Dear Amudim Family,

Yom tov – a word that conjures warm and happy emotions. Extended families come together to enjoy each other’s company, and parents who often have to juggle their work and family obligations are able to devote their full attention to their children.

Yet, for some children, the word “yom tov” strikes a sense of fear and dread. In more homes than we would like to believe, there are situations that involve family, extended family and friends who cross boundaries that lead to tragic outcomes. Although we remain vigilant as parents, we are only human and simply can’t be everywhere all the time. The answer then is to educate our children in understanding what is considered a healthy and acceptable relationship and what is a red-flag situation that should be sending them to a trusted adult. Although most families might not have to deal with this unfortunate possibility, it still behooves every parent to create a safe yom tov atmosphere where all are comfortable. Education is simply the most potent weapon in our arsenal to keep our children safe.

Where do I go from here?

A parent’s sentiment: “This is an important discussion to have with my children, yet I am stuck trying to find the right words that can educate my family and make them feel safe without causing any alarm or having them become suspicious of all the adults in their lives. I want to say it in a language they will understand and give them the reassurance that they can always come to me with any and all concerns they may have.”

Darcheinu is a Social and Emotional Learning curriculum for middle and high school students, currently being taught in many Yeshivos, Bais Yaakovs and day schools throughout the United States and beyond. The Darcheinu Curriculum focuses on many aspects of healthy living: including relationships, peer pressure, emotion regulation, communication skills, coping strategies, and more. Darcheinu is committed to educating our precious children on how to have a healthy emotional outlook as they navigate the sometimes confusing world in which we live. It is for that reason that the team at Darcheinu has decided to move beyond the classroom and offer a critical resource that can help educate parents and give them the tools to have this potentially life-saving conversation with their children.
Please click here to download our FREE Resource: Healthy Boundaries: A Safety Talk with Our Pre-Teen and Teenage Children, and take the time to study this pamphlet and then have that discussion with your family. We owe it to our children, and they are counting on us.

If you or someone you know is struggling, contact us anytime.
You are not alone.

*Names and details have been changed for privacy purposes.