Madge C. (dmconn1) reviewed Surviving Your Adolescents : How to Manage-and Let Go of-Your 13-18 Year Olds on + 234 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I really liked Thomas Phelan's book, 1-2-3 Magic, but I didn't agree with everything in this book. Although valid points are made, I didn't think some of the items would work in my household. I'm sure I will walk away with some insightful ideas to try, but I felt the book gave too much power to the adolescent. I understand raising a 13 year old is different than raising a 7 year old, and maintaining sound relationships are important, but I almost felt after reading this, that once a child becomes a teen they are already molded and there is nothing you can do but ride it out. I agree with his MBA (minor but aggravating) issues that are sometimes just not worth fighting about.
This specific book was copyrighted in 1998. So much has changed in our world since then regarding technology, and with that said an updated writing might be helpful.
This specific book was copyrighted in 1998. So much has changed in our world since then regarding technology, and with that said an updated writing might be helpful.
Rita M. (ritarene) reviewed Surviving Your Adolescents : How to Manage-and Let Go of-Your 13-18 Year Olds on + 47 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I am a social worker who has worked exclusively with teenagers for the past 11 years, and I am the mother of a 16 year old. I have shared this book with many of the parents of the youth I have worked with, and I use the concepts in my own home. It is easy to read and understand and will provide insight on the way teenagers think.
This book will help you to avoid power struggles with your teenager and think more creatively about getting your teen to behave in a way you want but at the same time make him/her think it was their idea.
Teenagers are constantly pulling at the chain and testing to see how far they can go before being reeled back in. They are trying to find their own independence but are still dependent on the adults in their life. A teenager can not be told "because I said so" and be expected to fall in line with the adult's point of view. They have to be dealt with in a way that helps them come to the conclusion you wanted them to in the first place.
This book helps teach the adult how to give a teenager choices within boundaries so that they feel like they have some control over their lives. For example, instead of telling Johnny to make his bed and wash the dishes, a parent can say, "Johnny, would you prefer to wash the dishes first or make your bed first?" Yes, Johnny is expected to do both chores, however, now, he has some choice on how it is done and feels he has some control on what he does.
Thomas Phelan is the author of "1-2-3 Magic" for young children and "Surviving Your Adolescents" for teenagers. I always try to keep extra copies on-hand to share with parents struggling with their children and teenagers.
This book will help you to avoid power struggles with your teenager and think more creatively about getting your teen to behave in a way you want but at the same time make him/her think it was their idea.
Teenagers are constantly pulling at the chain and testing to see how far they can go before being reeled back in. They are trying to find their own independence but are still dependent on the adults in their life. A teenager can not be told "because I said so" and be expected to fall in line with the adult's point of view. They have to be dealt with in a way that helps them come to the conclusion you wanted them to in the first place.
This book helps teach the adult how to give a teenager choices within boundaries so that they feel like they have some control over their lives. For example, instead of telling Johnny to make his bed and wash the dishes, a parent can say, "Johnny, would you prefer to wash the dishes first or make your bed first?" Yes, Johnny is expected to do both chores, however, now, he has some choice on how it is done and feels he has some control on what he does.
Thomas Phelan is the author of "1-2-3 Magic" for young children and "Surviving Your Adolescents" for teenagers. I always try to keep extra copies on-hand to share with parents struggling with their children and teenagers.
