gifts and live lives of meaning and purpose. We believe that our children are strong and capable, and that challenges are part of their growth. Our role is to let them face those challenges while remaining their safe haven — the steady presence they can always count on, no matter what.

  1. 1D AGO

    How to Trust Yourself Again: Reclaiming Confidence in Parenting

    👉 Join The Parenting Wisdom Community FB group for weekly Parenting Q&A:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17mDYDmSNa/Why did we stop trusting our instincts? In an era of "over-parenting" and endless expert advice, many parents feel overwhelmed and under-qualified. In this episode, parenting coach Efrat Amira breaks down the 10 modern beliefs that are quietly killing your confidence and preventing you from leading your family.Whether you're struggling with a defiant 12-year-old or a 7-year-old who won't help around the house, the "secret" isn't a new technique—it’s a mindset shift. Efrat integrates ancient wisdom with modern reality to help you move from being a negotiator to a "benevolent leader."Key Beliefs We Deconstruct Today:1. The Fragility Myth: Why your child actually needs challenges to grow.2. The "Good vs. Bad Parent" Trap: Letting go of the "idealized" model of parenting.3. Equality vs. Hierarchy: Why a family is not a democracy (and why that's okay).4. The Rousseau Fallacy: Understanding that children are born with potential, not perfection.5. Freedom vs. Chaos: Why boundaries are the ultimate source of safety.6. The Moral Compass: Using your own values as your North Star.7. Child-Centric Living: Why making your child the center of the universe does them a disservice.8.The Emotion Trap: Why you don’t need to "embrace" negative behavior to show love.9. The Blame Game: Teaching your child that they always have a choice in how they behave.10. The Fixer Mentality: Why "outsourcing" your authority to experts might be stalling your child's growth.00:00 Overcoming Parental Doubt03:07 Beliefs That Undermine Parental Confidence05:52 The Hierarchical Family Structure08:53 Rethinking Freedom and Boundaries12:11 Moral Foundations in Parenting15:09 The Child-Centric Society18:08 Embracing Emotions and Accountability20:42 Empowering Children Through ChallengesResources & Links[FREE DOWNLOAD] The Values Worksheet: Stop setting arbitrary rules. Use this guide to identify your top 10 values and create a clear moral foundation for your home. https://www.efratamira.com/valuesJoin the ConversationWhich of the 10 beliefs mentioned today do you struggle with the most? Does your 7-13 year old respond better when you lead from a place of calm authority? Let me know in the comments below!Subscribe for weekly episodes on parenting with ancient wisdom and modern confidence!👉 Join my newsletter to receive weekly parenting insights and updates here: https://www.efratamira.com/newsletter👉 The Parenting Wisdom Website: https://www.efratamira.com/

