What do you think?
Rate this book
Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy! Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind
Now in paperback! Here is the book that updates the rulebook, giving parents the training and skills they need to transform their teenage children into strong, confident, productive adults.
300 pages, Hardcover
First published July 16, 2001
217 people are currently reading
984 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Bradley
21 books8 followersMichael Bradley grew up in Philadelphia, where he attended parochial schools before moving on to LaSalle College on a military scholarship. After briefly serving as an officer in the U.S. Army, he entered law school and supported himself with a temporary job counseling troubled adolescents in an inner-city Philadelphia high school. To his amazement, he developed a passionate interest in his new sideline job and switched to graduate studies in psychology, ultimately earning a doctorate from Temple University.
Since then, Dr. Bradley has worked with children, adolescents, and their families in treatment settings ranging from jails, to social service agencies, to private practice. His professional experience with children encompasses virtually every aspect of youth work.
In addition to working as a licensed psychologist, Dr. Bradley holds specialized certification in the treatment of substance abuse disorders from the American College of Professional Psychology. He is also a member and Fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners, and is called upon to give expert courtroom testimony.
As an expert on adolescent behavior, Dr. Bradley is frequently quoted in the press. He has also appeared on hundreds of TV and radio programs, including NBC's Today Show, CNN World News Tonight, Pure Oxygen and National Public Radio. He delivers speeches before national and state PTA conventions and many other parenting and professional groups, and he can be booked to conduct seminars and workshops and deliver keynote speeches almost anywhere.
Dr. Bradley has received ten national publishing awards for his books, including a Benjamin Franklin award for "Best New Voice in Nonfiction." He is also a recipient of the prestigious William Penn Humanitarian Award, Commission on Human Relations.
Dr. Bradley, his wife Cynthia, and their biological son Ross adopted Sarah, a brave and beautiful baby who arrived in this world with tremendous challenges and then survived the most difficult first year of life that most can imagine. After Sarah and the Bradleys finally found each other, that new family went through a terrible time of forging attachments. But after a year, Sarah suddenly blossomed into an incredibly loving and happy little girl. This "gut-wrenching and indescribably rewarding" experience reinforced the core premise of Dr. Bradley's work with children, which holds that "love is indeed the most real, potent aspect of parenting. And, in parenting, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
Dr. Bradley lives with his family in suburban Philadelphia, where he worries incessantly that his teenage son will grow up to be just like him.
Since then, Dr. Bradley has worked with children, adolescents, and their families in treatment settings ranging from jails, to social service agencies, to private practice. His professional experience with children encompasses virtually every aspect of youth work.
In addition to working as a licensed psychologist, Dr. Bradley holds specialized certification in the treatment of substance abuse disorders from the American College of Professional Psychology. He is also a member and Fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners, and is called upon to give expert courtroom testimony.
As an expert on adolescent behavior, Dr. Bradley is frequently quoted in the press. He has also appeared on hundreds of TV and radio programs, including NBC's Today Show, CNN World News Tonight, Pure Oxygen and National Public Radio. He delivers speeches before national and state PTA conventions and many other parenting and professional groups, and he can be booked to conduct seminars and workshops and deliver keynote speeches almost anywhere.
Dr. Bradley has received ten national publishing awards for his books, including a Benjamin Franklin award for "Best New Voice in Nonfiction." He is also a recipient of the prestigious William Penn Humanitarian Award, Commission on Human Relations.
Dr. Bradley, his wife Cynthia, and their biological son Ross adopted Sarah, a brave and beautiful baby who arrived in this world with tremendous challenges and then survived the most difficult first year of life that most can imagine. After Sarah and the Bradleys finally found each other, that new family went through a terrible time of forging attachments. But after a year, Sarah suddenly blossomed into an incredibly loving and happy little girl. This "gut-wrenching and indescribably rewarding" experience reinforced the core premise of Dr. Bradley's work with children, which holds that "love is indeed the most real, potent aspect of parenting. And, in parenting, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
Dr. Bradley lives with his family in suburban Philadelphia, where he worries incessantly that his teenage son will grow up to be just like him.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
April 11, 2021
For the past few years, I’ve had a bit of an aversion to how-to books, particularly when it comes to parenting, and so on. I think that I got burned out when I overdid it a bit from the time I was pregnant and when our children were small. All I can say is that I am extremely grateful to a few of my online friends who recommended this book. My suggestion: read this book if you have a pre-teen or teen!
The first few chapters are quite scary and worrisome, to say the least, but the latter part, the how-to part, is incredibly helpful and practical. I would recommend re-reading it from time to time. I know that I, for one, am the type that needs to be constantly reminded. This book will hopefully help me to regain some semblance of sanity, perspective, and understanding, during this challenging time.
The first few chapters are quite scary and worrisome, to say the least, but the latter part, the how-to part, is incredibly helpful and practical. I would recommend re-reading it from time to time. I know that I, for one, am the type that needs to be constantly reminded. This book will hopefully help me to regain some semblance of sanity, perspective, and understanding, during this challenging time.
