Have a New Teenager by Friday: From Mouthy and Moody to Respectful and Responsible in 5 Days [Hardcover]

Dr. Kevin Leman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2011

Parents may survive the terrible twos and the first years of school all right, but the teenage years bring entirely new and alien creatures. So, parents have a choice: either send that teenager to boarding school and visit him when he reaches normalcy again (in about ten years) or choose to experience the best, most fun years of life--together! The secret is in how the parental cards are played.

With his signature wit and commonsense psychology, internationally recognized family expert and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman helps parents

communicate with the "whatever" generation
establish healthy boundaries and workable guidelines
gain respect--even admiration--from their teenager
turn selfish behavior around
navigate the critical years with confidence
pack their teenager's bags with what they need for life now and in the future
become the major difference maker in their teenager's life

Teenagers can successfully face the many temptations of adolescence and grow up to be great adults. And parents, Dr. Leman says, are the ones who can make all the difference, because they count far more in their teenager's life than they'll ever know . . . even if their teenager won't admit it (at least until she's in college and wants to know how to do the laundry).

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Do you know this person?

He eats cereal out of a large mixing bowl.

Her bedroom looks like a garbage dump . . . on a good day.

If there were an Academy Award for eye-rolling, he'd win.

She changes outfits three times before breakfast.

Congratulations! You have a teenager in your home.

Life will never quite be the same again (of course, you already know that). But it can be better than you've ever dreamed. In fact, you're just five days away from your teenager asking, "What can I do to help?" Guaranteed!

With his signature wit and commonsense psychology, internationally recognized family expert and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman will help you

gain respect--even admiration--from your teenager
establish healthy boundaries and workable guidelines
communicate with the "whatever" generation
turn selfish behavior around
navigate the critical years with confidence
pack your teenager's bags with what he or she needs for life now and in the future
become the major difference-maker in your teenager's life

With Dr. Leman's instinct and insight, plus an index with gutsy advice on 75 hot-button issues that keep parents up at night, Have a New Teenager by Friday will help you get real results--real fast.

About the Author

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, humorist, and New York Times bestselling author of Have a New Kid by Friday. He is author of 36 books, including The Birth Order Book, Have a New Husband by Friday, Have a New You by Friday, and Making Children Mind without Losing Yours. He is former consulting psychologist for Good Morning America and is a frequent guest on national media, including FOX and Friends, The Early Show, and Focus on the Family. He and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have five children and two grandchildren.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800720210
• ISBN-13: 978-0800720216
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (132 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,893 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Kevin Leman, an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker, has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology. The best-selling and award-winning author has made house calls for hundreds of radio and television programs, including "The View" with Barbara Walters, "The Today Show," "Oprah," CBS's "The Early Show," "Live with Regis Philbin," CNN's "American Morning," and "LIFE Today" with James Robison, and he has served as a contributing family psychologist to "Good Morning America." He is the founder and president of Couples of Promise, an organization designed and committed to helping couples remain happily married. Dr. Leman is also a charter faculty member of iQuestions.com. He has written over 30 best-selling books about marriage and family issues, including "The Birth Order Book" and "Sheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage." Dr. Leman and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson. They have five children.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#52 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

#52 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 70 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Fantastic! October 28, 2011