    21 min
  2. 5D AGO

    10 Parenting Strategies for ADHD Symptoms: What to Do Before the Diagnosis

    👉 Join The Parenting Wisdom Community FB group for weekly Parenting Q&A:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17mDYDmSNa/👉 Join my newsletter to receive weekly parenting insights and updates here: https://www.efratamira.com/newsletter👉 The Parenting Wisdom Website: https://www.efratamira.com/The ADHD label is being thrown around faster than ever before. Behaviors that were once considered a normal part of childhood—especially for high-energy boys—are quickly pathologized and medicated. But are we invited to have the conversation about the long-term implications of these drugs?In this episode, parenting coach and mom of three, Efrat Amira, explores why we should be wary of turning curious, energetic children into compliant versions of themselves just to fit a classroom mold. Efrat unpacks the physiological dependency risks of ADHD medications and offers 10 practical, parent-driven strategies to implement before considering a medical diagnosis or prescription.In this episode, you’ll discover:The "Label" Trap: How a diagnosis changes the way you see your child’s normal behavior.The Medication Side Effect Loop: Why Ritalin often leads to a "cocktail" of anxiety and depression meds.10 Strategies for Success: From "Dopamine Spikes" on screens to the power of "Primal" outdoor play.The Role of Responsibility: Why "ADHD brains" often find focus when given real leadership roles.Education vs. Medication: How to advocate for your child within the traditional school system.Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 Understanding ADHD and Its Mislabeling02:53 The Impact of Medication on Children03:28 Strategy 1: Drop the Label. Try the "Normalcy" experiment04:36 Strategy 2: Diet. Is it ADHD or a sugar crash?05:38 Strategy 3: Screen time and Dopamine spikes.07:47 Strategy 4 & 5: The healing power of outdoor play and the "Sleep Deprivation" mask.09:36 Strategy 6: Structure without micromanaging.10:33 Strategy 7 & 8: Giving your child a role and real responsibility.11:40 Strategy 9: Micro-schools and alternative learning environments.13:21 Strategy 10: Educating teachers on how to handle "wigglers."15:04 What to do if symptoms persist (Mold, Lyme, and Pans/Pandas).The 10 Strategies at a Glance1. Drop the Label: Reframe behavior as "normal" for 30 days.2. Watch the Diet: Cut sugar and dyes; increase protein and healthy fats.3. Limit Screen Time: Avoid dopamine spikes and "digital soothing."4. Outdoor Play: Use nature to naturally lower aggression and boost focus.5. Prioritize Sleep: Ensure your child hits the age-appropriate hourly requirements.6. Create Structure: Build a predictable daily rhythm.7. Give Responsibility: Assign meaningful tasks (like pet care).8. Assign a Role: Put them in a leadership position (e.g., "Morning Manager").9. Alternative Schooling: Look into micro-schools or forest schools.10. Teacher Advocacy: Work with teachers to allow movement in the classroom.Resources & CommunityJoin the Parenting Wisdom Community: Get daily guidance and exclusive workshops: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17mDYDmSNa/Micro-School Interviews: https://youtu.be/uqzlraj_dmc?si=LMw_SYEU830-YSb3https://open.spotify.com/episode/0gUBwbqrCRWUDfPohSE4oR?si=fwkaFMbZQ1a8ATtg8eDybAhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/634b4s40Qo3g6QUSRyQYul?si=L1d2E6_yTWW8UmWJ0yft1gRelated Episode: [Interview with Jill Christa on Mold/Lyme and ADHD symptoms]Join the Conversation: Which of these 10 strategies are you going to implement this week? Let us know in the comments below!

    16 min
  3. 5D AGO

    Small Talk Feels Awkward with kids Because You’re Focused on the Wrong Thing

    👉 Join The Parenting Wisdom Community FB group to continue the conversation:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17mDYDmSNa/👉 Join my newsletter to receive weekly parenting insights and updates here: https://www.efratamira.com/newsletterIs your child truly an introvert, or are they struggling with social anxiety? Many parents try to help a shy child by pushing them to be more "outgoing," but this often feels like a threat rather than a solution.In this episode, parenting expert and mom of three, Efrat Amira, breaks down the biological and psychological difference between being quiet and being anxious. You’ll learn why the "self-centered" culture of social media is making social anxiety worse for the next generation and—most importantly—the simple, incremental strategy to help your child shift their focus from themselves to others.In this episode, you’ll discover:* The Introvert vs. Social Anxiety Distinction: Why "quiet" is a trait, but "anxious" is a state of mind.* The Spotlight Effect: How self-centered thoughts ("How do I look?") create a prison for children.* The Antidote to Shyness: Why curiosity is the fastest way to build real social confidence.* Small Wins: Incremental steps (like ordering at a restaurant) that build the "bravery muscle."* The "Center of the Home" Trap: Why over-focusing on our kids' feelings might actually be making them more anxious.Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 Understanding Shyness and Introversion03:08 The Impact of Social Media on Social Skills05:57 Distinguishing Social Anxiety from Introversion10:01 Overcoming Social Anxiety: Shifting Focus13:29 Encouraging Empathy and Curiosity in ChildrenMemorable Quotes"Social confidence isn't about being loud; it's about being curious.""Social anxiety comes from focusing my thoughts on myself in the moment. It’s like the spotlight is on me, and that situation is always anxiety-provoking."Join the Conversation: What is one small step you can take today to help your child overcome social anxiety? Let us know in the comments below!

