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This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained
The ultimate guide for adults helping tweens and teens navigate the rollercoaster of puberty.
“An accessible, enjoyable, and detailed road map for addressing even the most delicate topics with confidence and compassion.”—Lisa Damour, PhD, author of Untangled , Under Pressure , and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers
Almost everything about puberty has changed since today’s adults went through it. It starts, on average, two years earlier and stretches through high school . . . and for some, beyond. Gens Z and Alpha are also contending with a whole host of thorny issues that parents didn’t experience in their own youth but nonetheless need to everything from social media and easy-access pornography to gender identities and new or newly-potent drugs. Talking about any of this is like puberty Awkward! But it’s also critical for the health, happiness, and safety of today’s kids.
Bewildered adults have begged for reliable and relatable information about the modern adolescent experience. This Is So Awkward answers their call. Written by a pediatrician and a puberty educator—together the hosts of a lively and popular podcast on puberty, and moms to six teens between them—this is the handbook everyone has been searching for, and
• Pointed advice about how to talk to kids about almost acne, body odor, growth spurts, eating disorders, mood swings, sexuality, and more.
• Science-based explanations for all of puberty’s physical, emotional, and social changes, including the many ways hormones affect kids both above and below the neck.
• What adults needs to know about today’s teen their mental health drivers, the un-gendering of body image issues, the ways they think about sexual orientation, and more.
• Invaluable commentary straight from young adults just out the other side of adolescence that highlights what they wish the adults in their lives had known or done differently.
Eye-opening and reassuring, This Is So Awkward will help adults understand the turbulent pubescent decade and become confident guides for today’s kids.
“An accessible, enjoyable, and detailed road map for addressing even the most delicate topics with confidence and compassion.”—Lisa Damour, PhD, author of Untangled , Under Pressure , and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers
Almost everything about puberty has changed since today’s adults went through it. It starts, on average, two years earlier and stretches through high school . . . and for some, beyond. Gens Z and Alpha are also contending with a whole host of thorny issues that parents didn’t experience in their own youth but nonetheless need to everything from social media and easy-access pornography to gender identities and new or newly-potent drugs. Talking about any of this is like puberty Awkward! But it’s also critical for the health, happiness, and safety of today’s kids.
Bewildered adults have begged for reliable and relatable information about the modern adolescent experience. This Is So Awkward answers their call. Written by a pediatrician and a puberty educator—together the hosts of a lively and popular podcast on puberty, and moms to six teens between them—this is the handbook everyone has been searching for, and
• Pointed advice about how to talk to kids about almost acne, body odor, growth spurts, eating disorders, mood swings, sexuality, and more.
• Science-based explanations for all of puberty’s physical, emotional, and social changes, including the many ways hormones affect kids both above and below the neck.
• What adults needs to know about today’s teen their mental health drivers, the un-gendering of body image issues, the ways they think about sexual orientation, and more.
• Invaluable commentary straight from young adults just out the other side of adolescence that highlights what they wish the adults in their lives had known or done differently.
Eye-opening and reassuring, This Is So Awkward will help adults understand the turbulent pubescent decade and become confident guides for today’s kids.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2023
462 people are currently reading
4702 people want to read
About the author
Cara Natterson
15 books98 followersDR. CARA NATTERSON is a leading voice in puberty and adolescent health. A pediatrician, speaker, and the co-host of the This Is So Awkward podcast, she is the author of ten books including the bestselling This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained and the New York Times bestselling "The Care and Keeping of You" series.
When her own kids started puberty, Cara founded Less Awkward, the first company aimed at making puberty less cringey and more comfortable with both product and content. These days, puberty starts between 8-10 for most kids and it lasts a decade. The kids going through it and the adults helping them all deserve less cringe and more joy, which is why everything Cara does delivers crucial information in a relatable, reliable way.
Cara graduated from Harvard college and Johns Hopkins Medical School, trained at UCSF. She has two college aged kids and lives in Los Angeles.
When her own kids started puberty, Cara founded Less Awkward, the first company aimed at making puberty less cringey and more comfortable with both product and content. These days, puberty starts between 8-10 for most kids and it lasts a decade. The kids going through it and the adults helping them all deserve less cringe and more joy, which is why everything Cara does delivers crucial information in a relatable, reliable way.
Cara graduated from Harvard college and Johns Hopkins Medical School, trained at UCSF. She has two college aged kids and lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
December 23, 2023
I was sent a complimentary copy of this book from Well Enough!
