BS’D
Rebbe Chaim m’Santz ztk’l expounds: Parenting our children during these times is compared to Akeidat Yitzchok. On one hand we’re committed to kavod Shamayim; bestowing honor to Hashem by performing an Akeidat Yitzchok. On the other hand, “I don’t want to lose my son.” The not-so-simple nor one-sided answer is to strive to ‘win’ our son back with a great deal of love, empathy and understanding. These are great battles they are fighting and they need tremendous help in fighting the tumah of this world.
Their nefesh is enslaved by worldly temptations. Particularly if this occurs to a young teenage child we should understand they are not following their da’at, but are enveloped in physical enticement. Essentially what we understand from this is, they did not ‘choose’ to weaken their connection with Torah but it is a tikkun (spiritual rectification) their soul needs to go through. Criticizing and putting them down will not help. Love and acceptance will. We should strive to explain to them that we are in this battle; some on the front line and some in the camp… but every moment towards kedusha is beloved and treasured by Hashem.
Feel and heal exercise of the day:
Begin to relate to your child in a different matter today – through a level of understanding that he/she too is fighting their own battle and looking to win over the enemy. He/she is still fighting, the battle is not over.
