Customer Reviews

Uncommon Sense for Parents With Teenagers

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book has helped me make a 180 degree shift in how I view my teenager and my role as parent. In the past, when in a conflict with my son, I would react in frustration. Now, I'm able to look at him as a human on the winding, uneven path to becoming a mature adult. Instead of feeling frustrated, and thus reacting in an angry unproductive way, I find I want to help him learn to be an adult. He doesn't always like what I do to 'help' him, but he will someday...

If you want to read a book htat will really help you to relate to your teens this is the one. I am the co-author of the Chicken Soup for Teens series and author of TEEN LOVE and I know teens very well. This is the first time I have read a book for parents that has advice that will actually work..it will do more. It will make the relationship a good one. This is a must buy.

I'm a teenager and I heard about this book on Oprah. I couldn't beleive the logic of it--it was so right on target and logical. EVERY parent should read this book for understanding and a new, sensable(but different) outlook. It introduces topics like let them leave their room messy. Many parents won't agree, but that's okay, but, at least, for your child's sake. read the book.

This book helps me to see my teenaged son as a human moving through an incredibly difficult time. But, more importantly, it helps me to disengage the parenting techniques that worked when he was younger, but are totally inappropriate now. I've stopped blaming myself, and doing those lame swings between strictness and giving up. Michael Riera explains this transition beautifully, and takes all the war out of the parent-teen relationship. Not just a book, but a genius-level act of compassion and generosity!

For parents of teens who are struggling with this new aspect of life and who have forgotten their own "teen years", please do yourself a favor and read this book. A very insightful look at what teens face in the realm of high school and in their social lives. My daughter, age 15, read parts of this book as well, and thought the author was very accurate in his depiction of what goes on in a teen's life. It's definitely made a change in the way I respond to my teenager. Dr. Riera...I hope another book is on the way!
Thank you!
Laurie Eads, FL

I work at a high school and have three teenagers of my own. I have heard Michael speak at a parenting forum and have read his books. He really understands what makes them tick and understanding a teen is the first step to less stressful parenting. This is a must own for anyone who is feeling frustrated by their own teenagers.

Read this book and the sooner the better! Ideally you will read it by the time the kids are 12. There is value in picking the book up every so often to review the author's message. He is right on!