Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers [Paperback]

Michael Riera (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2004

With more than 100,000 copies sold, Michael Riera’s UNCOMMON SENSE FOR PARENTS WITH TEENAGERS has ushered countless families through the trying years of adolescence. Offering a fresh interpretation of the teen years, Riera asserts that this period of a child’s growth is too often misunderstood as a phase to be dreaded instead of enjoyed. In this fully revised and updated edition, Riera tackles some of the newest issues facing parents and teens—text messaging and the Internet, changing driver’s license requirements, fad diets and exercise—and gives a second look to the old standbys—alcohol and drugs, academics, sex and dating, sports and extracurricular activities, eating disorders, making friends, single parenting, divorce, and more. Beginning with overviews of the parent-teenager relationship, the adolescent world, and high school, the bulk of the book comprises a series of responses to questions commonly asked by parents. Based on his 19 years as a teacher, counselor, dean of students, and parent, Riera recommends some unexpected—and ultimately successful—approaches, like "Communicate indirectly," "Let your teenager brood," and "Resist giving advice, even when your teenager asks for it." With a rare appreciation for this special developmental stage of life and an unpatronizing approach to teenagers, UNCOMMON SENSE FOR PARENTS WITH TEENAGERS is a beacon of optimism and hope for confused and wearied families everywhere.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Michael Riera is the high school counselor many of us wish we'd had: he's smart, non-judgmental, and respectful of kids. This excellent book is chock full o' advice for parents that sometimes goes against the established grain but makes utter sense. For example, don't give advice even when asked, embrace estrangement (it's part of your teenager's development), and take a demotion and move from "manager" to "consultant." Uncommon Sense is an excellent book for any parent of an older child or teenager. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

* The revised best-selling handbook for parents of teenagers that turns parents’ feelings of frustration and isolation into fascination, curiosity, and hope.

* Michael Riera is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show Family Talk with Dr. Mike; the family consultant for CBS’s Saturday Morning Early Show; and a frequent guest on news and talk shows, including Oprah, 48 Hours, The Today Show, The View, and NPR Radio.

* The original edition has sold more than 100,000 copies.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts; Revised edition (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587612240
• ISBN-13: 978-1587612244
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,798 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST book out there on communicating with teenagers., March 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers (Paperback)

I have purchased and read many of the books out there on raising teenagers. Many of them promise a lot, but deliver very little, so I buy another and another. This book covers it all. The author knows what parents want, but also gets inside the heads of our teenagers and explains what they want, and more importantly, how they perceive our rules, desires, and opinions of them. It took away some of the fear I had about going through this phase of life as a parent. It allowed me to more clearly understand exactly what my son was trying to say, even when he didn't use the exact words I would have expected. Consequently, our discussions have been much more fruitful. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

61 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Making sense of it all, June 16, 2000

By 

Charlie Ridlon - See all my reviews

This review is from: Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers (Paperback)

Most of us spend our entire adult life trying to figure out our own childhood, so it's no wonder that raising a child can seem confusing, challenging and at times scary. This book saved me. It taught me (or at least reminded me) that all teenagers go through enormous physical, psychological and social change in the high school years. While the specific behaviors will vary from child to child, there is a common thread running through it all -- and it makes sense. This book reassured me that my child wasn't abnormal, that I was right in being confused and sometimes appalled by their behavior. And it let me take a step back and not take it so personally. After reading this book, I bought a dozen copies to give to friends and business associates who were struggling with teenagers (or soon would be). Read this and both you and your child will benefit.

69 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uncommon Understanding!, November 20, 1999

By 

J. Archipley ([e-mail]) (Northern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers (Paperback)

From a teenager who has read more than his fair share of parenting books, this one tops them off. On average, this book covers exactly what these types of books should. It doesn't just tell the parent to "talk more" with their teenager, it actually goes in depth about how the teenager thinks and feels. And, for the first time in my experience, it actually gets close! If you have teens, you should have this book.