I don’t have any children but am invested in the health of children (will be a pediatrician) and I think this book is a great resource for parents! Especially loved the chapters on sexual orientation, gender identity, eating disorders, and youth sports. The book is based in science and gives good practical tips on navigating puberty!
I don’t have any children but am invested in the health of children (will be a pediatrician) and I think this book is a great resource for parents! Especially loved the chapters on sexual orientation, gender identity, eating disorders, and youth sports. The book is based in science and gives good practical tips on navigating puberty!
September 6, 2024
My first audio book I completed.
As a mom of a 9 year old daughter, this was a great time to listen to these women explain the highs and lows of puberty. I was able to have some really great discussions with my kiddo when surprise topics came up on car rides. There is a big emphasis on open and honest dialogue and how curious it is encouraged and welcomed. The how ,the why , and the when are all discussed on a variety of topics. I learned so much! I appreciated the science and the honesty. So much has changed in the last 20-30 year .
As a mom of a 9 year old daughter, this was a great time to listen to these women explain the highs and lows of puberty. I was able to have some really great discussions with my kiddo when surprise topics came up on car rides. There is a big emphasis on open and honest dialogue and how curious it is encouraged and welcomed. The how ,the why , and the when are all discussed on a variety of topics. I learned so much! I appreciated the science and the honesty. So much has changed in the last 20-30 year .
May 30, 2023
This book is an essential primer for anyone who has a preteen. The authors take a comprehensive look at the hormones and changes that take us through a precarious and vulnerable time in our lives. I did not know that puberty starts even before any physical changes occur, but it explains a lot about my son's cohort. I'm still nervous but feel a lot better having this book as a companion. An essential purchase for public libraries - put it on your selection lists!
November 1, 2023
A fabulous, up to date book on puberty that explores every possible aspect of it in a clear way, supported by science. Extremely helpful.
May 2, 2024
Picked this up from the library mostly to be funny, but it ended up being so good! Covers tons of topics related to puberty and each chapter includes the science, how things have changed in the last 20-50 years, tips for how to talk to your kid about it, and one or two accounts of a young person who has just been through it. We ended up having some great conversations because I was reading it, and I may also buy it to have on hand when we’re ready for some of the other topics.
Read
November 11, 2023I don't read non-fiction too often but I saw this book promoted on "Morning Joe" and knew I had to have it. Written by two experts in puberty and all its social and physical mysteries, I found myself taking notes in the margins and marveling at what I, my children, and now my grandchildren are experiencing when loving children and doing our best to keep them safe and healthy. I will share this book with my grown children who are on the cusp of navigating the journey of puberty with their own. I highly recommend this book for anyone who encounters young people. It is a much needed guidebook to understanding growing up in the 2020s.
September 25, 2025
Toto je veľmi výživná a zaujímavá kniha.
Kapitoly sú tematické a teda nie je potrebné čítať knihu od prvej strany po poslednú. Pokojne ju môžete mať založenú v knižnici a vyťahovať vždy, keď si potrebujete naštudovať konkrétnu otázku, ktorá vás s vaším tínedžerom zaujíma. Nájdete tu témy fyzického aj psychického vývinu, od rastu cez telesný pach, vývin mozgu, výkyvy nálad cez poruchy príjmu potravy, vzťahy, antikoncepciu až po rodovú identitu a priateľstvá s rovesníkmi.
Kniha začína zhurta desiatimi mierne šokujúcimi faktmi o modernej puberte. (Nebudem nič prezrádzať, prečítajte si ;))
Každá kapitola má štyri časti:
- Začnime s vedou
- Čo sa zmenilo za posledných 20,30,40 rokov
- Ako o tom hovoriť
- Od ľudí, ktorí práve vyšli z druhej strany
Pri vedeckých vysvetleniach občas zívam a strácam sa, najmä pri skratkách rôznych hormónov. Ale oceňujem, že má veda v knihe miesto a že sa autorky snažili ju laicky vysvetliť.
Asi najdôležitejšie sú pre mňa tipy, ako s deťmi o jednotlivých témach hovoriť. Autorky odporúčajú natrénovať si s tínedžermi “bezstarostný tón plný zvedavosti namiesto obviňovania”, ale samozrejme dodávajú, že si vyžaduje veľa, veľa cviku…
Takisto užitočná je pre mňa formulka: “Chceš, aby som len počúval, alebo chceš, aby som ti ten problém pomohol vyriešiť?” Pretože si často všímam, že deti sa mi chcú len s niečím “vyžalovať”, no očakávajú len empatiu a pochopenie, nie rady.
