Customer Reviews

Can I Have a Cell Phone for Hanukkah?: The Essential Scoop on Raising Modern Jewish Kids

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I am not a big reader of parenting books, but my mother-in-law is always clipping Sharon Estroff articles from the Jewish Journal and sending them to us. So when I heard about this book I figured I'd pick up a copy to give her something to read while she's in town next week.

I started leafing through it and it was actually pretty hilarious. Estroff seems to have a knack for describing even the most common everyday events in clever and colorful ways. And her advice is spot-on, as far as I can tell with my kids at ages 6 and 9. Certainly it is directed toward Jewish families, but the advice seems common-sense and broadly applicable.

All in all, it was an entertaining read and I may have actually taken away some useful tips for my kids.

And hopefully Estroff will eventually get around to writing a book on Modern Jewish Wives-- "Can I Have a Diamond Necklace for Hanukkah?" I would be first in line for that one!

We got a copy of this for Hanukkah from my parents (who are grandparents of a LOT of Jewish kids!). At first we thought it might be a hint of their view of our parenting, but after reading it, we are SO glad they gave us this book!

I wish my parents had a book like this when I was little. It was tough growing up Jewish in a non-Jewish world. This book gives some great advice for raising Jewish kids today. There are some great ideas for raising children who are proud to be Jewish AND are comfortable in situations where they are with non-Jewish kids.

The style of the book is laid back and fun. It packs in a lot of ideas and advice without starting to feel academic or preachy. It's simply fun and helpful!

As a Roman Catholic mother of 2 and Speech Language Pathologist, I found "Can I have a Cell Phone" to be a wonderful resource both professionally and personally. Sharon effortlessly weaves through the potential landmines that exists when dealing with other educators, parents, and even our own children and gives us light hearted wisdom on how to handle the most difficult situations with grace and reason. The book reads like an intimate conversation with the author. Read this book before attending your child's IEP meeting, read this book before sending your child to any school. Sharon Duke Estroff is the Jewish mother we all wish we had!

I am a fan of Sharon Duke Estroff's parenting column which runs in my local Jewish newspaper, so I knew I would enjoy her Jewish parenting book. But what an understatement! This book is a comprehensive guide to parenting in the 21st century. Not only is it funny and easy to read (no psychobabble here!) it has advice on everything modern Jewish parents are worried about - From homework to missing school for the Jewish holidays to the Internet. I read the entire book in one night because it felt like I was having a conversation with my best friend. Estroff's suggestions are solid, practical, user-friendly and sprinkled with lots of entertaining tales from the trenches. Like a cross between Vicki Iovine's GIRLFRIEND'S GUIDES and Wendy Mogel's BLESSING OF A SKINNED KNEE, CAN I HAVE A CELL PHONE FOR HANUKKAH is a five star addition to any Jewish (or non-Jewish) parent's library. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

As a psychologist, Jewish parent and grandparent, I appreciated this book on many levels.

From a professional standpoint, it offers wise, research-supported advice on a plethora of topics - Jewish and secular, contemporary and timeless. From a personal perspective, Can I Have a Cell Phone for Hanukkah connects with readers in a way I've seen few parenting books do.

Estroff delivers her message in a warm, witty, right-there-with-you-in-the-trenches voice that every parent will take to and enjoy while offering sound, practical advice that every parent can use. As one reviewer said, CAN I HAVE A CELL PHONE FOR HANUKKAH is "brimming with humor and strategy, love and secret parent handshakes". It is indeed.

I've shared this book with my children who absolutely refuse to give it back - especially since my grandchildren just asked them for a cell phone for Hanukkah. This book is an essential read for every Jewish parent (and grandparent). Mazel Tov Sharon!

I read Can I Have a Cell Phone for Hanukkah in one afternoon. I could not put it down! Sharon Duke Estroff really helps parents navigate "parenthood." I highly recommend this book for all parents!

There are so many reasons why I loved this book, but one of my top five is the Lego analogy. Parenting is like Legos, the author explains. "When you first dump the contents of the package on the playroom floor you feel overwhelmed and perplexed. You don't know if you're trying to build a spaceship or a castle. It's not until you see the big picture on the front of the Lego box that all those disconnected plastic bricks take on new meaning as a totally cool medieval fortress. That glimpse at the final goal - while admittedly a bit daunting at first - ultimately gives us the faith, inspiration and direction we need to begin building our Camelot." This book helps parents take a good hard look at the big picture and shows them how they can use it to their family's benefit.

My mother gave me this book for Chanukah and I read the first three chapters before the candles burnt out. (Really!) Can I Have a Cell Phone for Hanukkah isn't just great because it's a fun and easy read, it's also packed with helpful advice. The author is a professional educator but she's also a mom who totally gets what it's like to raise kids today. One of my favorite chapters was "Countdown to Kindergarten" since I have a child who will be starting kindergarten next year. I also love the social chapters called "Pladate Protocol" and "Surviving the Schoolyard Social Jungle". I know that as my son gets older the chapters on school, homework and the internet will be invaluable to me. As a Jewish mom I also enjoyed the holiday by holiday guide. A fun read packed with tons of practical, useful information. What more could you ask for in a parenting book?!

I love this book! The author's funny, empathetic voice is a joy to read and her suggestions and observations are right on. You can tell that the author is a teacher because she gives the kind of advice you wish someone had told you at school open house night or parent-teacher conferences. But you can also tell that she's a real-world mom who gets what it's like to raise children in modern times. I've seen this book all over the place lately from USA Today to the New York Daily News and I can understand why everyone is so excited. Whether you're Jewish or not, Can I Have a Cell Phone for Hanukkah is a real gem.

This is the first book of our generation that puts parenting into a realistic, sane perspective. It acknowledges all the challenges and noise that we have to deal with as we raise kids. It puts into very simple and funny terms how ridiculous the standards are that we are foisting upon our children. Its like a cup of coffee with a good friend that sets you straight when you're feeling down on yourself for not having the family you see in advertisements. Uniquely refreshing and easy to read, this book is a great gift to new moms and struggling moms as a place to turn when they need a positive attitude adjustment.