by Connie Grigsby and Kent Julian
The image that usually comes to our mind when you think of teenagers is them being rebellious, storming out of the house, not listening to their parents and questioning authority. One thing we don’t often see, is them talking or communicating which is very important for any relationship. This book looks into the aspect of communication and how to encourage your teen to talk to you. There are no magic tricks or enchanting tips, but the authors reflect back on their own experiences, mistakes and successes to help you deal with your teen. It’s a unique concept as it connects to a life scrapbook of good memories rather than painful ones. It also throws light onto how a teenager thinks and his struggles, which will equip you to empathise well and deal with them better.
While handling teens is the main focus, they also talk about how, as a married couple, you could share responsibility and look at the issue as a family which provides security for the child. They mention that many a time’s families go through struggles with teens because of the strain on the marriage. The book is very systematically categorized into seven main topics from understanding your being to helping you to be effective in practical ways. The authors don’t give you do and don’t lists, rather they tell you what usually works and doesn’t based on their experience. There are 52 small chapters very well explained with quotes, examples and theoretical understanding of the concept. Some chapters also include exceptional cases to get a better understanding. Very practical for parents who struggle to find time in their busy schedules as they can read one chapter a day or week or even search for relevant topics.
If you have a teen or even a pre teen, I would highly recommend this book. It is a great tool to provide you with the tools to do an impactful job as a parent.
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