Raising a Thoughtful Teenager: A Book of Answers and Values for Parents [Hardcover]

Ben Kamin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1996

Replete with examples from the author's experience as a rabbi and counselor, a guide shows parents how to forge closer bonds with their children and covers such topics as sex, suicide, money, celebrity worship, and family discord. 25,000 first printing. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kamin, a Cleveland rabbi, compassionately discusses many important questions about life and behavior that teens confront as they navigate the difficult path to adulthood. Touching on topics from sex and drugs to interfaith dating, each of the book's 22 chapters begins with a direct question that parents are likely to hear at some point: Why do people kill each other? Do I have to worry about AIDS? How will I know when I am successful in life? Kamin formulates the Three L's of good parent-teen dynamics: Look, Listen and Love, which translate into eye contact, acknowledging the teen's concern and offering unstinting love?a powerful mix that can alleviate the anxiety that often prompts teens' questions. Drawing from his personal experiences in counseling and as a parent, Kamin mixes advice and anecdote in this ecumenical, liberal?though not heavily Jewish?guide. While there's little new here, Kamin offers unbending reinforcement of the belief that parents' loving support is the most important gift they can offer their children.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Reading this work will bring reassurance and hope. Senior rabbi in a Cleveland synagogue who is also a father, Kamin (Stones in the Soul, LJ 8/90. o.p.) counsels and provides guidance to both teenagers and their families. Each of the 22 chapters considers a different question relating to teenage values, such as "How Old Should I Be To Have Sex?," "Why Is There So Much Racism Around?," and "Why Do I Sometimes Feel Like I Want To Die?" Kamin's advice to parents focuses on establishing meaningful bonds with their teenager through open dialog rather than prescription. His down-to-earth advice should be helpful to parents and teenagers alike. Highly recommended for parenting collections.
Kay Brodie, Chesapeake Coll., Wye Mills, Md.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Adult (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525939849
• ISBN-13: 978-0525939849
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,019,808 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A sympathetic snapshot of what your teen is brooding about, October 8, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Raising a Thoughtful Teenager: A Book of Answers and Values for Parents (Mass Market Paperback)

There are not many books that discuss the teenage mind -- and take teenagers seriously. This book responds to the tough questions posed by teens on such topics as homosexuality, drinking, and the fear of nuclear or ecological disaster. The author refers often and in detail to his own religious perspective and outlook on world history as he discusses teenagers, but his love and respect for teenagers is universal.