​Hey Parents! We all know there’s no instruction manual for raising kids, right? When my daughter was born, I thought I had everything figured out... boy, was I wrong! 😂 Back when she was little, everything was sweet and simple—until she hit those pre-teen and teen years. Ages 12 to 18? Pure chaos! I’d wake up some mornings thinking, “What happened to my sweet child?”

There’s no single “right way” to raise kids, and honestly, I lean towards some old-fashioned methods. Let me share a bit of my story: I was adopted as a teenager, and my adoptive parents were amazing—truly my biggest supporters. My mom is Scottish, and my dad has German heritage, but they were so in tune with my brothers and me, always emotionally, physically, and spiritually present. They were our number one fans.

1. ✨ The Key to Raising Kind and Smart Kids: Be Their #1 Fan ✨

No matter what, being there for your kids is essential. Support them, guide them, and be their cheerleader. But hey, don’t forget to set some boundaries too. At Super Happy Healthy Kids, I often joke with the kids, saying, “What, you guys want to be homeless?” 😂 And when they complain about not liking math, I remind them, “One day, you might run a company, and if you don’t know math, people could steal from you, and you won’t even know it!”

2. Smart Kids = Empowered Kids 💡

I always try to give them an exit strategy—if they don’t want to do homework, fine, but understand the consequences. Knowledge, especially in math, is about protection. It’s about being smart enough to safeguard your future.

Personally, with my daughter, I took a practical approach. I told her, “You get 85 and above, and I’ll leave you alone. But if you fall below that, it's tutor time every single day!” It worked for us. She stayed motivated and knew I was serious.

You don’t have to be a helicopter parent to raise smart kids. Set clear expectations and let them be responsible for their choices. I always say, “Get 85 or higher, and I won’t bother you. But drop below that, and you’ll be doing homework non-stop!” 😅

3. Make Learning Fun 🎉

One key thing I’ve learned as a lifelong educator is that kids learn best when they’re having fun. At Super Happy Healthy Kids, we keep things light and enjoyable. Homework doesn’t have to feel like torture—it can be a game! For example, if a kid finishes their work quickly and accurately, they earn jewels, which they can exchange for prizes. The motivation and excitement keep them engaged.

4. Raising Kind Kids = Consistent Modeling 💕

Kindness is something you cultivate. Some kids are naturally kind, while others need a little more guidance. And that’s okay! At our program, we teach kids to ask themselves, “Are those kind words? Is that a kind act?” It’s not about constant lecturing—it’s about encouraging them to reflect on their actions. Kids need that space to learn kindness on their own, with gentle nudges from us.

5. Set Expectations, But Don’t Forget to Breathe 🧘‍♀️

My final tip? Chill. Seriously, take a breath. Parenting is hard, but your kids are smart. They’re capable. I tell my daughter and our students that I expect them to succeed because I believe in them. It’s all about setting expectations, teaching them the importance of being kind and smart, and then letting them rise to the occasion. 🌟

So, parents—take it easy on yourselves. Encourage your kids to be their best selves, support them, and always be there cheering them on from the sidelines.

Photo by Esther Yang

Esther Yang says…
The pandemic hit New Yorkers hard. It deeply saddened me to see shops closing down and people getting sick and dying.  I also lost some of my closest friends from Covid-19.  So I wanted to bring something positive to this great City and give back during this difficult time.  
Since I’ve been a yoga teacher for over 20 years, teaching free daily 15-minute yoga classes was one way I could return blessings to the community.  It also allowed me to create an informal neighborly support group so we can check in on each other, especially with those who are living alone.  

I know that sometimes we make up excuses like I’m not flexible or strong enough, or I don’t have time or money.  But with my FREE, easy-peasy, 15-minute strengthening yoga and meditation daily classes you’ll be able to fit these classes into your schedule and become stronger and more flexible. You can join in and do the exercises on a mat, the floor, or a chair, or just come to keep us company.  So no more excuses! 
I have taught yoga for over 20 years, including at Gilda’s Club, Cancer Care, Chair Yoga – Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright’s office, Senior Centers, Schools, Hospitals and other organizations.
Wherever you are in your life, always be mindful and check with your doctor, especially if you are starting a new exercise regime. 
Yoga has been around for 5000 years. So, something has to be right about it to last this long. My late wise herbalist grandmother always said that when we take care of our bodies, our bodies take care of us.  

So come join me Mondays – Fridays, 6am – 7am! FREE 

​Zoom link - ​https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4347834842?pwd=dFhjWHhyMTU2Z092RmtLaUxnVFRRQT09

By Esther Yang

Margot — The Soup Lady — is her name. She is an Island residence, and a usual fixture in the Roosevelt Island Green Market. She’s saved me these past few months when I’m too exhausted to cook. Despite having developed hundreds of my own recipes that can be cooked in under 20 minutes with 5 ingredients (they’re all posted on my Instagram page @esther.yang), The Soup Lady’s soup has been like manna and a comfort to my soul.


During difficult times, I miss my mom’s cooking and phone calls. My mom passed away years ago but I still miss her every day. She always knew when I was feeling out of sorts since she would phone at that precise moment. Even when I wasn’t in the mood to talk, she would leave funny messages like, “Esther, I can hear you breathing, pick up the phone!!!.” She would continue calling until I picked up the phone. Although I found it annoying, now that she is gone, I miss her sweet calm funny voice.


I certainly am the same way with my daughter. Instinctually I know when my daughter is not herself, and I do the same. I call her. Sometimes though I am not as funny as my mom since I tend to be a worried mom. Nevertheless, my daughter Grace is always grateful that I called. Phew…


Margot’s soup is second best to my mom’s cooking. I know Margot cooks with her heart, and I can taste her love in the soups. I have eaten almost all of Margot’s line from lentil soup to ginger carrots to gazpacho. If she creates it, I’ll buy it. Her soup is something I look forward to when I’m home after campaigning all day and my voice is hoarse from talking to voters. I even buy extras so I can freeze them and always have something warm.



When I was struggling as a single mom, I was always appreciative of someone taking the time to say hello, drop off dinner or buy us some fruits. In return, I am committed to supporting small business owners. It is my way of sharing the love and paying it forward. #dosmallbiz #buylocal


It’s always nice to stop by Margot’s stall at the Green Market and chat with her. She’s friendly, and her smile is infectious. Non partisan and no purchase necessary. 😊 When you visit her stall, tell Margot – The Soup Lady, Esther sent you.
Why order in everyday meals when you can have the Soup Lady comfort your soul?

​The Soup Lady
http://www.kitchen36.com