Mamaleh Knows Best: What Jewish Mothers Do to Raise Successful, Creative, Empathetic, Independent Children

In this insightful and humorous guide to being a better parent, Ingall, a columnist for Tablet magazine who grew up Conservative, attended an Orthodox day school, and married a Reform Jew, draws on her own experience as a mother, as well as a plethora of Jewish and secular sources, to create a highly readable parenting manual that takes into account just about every issue a parent might encounter. Ingall begins by explaining the history of the stereotypical Jewish mamaleh and her age-old wisdom, and goes on to tackle topics such as maintaining discipline, distrusting authority , and emphasizing education without fetishizing it. The ultimate goal is "to keep our kids from becoming schmucks" and raise "self-sufficient, ethical, and accomplished kids." Yiddish words are thrown around (a glossary at the end will help) as she performs a comedy routine that is full of chutzpah and pizzazz. Ingall implores parents to be firm and sincere, and help their children create meaning in their lives. Ingall's engaging guide will help parents, Jewish or not, navigate the jagged terrain of child-rearing with a hearty dose of confidence and laughter. (Aug.)