I have one child this morning who didn't want to get up. He didn't want to go school. It's too hard for him he moaned, "Mommy, I can't. I can't stay a whole day." He started to cry.

Yesterday was, after six months, the first of a real whole day back at school. Not a part day, not a half day, a whole day.  I felt like dancing up and down for joy that at last he's back and here he's crying that he can't go.

I felt helpless. And I am, because I can't control him nor control how he feels. And really, I am not surprised that this child reacted this way. 

It's actually quite normal.

So what did I do? What could I do?

I wanted to cry. I didn't. I wanted to yell.
I didn't.

What did I do?

I empathized. "I know it's hard bubbaleh. It's a long day. You are right, it's not easy. But you can do it."

He cried, "I can't!"

"You can. I know you can. I believe in you."  I squeezed his shoulder and caressed his face and then I walked out of the room. 

It took every single ounce of will power that I had to just walk out and let him decide what to do. Extreme will power to let go and keep going getting myself and everyone else out the door. Extreme will power to believe that he would get himself up and dressed and out the door.

We waited for the bus to come and then I saw him coming up the stairs.

Now what? 

I showered him with praise and encouragement. I gave him a blessing and I asked him, "Is there something that I can do for you when you come home that will make this easier?"  

I'm all for making this easier. Why? Because I am telling you, if you want your challlah dough to rise and grow you need to put the yeast near the honey/sugar and not the salt. 

I know that this is hard for you. It's a test and it's difficult.But you can do it. I believe in you.

Add some honey to the equation and bs'D (with Heavenly Assistance) it will get better. 

You'll make it through. You'll do great. You'll grow.