    8 min
  4. FEB 5

    Your Child Isn’t Motivated? Don’t Push—Do This

    👉 Join The Parenting Wisdom Community FB group to continue the conversation:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17mDYDmSNa/👉 Join my newsletter to receive weekly parenting insights and updates here: https://www.efratamira.com/newsletterIs your child "lazy," or is something else going on? In this episode, parenting coach Efrat Amira deconstructs the myth of the unmotivated child. If you’re tired of the constant nagging, bribing, and power struggles over homework, chores, and screen time, this episode offers a refreshing, ancient-wisdom-inspired framework to help your child find their inner drive.Efrat breaks down the five primary killers of motivation in modern children and provides practical, actionable steps to shift the responsibility back to the child—allowing them to develop a true sense of agency and purpose.In this episode, you’ll learn:* Why "doing everything" for your child is actually destroying their motivation.* The concept of Agency and how to effectively hand over responsibility without feeling like you're "giving up."* How to shift a child’s mindset from "What’s in it for me?" to "What can I contribute?"* The surprising benefit of "depriving" your children of instant gratification.* How to connect your child to a sense of meaning through family narrative and tradition.Chapters:00:00 Understanding Children's Lack of Motivation00:52 How Lack of Motivation Looks Like01:07 5 Reasons Children Lose Motivation01:29 The Power of Agency: Letting Go of Control03:07 The Role of Responsibility in Motivation04:10 From Self-Centeredness to Contribution06:56 The "Easy Life" Trap08:45 Connecting to Meaning and Narrative10:12 Impact and Leadership

    12 min
  5. FEB 4

    How To Never Get Angry Or Bothered By Your Kids

    👉 Join The Parenting Wisdom Community FB group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17mDYDmSNa/ 👉 Join my newsletter to receive weekly parenting insights and updates here: https://www.efratamira.com/newsletter Do your kids constantly push your buttons, leaving you feeling angry, guilty, anxious, or overwhelmed? You’re not alone — and more importantly, there’s a real reason this keeps happening. In this episode, parenting coach Efrat Amira breaks down why parents get triggered by their children and shares one powerful mindset shift that can help you stay calm, grounded, and connected — even in the middle of emotional chaos. Drawing from ancient wisdom and modern insights, you’ll learn how to separate who your child is from what they’re feeling, how your internal story fuels emotional reactions, and how to remain a steady authority without disconnecting from your child. By the end of this video, you’ll understand: * Why your child’s emotions aren’t the problem * Why your reactions come from your story, not their behavior * How to stop taking your child’s emotions personally * How to stay calm under pressure while maintaining leadership * How to guide your child through emotions without losing yourself This episode is for parents who want to: ✔ Stop yelling and reacting ✔ Feel confident and grounded in tough moments ✔ Stay emotionally connected while holding boundaries ✔ Raise emotionally resilient children Books referred to in this episode: * The Art of Elevation (Dr. Yehiel Harari) – Cultivating higher thinking, purpose, and perspective in parenting- (Available currently in Hebrew Only) * Winning Every Moment (Dr. Yehiel Harari)- Soul Conversations with the Baal HaTanya 00:00 Intro 00:43 Why Your Kids Trigger You So Much 01:35 The Stories We Tell Ourselves as Parents 02:36 Where Do Negative Emotions Come From? 03:24 You Are Not Your Emotions (And Neither Is Your Child) 04:01 What’s Actually True When Your Child Melts Down 04:36 How to Change Your Emotional State in Real Time 05:42 The Parenting Wisdom Community 06:37 First Step- Distinction Between The Emotions and The Self 07:13 Life is About Winning Every Moment