Tu je zopár pár poznámok, ktoré ma zaujali ku konkrétnym témam:
Kniha má veľký focus na to, ako sa s deťmi o všetkom rozprávať - v každej kapitole, ku každej téme, je tomu venovaná osobitná časť. Zvýraznila som si poznámku, že by sme sa mali vyhýbať veľkým epickým rozhovorom/prednáškam, a sústrediť energiu na desiatky malých, každodenných. (Ak sa jeden nepodarí, máme potom veľa príležitostí skúsiť to znova.)
“Nepredpokladajte, že vedia ako. Buďte naozaj konkrétni.” Niekedy máme pocit, že tínedžeri MUSIA vedieť nejaké pre nás základné veci, napríklad ako sa správne umývať. Ale my sme im to možno nikdy dôsledne nevysvetlili a oni potrebujú od nás naozaj presný, konkrétny návod.
Kapitola o mozgu je zaujímavá celá, ale napríklad toto som si vyznačila: dieťa používa v rôznych situáciách rôzne časti mozgu. S rodičmi zapája prefrontálny kortex, je uvedomelé, premýšla dopredu, identifikuje všetky riziká. Kamaráti uňho ale oveľa rýchlejšie zapália limbický systém, koná impulzívne a iracionálne, riskuje.
Takisto celá kapitola, ktorá stojí za to, je o výkyvoch nálad. Je tu napríklad praktický zoznam fráz, ktorým sa treba vyhnúť a naopak stratégií, ako tínedžerom pomôcť naučiť sa regulovať svoje emócie.
Kapitoly o duševnom zdraví, obraze tela a poruchách príjmu potravy pomáhajú rozpoznať signály, že tínedžer rieši niečo vážnejšie. (Vedeli ste, že poruchy príjmu potravy sú najsmrtelnejšie psychické poruchy hneď po závislosti od opiátov?)
Tri podskupiny detí s najväčším rizikom PPP sú deti, ktoré fyzicky dospievajú skôr, ako rovesníci, športovci a pravidelní používatelia sociálnych médií.
Veľmi ma zaujala téma nadmernej športovej špecializácie mládeže, ešte som o tom v knihe nečítala, ale riešim to už niekoľko rokov - deti od istého veku majú neuveriteľne málo príležitostí športovať len tak pre zábavu. Všetky športové krúžky v istom momente začnú byť o naháňaní výsledkov. Hra sa mení na organizovaný šport. Čo samozrejme je fajn - ale len pre časť detí. Ale drvivej väčšine by oveľa viac než úzka špecializácia na jeden profesionálny šport prospievala diverzifikácia a voľná hra v kolektíve.
Asi najviac poznámok som si robila v kapitole Se* a kultúra nezáväzných vzťahov, mám sa čo učiť o tom, ako dnes mladí ľudia vnímajú (tie romantické) vzťahy :) A veľmi mi pomohli lepšie pochopiť a utriediť si vedomosti kapitoly o se*uálnej orientácii a rodovej identite. Napríklad fakt, že generácia Z aj do tejto témy priniesla fluiditu a že sa ako rodičia máme pripraviť na to, že naše deti možno nebudú chcieť byť označené jedným slovom celý život, respektíve že orientácia sa u niektorých ľudí vyvíja a mení.
Kapitola o vplyve rovesníkov pekne vysvetľuje, že rovesníci majú pozitívny vplyv pri dospievaní a zlepšujú kvalitu života - majú vplyv na pocit pohody, štúdijné výsledky, znižujú riziko depresie, zlepšujú psychosociálne fungovanie a dokonca predlžujú život! Zároveň ale je už dobre prebádaná sila rovesníkov na stredný mozog - priatelia posilňujú centrá typu “riskni to”, “urob to”, “cíť sa skvele”. Štúdie ukázali, že tínedžerova schopnosť šoférovať sa dramaticky znižuje, ak je s ním v aute kamarát - zvyšuje sa priemerná rýchlosť aj nehodovosť. Ďalšou kapitolou je už od generácie X známy pojem “peer presure” - tlak rovesníkov.
Kapitoly sú tematické a teda nie je potrebné čítať knihu od prvej strany po poslednú. Pokojne ju môžete mať založenú v knižnici a vyťahovať vždy, keď si potrebujete naštudovať konkrétnu otázku, ktorá vás s vaším tínedžerom zaujíma. Nájdete tu témy fyzického aj psychického vývinu, od rastu cez telesný pach, vývin mozgu, výkyvy nálad cez poruchy príjmu potravy, vzťahy, antikoncepciu až po rodovú identitu a priateľstvá s rovesníkmi.
