The Seven Best Things Smart Teens Do [Paperback]

John C. Friel Ph.D. (Author), Linda D. Friel M.A. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2000

In The Seven Worst Things Good Parents Do, therapists John and Linda Friel gave parents an easy-to-understand guide to overcome the seven worst mistakes even good parents make while raising children. Now they've written a book for teens based on the same formula: it includes the seven worst things even smart-and outwardly successful-teens do, and shows teens how they can change these behaviors and assure their success in life as they grow towards adulthood.

This book was written expressly for teenagers as a unique roadmap into adulthood. It was designed to stimulate the brain as well as the heart because teenagers who listen to both can eventually negotiate adolescence successfully. It will appeal to teenagers who like to think, wonder, question and challenge, as well as to teenagers who feel that they haven't quite figured out this "life" thing.

The Friels show teens the seven things they need to do in order to overcome common roadblocks they face or will face. These are:

1. Become competent-don't expect to have self-esteem without becoming competent
   
   
2. Master your feelings-don't let your feelings run the show
   
   
3. Break the silence-don't silently scream instead of making yourself known
   
   
4. Get healthy power-don't avoid learning about power
   
   
5. Face the serious stuff-don't hide the really important things you're experiencing
   
   
6. Find an identity-don't avoid the struggle to find yourself
   
   
7. Learn to stake out the extremes-don't live only in the extremes.

Written in clear, straightforward language and including many interesting and colorful story interludes, this book is an easy-to-use, powerful tool for all teens.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

According to authors John C. Friel and Linda D. Friel, all that is confused and painful about being a teenager today is captured in the "struggle to join grace and power." Through stories, examples, and carefully researched therapeutic techniques and theories, the authors write convincingly of teens' ability to succeed in today's world. They offer seven tips for young people--and those who care for them or work with them--to ponder and learn from: become competent, master your feelings, break the silence, get healthy power, face the serious stuff, find an identity, stake out the extremes.

Never patronizing--on the contrary, at times the writing seems almost too sophisticated for younger readers--the authors are thorough and thoughtful, presenting teens with options and offering tremendous support for some of the most difficult years. They address such heavy issues as abuse, eating disorders, depression, suicide, and violence, as well as the somewhat more abstract (yet no less critical) concerns, such as shame, power struggles, and the relative risks of the self-esteem movement. An interesting and possibly life-altering read for teens and those who know and love them by the authors of the national bestseller, The 7 Worst Things (Good) Parents Do. (Ages 12 and older) --Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-Although this book contains a wealth of information and advice, it is not well organized. The first chapter leaves readers wondering when the authors are ever going to get to the point as they ramble on with anecdotes, jokes, and stories about criminals or people who are angry or never grew up. They do get there in Part II, where they finally identify the seven "things": including mastering feelings, learning how to make things happen, and finding an identity. All are worthy life skills, and the authors handle them well, generally speaking. However, they have opted for a kind of chattiness that can be distracting, and that at times is just plain silly (as in the parable of the two dogs, Sam and Abby, who not only know how to operate a laptop, but also hold philosophical discussions with one another). Nevertheless, the information is worthwhile, and if teens are motivated to read it, they just might find what they need to know to ease their life's journey.
Marilyn Heath, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: HCI Teens (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155874777X
• ISBN-13: 978-1558747777
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #203,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Personal Health > Teen Health > Mental Health
  • #73 in Books > Teens > Education & Reference > Social Science

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars for parenting of your teen, November 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Seven Best Things Smart Teens Do (Paperback)

This is definitely a book for parents although the title would imply it is for teens. There were several important points I found relevant to our family. Overall the ready was a little dry. I would recommend this book however, because the points we took to heart have deep implications for our teenager. Thanks

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Deceptively Simple, July 7, 2008

By 

Peter Calvet (Rhode Island, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Seven Best Things Smart Teens Do (Paperback)

This book is deceptively simple but is actually very profound. It is written by two practicing therapists and sometimes it strays a bit into "therapy" but it offers teens and their parents a non-threatening way to look at the teen years.

Both teens and their parents will get something valuable from this book, but teens will do well to read it. It is hardly a recipe book but offers some very good common sense advice, advice that has been born out by scientific research.

What I liked the best is that it does not insult teen intelligence. It provides references for those inclined to do their own research, but it is not necessary to do so to get something out of this book.

Most importantly, it provides teens with the knowledge that they are not alone or not as unique as they might think. Most of teen troubles are known and have been studied to some degree. This book should be bring some relief to teens not sure about who they are or where they are going.

It is slow in starting but picks up if you stick with it.

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT CHOICE, January 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Seven Best Things Smart Teens Do (Paperback)

This book was so excellent anbd inspiring. I loved it and learned so much from it. I would recomend this book to anyone. It is so real and relates to teens!