50 Rules Kids Won't Learn in School: Real-World Antidotes to Feel-Good Education (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: rules kids, helicopter parents, Mother Teresa, Public Agenda, Red Cross (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Expanded from an original list of 14 first broadcast on his Milwaukee, Wis., radio talk show, the latest book from Sykes (Dumbing Down our Kids) equips parents to help tween- or teenage children find success in life beyond school. Taking on the education system's "modern bubble-wrap mentality" of "no losing, no disappointments, no harsh reality checks," Sykes takes a hard-line but humorous approach to instilling the discipline, morals and good sense that keep kids from becoming "sulky, self-centered, spoiled brats." Consider Rule 19: "It's not your parent's fault. If you screw up, you are responsible"; or Rule 14: "Looking like a slut does not empower you." Rules are largely rooted in common sense ("Change the oil"), traditional values ("Don't forget to say thank you") and the wisdom that only time can bring ("Be nice to nerds. You may end up working for them. We all could"), and get fleshed out in punchy, chuckle-worthy commentary. Though he can be harsh ("You are not a victim. So stop whining"), Sykes helpfully points out that "Grown-ups forget how scary it is to be your age," and also that "You are not perfect, and you don't have to be" (illustrated in an amusing story about Mother Teresa misapplying a bandage); parents will appreciate Syke's no-nonsense style, but teenage readers may find him condescending (see Rule 21: "You're offended? So what? No, really. So what?").
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Product Description

Charles J. Sykes offers life lessons that are not included in the curriculum for most children today: honest advice about what they will encounter in the “real world” post-schooling and how their parents can help them best prepare—not with cushy self-esteem talks, but rather with honest challenges. His 50 lessons are frank, sometimes harsh, and often hilarious, including:
 #1 Life is not fair. Get used to it. #15 Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping. They called it “opportunity.”#43 Don’t let the success of other depress you.
#48 Tell yourself the story of your life. Have a point.
 Sykes elaborates on each of his points, creating a wise, no-nonsense guide for parents to help their children help themselves. 

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1st edition (August 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031236038X
• ISBN-13: 978-0312360382
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #125,743 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, October 17, 2007

By	K. Wagner "Avid reader" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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Charlie Sykes, once again, proves that common sense isn't completely dead.

A few examples:
Rule #1: Life is not fair. Get use to it.
Rule #9: Your school may have done away with winners and losers. Life hasn't.
Rule #14: Looking like a slut does not empower you.
Rule #30: Zero tolerance=zero common sense.
Rule #35: If your butt has its own zip code, it's not because McDonald's forced you to eat all those Big Macs. If you smoke, it's not Joe Camel's fault.
Rule #36: You are not immortal.

Some simple truisms that could benefit both kids, and adults!

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All parents should read this book, October 1, 2007

By	love2learn "love2learn" (Sunrise, FL USA) - See all my reviews

I heard this author on a local radio station. He was very entertaining but spoke about important issues I've been seeing in young adults today. I bought this book and enjoyed it so much that I'm purchasing more to give to others I feel should read it as well. His rules are right on and they are delivered in a real but amusing way.

If you are interested in helping a young person in your life become a better, stronger young adult, I highly recommend this book.

22 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, September 27, 2007

By	J. Domnick (Appleton, WI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The best book I've read in years. A very interesting perspective of what kids and adults are missing. It's nice to read something that verifies what I have been thinking and dealing with in a business setting for a long time.