Kniha začína zhurta desiatimi mierne šokujúcimi faktmi o modernej puberte. (Nebudem nič prezrádzať, prečítajte si ;))
Každá kapitola má štyri časti:
- Začnime s vedou
- Čo sa zmenilo za posledných 20,30,40 rokov
- Ako o tom hovoriť
- Od ľudí, ktorí práve vyšli z druhej strany
Pri vedeckých vysvetleniach občas zívam a strácam sa, najmä pri skratkách rôznych hormónov. Ale oceňujem, že má veda v knihe miesto a že sa autorky snažili ju laicky vysvetliť.
Asi najdôležitejšie sú pre mňa tipy, ako s deťmi o jednotlivých témach hovoriť. Autorky odporúčajú natrénovať si s tínedžermi “bezstarostný tón plný zvedavosti namiesto obviňovania”, ale samozrejme dodávajú, že si vyžaduje veľa, veľa cviku…
Takisto užitočná je pre mňa formulka: “Chceš, aby som len počúval, alebo chceš, aby som ti ten problém pomohol vyriešiť?” Pretože si často všímam, že deti sa mi chcú len s niečím “vyžalovať”, no očakávajú len empatiu a pochopenie, nie rady.
Tu je zopár pár poznámok, ktoré ma zaujali ku konkrétnym témam:
Kniha má veľký focus na to, ako sa s deťmi o všetkom rozprávať - v každej kapitole, ku každej téme, je tomu venovaná osobitná časť. Zvýraznila som si poznámku, že by sme sa mali vyhýbať veľkým epickým rozhovorom/prednáškam, a sústrediť energiu na desiatky malých, každodenných. (Ak sa jeden nepodarí, máme potom veľa príležitostí skúsiť to znova.)
“Nepredpokladajte, že vedia ako. Buďte naozaj konkrétni.” Niekedy máme pocit, že tínedžeri MUSIA vedieť nejaké pre nás základné veci, napríklad ako sa správne umývať. Ale my sme im to možno nikdy dôsledne nevysvetlili a oni potrebujú od nás naozaj presný, konkrétny návod.
Kapitola o mozgu je zaujímavá celá, ale napríklad toto som si vyznačila: dieťa používa v rôznych situáciách rôzne časti mozgu. S rodičmi zapája prefrontálny kortex, je uvedomelé, premýšla dopredu, identifikuje všetky riziká. Kamaráti uňho ale oveľa rýchlejšie zapália limbický systém, koná impulzívne a iracionálne, riskuje.
Takisto celá kapitola, ktorá stojí za to, je o výkyvoch nálad. Je tu napríklad praktický zoznam fráz, ktorým sa treba vyhnúť a naopak stratégií, ako tínedžerom pomôcť naučiť sa regulovať svoje emócie.
Kapitoly o duševnom zdraví, obraze tela a poruchách príjmu potravy pomáhajú rozpoznať signály, že tínedžer rieši niečo vážnejšie. (Vedeli ste, že poruchy príjmu potravy sú najsmrtelnejšie psychické poruchy hneď po závislosti od opiátov?)
Tri podskupiny detí s najväčším rizikom PPP sú deti, ktoré fyzicky dospievajú skôr, ako rovesníci, športovci a pravidelní používatelia sociálnych médií.
Veľmi ma zaujala téma nadmernej športovej špecializácie mládeže, ešte som o tom v knihe nečítala, ale riešim to už niekoľko rokov - deti od istého veku majú neuveriteľne málo príležitostí športovať len tak pre zábavu. Všetky športové krúžky v istom momente začnú byť o naháňaní výsledkov. Hra sa mení na organizovaný šport. Čo samozrejme je fajn - ale len pre časť detí. Ale drvivej väčšine by oveľa viac než úzka špecializácia na jeden profesionálny šport prospievala diverzifikácia a voľná hra v kolektíve.
Asi najviac poznámok som si robila v kapitole Se* a kultúra nezáväzných vzťahov, mám sa čo učiť o tom, ako dnes mladí ľudia vnímajú (tie romantické) vzťahy :) A veľmi mi pomohli lepšie pochopiť a utriediť si vedomosti kapitoly o se*uálnej orientácii a rodovej identite. Napríklad fakt, že generácia Z aj do tejto témy priniesla fluiditu a že sa ako rodičia máme pripraviť na to, že naše deti možno nebudú chcieť byť označené jedným slovom celý život, respektíve že orientácia sa u niektorých ľudí vyvíja a mení.
