I have been a fan of Oprah for many years. I, along with millions of other viewers, have watched her over the years through highs and lows in her weight, multiple hairstyles and fashions, and even the “beef crisis” in Amarillo, Texas, and now I listen to her and her friends on XM radio. I particularly enjoy Dr. Robin, Jean Chatsky, Nate Berkus, and Mehmet Oz…and now, Rabbi Shmuley. His program on XM is described as having “a focus on marriage, parenting, relationships, & family dynamics.” The rabbi’s show has only been on the air for a few days and I had a chance to listen today. I like what he had to say about parenting. Rabbi Shmuley said that a parent’s job is to inspire curiosity in his/her kids. What exactly does that mean? Well, he talked about going through his day as any typical person might but all the while thinking, “What can I take from this to talk about with my kids?” Many kids have become numb, he said, because they are bored senseless. Parents have not inspired them to experience the world around them, to be curious about things. He said he tells his own children to not worry so much about grades but instead, to ask good questions in class (i.e. to be curious). I like this idea in theory, but I believe kids can ask good questions, and be curious, while also making good grades. Shmuley also talked about parents needing to expose their kids to things to increase their curiosity such as museums – and might I add: nature centers, the outdoors, a zoo, a science museum, a concert, a walk in the neighborhood or along the beach…
I think what Rabbi Shmuley has to say is worth listening to…now that I’m curious too.