    10 min
  6. How to Change Your Child’s Behavior_ Start With Building Character

    12/24/2025

    How to Change Your Child’s Behavior_ Start With Building Character

    n this episode, Efrat Amira introduces a powerful shift inspired by The Art of Elevation by Yechiel Harari: our role as parents is not just to manage behavior, but to elevate our children. Rather than reacting moment to moment, we’re invited to help our children see the good already within them—their potential, strength, and capacity for growth—while gently refining the traits that pull them off course. What You’ll Learn Why modern parenting struggles with character formation How Western thought (influenced by Rousseau) views children as inherently perfect—and why that makes discipline confusing A Jewish wisdom perspective on human nature: potential, not perfection The idea of two inner forces—self-centered instincts and higher values—and how they show up in kids Why character traits aren’t “good” or “bad,” but need balance and refinement How strong traits like confidence, assertiveness, or cheerfulness can become destructive if unbalanced What Avodat Hamidot (character work) means in everyday parenting Why changing perspective leads to emotional health—and better behavior over time The Big Idea When we help our children expand their perspective—rather than just correcting actions—their emotions shift, their behavior follows, and their character strengthens. This is how we raise children who don’t just behave well, but become well. If you found this episode helpful, be sure to check out the next video on the real roots of anxiety and depression in children and teens. 00:00 Elevating Parenting: A New Perspective 04:05 Understanding Children's Nature: The Dual Souls 08:07 Character Traits: Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses 👉 Eliminate Yelling And Stess At Home. Get Your Free Guide HERE: https://www.efratamira.com/calmparent 👉Explore public, private, homeschool, and unschooling with fresh perspective. Access Your Guide Here: https://www.efratamira.com/backtoschool 👉 Join My newsletter to recieve weekly parenting insights and updates here: ht

    12 min
  7. Anxiety and Depression in Kids: The Root Cause No One Talks About  (And the Way To Fix It)

    12/09/2025

    Anxiety and Depression in Kids: The Root Cause No One Talks About (And the Way To Fix It)

    Today’s episode looks at anxiety and depression in a way most parenting conversations don’t. Even with more therapists, resources, and awareness than ever, kids are struggling at higher rates — which means the current approach is missing something essential. In this episode, we explore a deeper lens: meaning, purpose, and responsibility, based on Logotherapy and beautifully supported by Jewish wisdom about human identity. You’ll learn why many kids today feel empty, overwhelmed, or unmotivated — and what they’re really signaling beneath the surface.  In This Episode, You’ll Learn:  Why the psychological approach alone isn’t enough We cover the traditional view of anxiety and depression: * nervous system dysregulation * learned patterns * attachment wounds * developmental factors All important — but incomplete.  The “Existential Vacuum” and why so many kids feel lost You’ll learn how: * life has become *too easy* for kids * challenges that once built resilience are gone * kids lack belonging, identity, and purpose * peers and social media offer shallow connection This vacuum is at the root of many emotional struggles.  pathways to meaning (based on Jewish wisdom teachings) These four qualities define human identity and are essential for mental well-being:  1. Growth Kids need to feel themselves getting stronger and more capable. Examples: * doing hard things * practicing skills * facing fears * managing frustration * completing tasks without rescue 2.  Productivity We feel meaningful when we contribute and create. Examples: * chores * helping cook * taking care of a pet * building, crafting, gardening * having real responsibilities at home 3.  Helping Others Kids feel powerful when they know they make life better for someone else. Examples: * helping a sibling * calling grandparents * volunteering * donating toys * small daily acts of kindness 4. Genuine Relationships Kids need deep, real connection — not the superficial kind offered by screens. Examples: * family rituals * one-on-one time * communication repair * sharing family stories * playdates without screens Instead of seeing symptoms as “problems,” you’ll learn to hear your child saying: * “I need to grow.” * “I need to matter.” * “I need to contribute.” * “I need connection.” This shift empowers you to lead your home with purpose and clarity.  Key Takeaway Kids don’t just need to feel good They need to do good Meaning — not comfort — is what builds resilience, confidence, and emotional strength. 👉 Eliminate Yelling And Stess At Home. Get Your Free Guide HERE: https://www.efratamira.com/calmparent 👉Explore public, private, homeschool, and unschooling with fresh perspective. Access Your Guide Here: https://www.efratamira.com/backtoschool 👉 Join My newsletter to recieve weekly parenting insights and updates here: ht

    13 min
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Parenting Wisdom Podcast is a place where we explore parenting from a truly holistic perspective. I believe that a wise parent is one who asks questions, keeps an open mind, and also trusts their deep inner knowing. Here, we integrate insights from psychology, sociology, holistic medicine, child development science, philosophy, and ancient wisdom. Because there is no single “right” way to parent — each of us is unique, and every child is a unique soul. The guiding principle of The Parenting Wisdom Podcast is that parents are their children’s leaders. And as leaders, we must be both humble and courageous as we raise children who will grow into independent, resilient, and fulfilled human beings — ready to share their unique gifts and live lives of meaning and purpose. We believe that our children are strong and capable, and that challenges are part of their growth. Our role is to let them face those challenges while remaining their safe haven — the steady presence they can always count on, no matter what.