Kapitola o vplyve rovesníkov pekne vysvetľuje, že rovesníci majú pozitívny vplyv pri dospievaní a zlepšujú kvalitu života - majú vplyv na pocit pohody, štúdijné výsledky, znižujú riziko depresie, zlepšujú psychosociálne fungovanie a dokonca predlžujú život! Zároveň ale je už dobre prebádaná sila rovesníkov na stredný mozog - priatelia posilňujú centrá typu “riskni to”, “urob to”, “cíť sa skvele”. Štúdie ukázali, že tínedžerova schopnosť šoférovať sa dramaticky znižuje, ak je s ním v aute kamarát - zvyšuje sa priemerná rýchlosť aj nehodovosť. Ďalšou kapitolou je už od generácie X známy pojem “peer presure” - tlak rovesníkov.
September 2, 2024
I’m sure this book will be outdated in like 5 years but the counsel and multiple opinions from both science, psychology/therapy and people who have recently gone through puberty.
Topics are broad and really run the gamut. For a lot of folks who might have some confusions on gender vs sexual identity - I think this lays good groundwork to help understand better. Disambiguating these two potentially (but not always) related topics is like a parenting THING we need to be able to navigate. Sorry. No excuses folks.
Big takeaways:
* puberty starts earlier and ends later than it did for generations. Not just what we think but physiologically it is taking a decade. Let that sink in. If nothing else this is key.
* work on small talk. Work on noting and saying nothing.
* repeat.
Good stuff. Decent audiobook too.
Topics are broad and really run the gamut. For a lot of folks who might have some confusions on gender vs sexual identity - I think this lays good groundwork to help understand better. Disambiguating these two potentially (but not always) related topics is like a parenting THING we need to be able to navigate. Sorry. No excuses folks.
Big takeaways:
* puberty starts earlier and ends later than it did for generations. Not just what we think but physiologically it is taking a decade. Let that sink in. If nothing else this is key.
* work on small talk. Work on noting and saying nothing.
* repeat.
Good stuff. Decent audiobook too.
June 13, 2025
Lots of good content and information. I really appreciate the “How to talk about it,” parts at the end of each chapter. Probably going to have to get a paperback copy to keep on hand and reread sections when specific topics come up.
August 9, 2024
Thank you for writing this book! I loved learning about the brain and how to talk to tweens and teens about growing up.
June 14, 2025
I found this to be a very helpful and practical book. It covered SO many topics and gave helpful ways to talk to your kid about each. I listened to the audiobook and then bought a hard copy so that I can go back and reference it when I need to. I highly recommend it for parents!
Read
January 31, 2024I guess technically a skim. Not all sections are
relevant to us yet.
relevant to us yet.
November 5, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
This Is So Awkward is a well-written, accessible, plain-language book about navigating the changes which come with puberty, by Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett. Released 10th Oct 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Rodale imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. Especially with information-dense books, the interactive format makes text searches much easier.
This is a science based, best practice text, with info grouped into thematic chapters logically arranged. The language will be accessible and understandable to the majority of readers, and can be read and understood by middle grades up through adult ages. The chapters contain interesting overviews over current research into puberty in modern western society (beginning earlier and lasting longer), some content about what to expect for the majority of adolescents, what happens when the unexpected happens, and other "awkward" thoughts. It's a reassuring and honest book, written by medical professionals who are experienced in puberty subjects as well as "translating" info into layman accessible language.
The thematic chapters cover: breasts, male genitalia, periods, hair, acne, body odor, growth spurts, sleep (vital info here that most people don't know), brain development, mood swings, mental health, body image, youth sports overspecialization, sex, contraception (including STIs & STDs), sexual orientation, gender identity, and friendships & peer influence.
The authors/publisher have also included an abbreviated but useful bibliography and index. The text is annotated throughout.
Five stars. This would be an excellent (and important) choice for public and school library acquisition, as well as for adults in resource positions who work with adolescents and for the home library. Given the current state of book challenges and banning in the USA, acquisitions personnel and librarians should be aware that this book covers sexuality and gender issues directly and without covering up specifics. There are case studies throughout with personal revelations which are touching, sometimes funny, and often sad.
