Customer Reviews

Stupid Parents: Why They Just Don't Understand and How You Can Help

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I used this book as an eight week study for our youth. They loved it. It was enlightening, and also very practical. DiMarco has a good idea of what today's teenagers desperately need, authentic, available adults, and she has tapped into how young people can better understand them. I appreciate her discussions about parents that are really "stupid." She doesn't assume that every young person has two responsible, caring parents at home. She realizes that a good number of them have maybe one parent, and that one is a wreck. I'm glad that she had something for those young people as well.

Written in a warm, funny, engaging style "Stupid Parents" is NOT an attack on moms, dads, or anyone raising a teen. Instead, it's more like a field guide to parents --- how to identify the different types, and how to treat them wisely.

DiMarco has a great way of connecting with teen readers. For one thing, she writes about topics that have their immediate interest. For another, she doesn't preach or "talk down" to teens --- it's more like she's meeting her teen readers for coffee at a local Starbucks.

This excellent little book should help teen readers learn how to communicate better with their parents, and how to gain the trust, respect and thus partnership of their mom and dad.

In the early 1980's we spoke at youth camps, doing a popular seminar called "How to Train Your Parents." Author DiMarco is too young to have been there, heard that --- but she's taken some of the same basic ideas, improved them, and published this book. VERY WELL DONE.

Great reading for your teen --- don't be turned off by the title.

Dr. David and Lisa Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Authors of: Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

Be advised that this book is written for students and speaks to real life for them. Parents might have their feelings hurt, but most will recognize the author's good connection with her intended readers. I also used it with my youth group over a series of weeks and they get it. I would compare this work to a modern, teen focused "Win Friends and Influence People." The new companion book for parents (Not So Stupid Parents) ought to be a great addition for getting both "sides" on the same, healthy, communicative page.

My son said I was stupid for buying them this book. It is fun reading and has interesting ideas, but he says they are not ideas I want them to agree with.

Great book for teens and parents alike. Can't wait for the
sequel book Not-So-Stupid Parents coming out in 2007.