But I'm Almost 13! : Raising a Responsible Adolescent [Paperback]

Kenneth R. Ginsburg (Author), Martha M. Jablow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 9, 2001

Practical strategies for the adolescent years from an expert in adolescent medicine

The overwhelming majority of adolescent health problems today result not from physical disease, but from worrisome behavior. If parents take action early before teen rebellion kicks in, most of these problems are preventable. In this invaluable guide, Dr. Ken Ginsburg, one of the nation's foremost specialists in adolescent medicine, offers a positive action plan for parents of preteens. Prevention strategies include preparing kids to resist peer pressure, recognizing behaviors that signal emotional problems, and teaching preteens to anticipate and react to potentially dangerous situations.

With sample scripts, real-life vignettes, and specific exercises, parents learn to build upon adolescent optimism, creativity, and resiliency to guide their children toward more positive futures and toward safer, more appropriate choices.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

An action plan for parents about to enter the teen zone

The overwhelming majority of adolescent health problems today result not from physical disease but from worrisome behaviors, such as reckless driving and drug use, or emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression. The good news is that if parents take action early, before teen rebellion kicks in, most of these problems are preventable. In But I'm Almost 13!, one of the nation's foremost specialists in adolescent medicine offers a series of step-by-step strategies for behavioral change that can lower risk factors and build positive skills. Dr. Ginsburg explains why it's important to know how young people think and to build on their strengths.

This invaluable book will equip you with the skills to:

• Make kids aware of problems and consider consequences
• Motivate changes in behavior
• Help kids cope with peer pressure and stress
• Discipline by guiding rather than punishing
• See beyond negative teen stereotypes
• Safely increase your child's independence
• Strengthen the parent-child connection through positive attention
• And much more!

Also included are sample scripts, real-life stories, and specific exercises to help you successfully prepare for the challenging adolescent years by becoming a supportive, proactive parent now. Because no matter how much your child tells you he or she is ready to grow up, you are still the most important person in your child's life.

About the Author

Kenneth R. Ginsburg, M.D., M.S.Ed., is board certified in adolescent medicine. He practices at the acclaimed Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and teaches at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He is the on-screen expert in a bestselling video series shown to teens in schools throughout North America. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Martha M. Jablow has written extensively on parenting as the author or coauthor of six books and numerous articles. She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (August 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809297175
• ISBN-13: 978-0809297177
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #228,939 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Parent's Handbook of Understanding..., May 9, 2002

By 

Tracy Hannah (Baltimore, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: But I'm Almost 13! : Raising a Responsible Adolescent (Paperback)

As a school counselor and a parent of an "almost 13!" year old, I have read virtually every books written about raising children, but few offer the step by step guidance and support that, "But I'm Almost 13!" offers. This is a book you will read several times, and highlighted and dogeared it should remain at your fingertips as a reference tool before and during the adolescent years. While driving home the point that parenting cannot begin when your child reaches pre-adolescence, Ginsburg helps us to see the importance of the parent-child relationship. He points out that it is only by understanding how children think that we can understand their behaviors and effect positive change. This book gives parents the knowledge and tools necessary to be prepared for their child's adolescence and the confidence to meet this challenging time with joy, optimism and pride.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every parent of a preadolescent child should read this!!!, September 30, 2001

By 

Kathleen R. Frame (Medford, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: But I'm Almost 13! : Raising a Responsible Adolescent (Paperback)

I have been a pediatric nurse for over 20 years. Currently, I am a School Nurse in an upper elementary school where I care for 1100 5th and 6th grade students. I am writing a review of Dr. Ginsburg's book in our school newspaper and will encourage every parent to purchase this excellent book. Dr. Ginsburg's book is filled with practical tips to help the preadolescent navigate throughout the potentially perilous teenage years. The book teaches skills that parents can utilize in order to help their preteens gain strategies which will ultimately (hopefully) keep them safe and drug free, yet prepare them for the eventual separation that occurs as children grow into adults. Real life examples from an expert in the field of adolescent medicine suggest specific actions that parents can take in order to help their childen. This is, without a doubt, the most helpful, insightful parenting book that I have read. It is a "must" read for everyone with preteens!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Developmentally on target, prevention at it's finest, October 30, 2001

By 

"spottswood" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: But I'm Almost 13! : Raising a Responsible Adolescent (Paperback)

"But I'm Almost 13!" is a marvelous, logical, and compassionate flow of expertise for parents who are about to dance the dance of adolescence. Theory is delicately woven into a masterplan for parental and pre-adolescent growth. Achieving an understanding of the "vital ingredients" and mastering the techniques of "choreographed discussions", "modeling", and "decision trees", parents will greatly reduce universal worries and agony often experienced during these challenging times. All who read, apply, reread, and reapply, will happily achieve Dr. Ginsburg's "cognitive Ah-Ha" discovering a higher degree of parental self-efficacy while enhancing their preteens and teens ability to successfully churn through the abstract mazes ahead. Having parented two adolescents, and provided parent training for many so desperately searching for guidance, this invaluable resource offers the insights, skills and reassurance we all seek. The trick is to apply it early and often. Enjoy!