Puberty is a vulnerable and fast changing period of a child's life and having a good support guide for them and the adults in their lives is incredibly important.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
This Is So Awkward is a well-written, accessible, plain-language book about navigating the changes which come with puberty, by Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett. Released 10th Oct 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Rodale imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. Especially with information-dense books, the interactive format makes text searches much easier.
This is a science based, best practice text, with info grouped into thematic chapters logically arranged. The language will be accessible and understandable to the majority of readers, and can be read and understood by middle grades up through adult ages. The chapters contain interesting overviews over current research into puberty in modern western society (beginning earlier and lasting longer), some content about what to expect for the majority of adolescents, what happens when the unexpected happens, and other "awkward" thoughts. It's a reassuring and honest book, written by medical professionals who are experienced in puberty subjects as well as "translating" info into layman accessible language.
The thematic chapters cover: breasts, male genitalia, periods, hair, acne, body odor, growth spurts, sleep (vital info here that most people don't know), brain development, mood swings, mental health, body image, youth sports overspecialization, sex, contraception (including STIs & STDs), sexual orientation, gender identity, and friendships & peer influence.
The authors/publisher have also included an abbreviated but useful bibliography and index. The text is annotated throughout.
Five stars. This would be an excellent (and important) choice for public and school library acquisition, as well as for adults in resource positions who work with adolescents and for the home library. Given the current state of book challenges and banning in the USA, acquisitions personnel and librarians should be aware that this book covers sexuality and gender issues directly and without covering up specifics. There are case studies throughout with personal revelations which are touching, sometimes funny, and often sad.
Puberty is a vulnerable and fast changing period of a child's life and having a good support guide for them and the adults in their lives is incredibly important.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 30, 2023
This book was the perfect intro to puberty for the modern age. It covers all the essential subjects including social media, mood swings, brain development, and mental health. It also deals with very practical things like periods, hair growth, and acne. Some of the things that shocked me most are how long kids take to go through puberty and what has and hasn't changed over the years. I loved the way the chapters are divided up with what is going on from a science point of view and then how to talk about it with your kid. This is a great resource for parents these days.
December 18, 2023
Excellent! Very clear and well done. Highly recommend to any parent or person supporting anyone going through puberty at any stage
April 5, 2024
It ended so abruptly. Informative but not a lot of new info, probably because I am closer to teenager than than parent of a teenager
July 23, 2024
Perfect timing to read a book about adolescence and puberty. Well written, with each chapter (e.g. sleep, mental health, body image, etc) broken up into the science of an issue, how things have changed in the past 20-30 years, then how to talk about it, and then tales from people recently out the other side of puberty. The authors tag team the issues and even have their own strengths. Learned a lot, and I plan to buy a copy to keep on hand for the next few years.
January 23, 2025
If there was required reading for parents of pubescent kids, this should be it. Each chapter is broken down by the following: the science, what's changed in the past few decades, how to talk about, and experiences from older teens. Really brought to light for me just how different things are from my teenage years.
December 30, 2024
5 stars for this and mainly for the podcast, which deals with just about every topic under the sun and is SO helpful. I wish I’d had access to it while my kids were even younger. Highly recommended for a balanced approach to parenting through puberty.
April 17, 2024
So much information!
May 21, 2024
Fascinating, necessary, and utterly awkward, as happens to be the case with that thing called puberty.
June 6, 2024
Should be required reading for parents of tweens!
August 18, 2024
My husband read this first and then recommended certain chapters which I read. I liked the presentation of the issue (ie, youth sports over specialization or sex, hookup culture and porn), the science, how to talk about, and stories from young adults (those who recently experienced the topic). Some good ideas about approach to tough topics with tweens and teens.
June 20, 2024
Really good data to support information about topics associated with puberty. Loved how each chapter first talked about the science and then how to address it with your child. While my child isn’t ready for some of it, he is ready for other parts and it’s nice to have some ideas in my pocket on how to get into it.
September 8, 2024
I think this was mostly just a review for me of facts about puberty. I don’t feel like it was new or revolutionary info. It was a good read for me as my oldest enters his “tween years”.
August 5, 2025
A few enlightening info about the brain and talking points for kids and teens
January 2, 2024
This book should be distributed to all parents when their kid starts elementary school. A must-read!
September 21, 2024
Fascinating, and so helpful. Listened to the audiobook from the library but decided to buy a hard copy because I know I’ll reference it lots in the future.
May 8, 2024
Really informative and the info is set out in a clear and concise way. Great resource for parents!
January 4, 2024
I want to reread it
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