By 1mama3gr8kids

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am only on page 65 (Wednesday chapter) of this 305 page book and already something amazing has happened. I can't even believe it myself and I've spent all afternoon crying, first tears of sorrow and now tears of joy. I followed the instructions for Monday by deciding just how much I was up against, figuring out my parenting style, and developing my plan. Last night I finished Tuesday's chapter (even though last night was Thursday) and this morning reminded myself what I needed to do when the kids got home from school today: Shut my mouth and don't ask questions. If something comes up remain calm, etc., and don't use "why" or "should" in my conversations. When my teenage son called me to tell me he'd missed the bus that takes him home after school I knew it was time to use the new tools Dr. Leman prescribed: Shut up, don't ask questions, stay calm, and don't use "should" or "why" statements. What happened afterwards was amazing.
When I got around to picking up my son I said hello. I did not ask how his day was nor did I ask why he missed the bus. I simply said, "Hi," and left it at that. Usually I ask how their day was and they say, "Good," and that's the end of our conversation 88% of the time aside from, "Do you have any homework?". Today was different, I was not going to do that. I would bite my tongue no matter how difficult it became!
My 12 year old daughter who was in the van, however, DID ask him why he missed the bus. I just listened. I continued to listen even after he stopped talking. Silence. Then suddenly, breaking the long silence, my son began to tell me that he bought a friend lunch today. He wanted me to know in case I would later notice how much was taken from his lunch account and that I might think it was too much for one meal. I said, "That was very nice of you," and I was quiet again, but really I was wondering why this kid wasn't provided with a lunch from home OR given money to buy lunch at school. Then he said, "Yeah, I bought him lunch because his parents didn't give him any lunch money again." "AGAIN?" NOW I started to ask questions. To make a long story short my son opened up to me about his friend not having enough food to eat because his family doesn't have much money (and apparently has not enough help either). He bought his friend lunch because his friend had already used his daily school assisted funds, "so he could have breakfast." My heart got heavy as I listened to this. My son told me about a teacher who has been helping this student by giving to him from her own pocket so I contacted the teacher and she was so grateful that I'd reached out to her. As it turns out the student needs more help than anyone realized and now, help is on the way not just with food but with clothes too, and for any student who needs it!
We are so fortunate to have Dr. Leman share his expert advice with us through books. I can't wait to read the rest of this one! I've already read, "Have a New Kid by Friday," and it turned my children into kids who think about others and not just themselves (as was evident today). Although I wasn't sure whether I'd really need "Have a New Teenager by Friday," I knew I was entering a different playing field with my kids now, being in the 11-19 age group (all three of them), and was curious to see what was different so I purchased this book. My main reason for doing so was because my son wants to get his driver's license and I don't know what to do (yes, it's a topic in this book)! I am so glad I bought this book! The hormone years are SO different! Dr. Leman really gets kids and he really gets parents. He knows all the things your kids will say and do in all kinds of different situations. He knows you too, believe it or not, and he will kindly call you out in his books and open your eyes so you can have a new teenager by Friday. My friends & I used to say we wish there was an easy read for how to raise our children -- Dr. Leman has done it and anyone planning to be a parent ought to read his parenting books so you can get it right from the very beginning. Read them ALL, even the ones that aren't about parenting! I've started my own Leman collection so I always have the reference available if I need a reminder. It has also helped me as a parent to have read, "The New Birth Order Book," because that book has helped me understand more about myself and how I apply my upbringing into my current family. I could probably write my own book on how much his books have helped me. What a lifesaver!

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars AKA Have a new parent of teenagers by Friday... September 3, 2011

By Tootles

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

First thing I did Sept 1st was to check my kindle and see if my new Leman book had downloaded as I had pre- ordered it. LoVe all the Leman books; always think its not so much about changing the kids, him or now teenagers, its more about changing me and my responses to them. This book is A+ practical, common sense. My favorite part is the A-Z questions/answers at the end.
Quizzing my hubby and friends as to their response to the teenage boy who states "I'm going to drive a Porsche when I get a car"- most, like me responded..."well you better study hard, get a good job etc..." Not my Hubby, his response fell right in line with Dr.Leman's - "great, I'll be your driver and change the oil for you; will you let me take it for a spin some time ?" - no wonder the kids are more chatty with him... I'm as usual learning lots and you will too.
Thanks for keeping it real Dr. Leman!!

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars She didn't want me to buy this September 1, 2011

By sab001

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

My 11 year old daughter didn't want me to buy this book. You see, she knows! She knows that if I do, things will change. Click. Book purchased and delivering to my Kindle reading app. "You didn't!?","I did! And you know what honey? Your days are numbers." She stormed out of the room and I started reading. Yes!

Have a New Teenager by Friday is not a method that will transform your teenager. It is something that will transfer your entire family (including you.)

Each chapter is divided by days (Monday through Friday.) You can really start on any day that you want and it might be very likely that you will see a significant change before Friday. Dr. Leman concludes the book with a top 10 countdown to having a new teenager by Friday.

My favorite part of the book is the "Ask Dr. Leman" section. In it, he discusses the 75 hottest topics parents have asked him.

The index in the back is sorted by topic so that you can quickly refer back to the topic you want to focus in on.

As I close, you need to understand. The book isn't designed to make your teenager miserable. On the contrary, your child (maybe even my child) might surprise you with a "Thank you!"

Enjoy the book! It is a quick read with lasting impacts.