August 22, 2023
Eye opening, frightening, has made me laugh, cry, examine myself thoroughly, realize a whole boatload of things about myself and my teenagers & wish I'd read this before my oldest hit adolescence.
I am not through reading it but already have so many notes from it... if you are struggling with a snapping opinionated (or even out of control) teen and you are mourning the loss of you sweet, kind, loving pre-teen, thinking you've lost your child, then don't hesitate. Pick this up.
Be prepared for some scary tales and statistics and to read 'from the couch' notes that will be alarmingly like your situation. They give MORE reason to carry on with the book, to tool you up to be the lighthouse your kids need in these tough years - in an era where been a teenager has more complicated and different challenges than most eras beforehand.
Update.... now finished the book, and have been putting into practice some of what I learned. And wow, instant results on some things, and small progressive steps on others.
The first 1/3 of the book covers kids: what's happening to them, their generation and individually.
The second 1/3 looks at us, the parents. What's changed so we have to change our parenting methods, what baggage we might have, and what we might be doing right or doing wrong.
The last 1/3 is the nitty gritty "what to do when..." - covers everything from dealing with teenage tantrums, curfews, drinking & drugs, sex, schoolwork, chores... the lot.
At times, you'd be forgiven for thinking Bradley is about letting kids have their rages and we have to ignore, but it's not at all.
It's more about ~
i) as the parent, don't come over as the bad cop. Be the calm one so you gain more authority and respect
ii) don't sweat the small stuff. Build a bank of respect so when you meet the bigger and harder teen issues, you have far more power over your child
iii) fear and control is not the same as respect and authority. Learn the difference and your teen will behave outside the home, not just when you're around
iv) Gaining respect includes ~
not always having to have the last word; not getting into shouting matches; being the parent not their buddy; being strong and calm; listening listening listening; ask questions, don't lecture; letting go of your emotional need to have your sweet little pre-teen back
v) Innoculate don't control. You know the saying "Integrity is how you behave when no-one is watching" - well, this teaches how to teach that to your kids.
Great book and one I will be re-reading.
I am not through reading it but already have so many notes from it... if you are struggling with a snapping opinionated (or even out of control) teen and you are mourning the loss of you sweet, kind, loving pre-teen, thinking you've lost your child, then don't hesitate. Pick this up.
Be prepared for some scary tales and statistics and to read 'from the couch' notes that will be alarmingly like your situation. They give MORE reason to carry on with the book, to tool you up to be the lighthouse your kids need in these tough years - in an era where been a teenager has more complicated and different challenges than most eras beforehand.
Update.... now finished the book, and have been putting into practice some of what I learned. And wow, instant results on some things, and small progressive steps on others.
The first 1/3 of the book covers kids: what's happening to them, their generation and individually.
The second 1/3 looks at us, the parents. What's changed so we have to change our parenting methods, what baggage we might have, and what we might be doing right or doing wrong.
The last 1/3 is the nitty gritty "what to do when..." - covers everything from dealing with teenage tantrums, curfews, drinking & drugs, sex, schoolwork, chores... the lot.
At times, you'd be forgiven for thinking Bradley is about letting kids have their rages and we have to ignore, but it's not at all.
It's more about ~
i) as the parent, don't come over as the bad cop. Be the calm one so you gain more authority and respect
ii) don't sweat the small stuff. Build a bank of respect so when you meet the bigger and harder teen issues, you have far more power over your child
iii) fear and control is not the same as respect and authority. Learn the difference and your teen will behave outside the home, not just when you're around
iv) Gaining respect includes ~
not always having to have the last word; not getting into shouting matches; being the parent not their buddy; being strong and calm; listening listening listening; ask questions, don't lecture; letting go of your emotional need to have your sweet little pre-teen back
v) Innoculate don't control. You know the saying "Integrity is how you behave when no-one is watching" - well, this teaches how to teach that to your kids.
Great book and one I will be re-reading.
June 5, 2012
I would recommend this book to any parent of a tween/teenager. The brain of a 12-17 year old person is in a great state of flux much like that of a 2 year old. As caregivers it is our responsibility to make sure that the chaos of the teenage years is not hard wired into their personalities but at the same time we learn to show them respect and support. We need to keep them alive and safe during these chaotic years so that they can emerge as better adults afterwards. It helps to understand that they do not like how they are feeling during these great hormonal and neurobiological changes.I found it enlightening. It is not a psychology tome nor is it a neurochemistry tome, just a parent / adolescent psychologist talking to other parents and teens.
One among many interesting thoughtsis this: At times we, as parents, over react to our kids because without knowing it we are grieving at the same time. We are grieving the loss of our sweet, hugging, loving child who sees us as God.But this new version , our child 2.0 is also wonderful if we do not give up on him no matter how mad he tries to make us.
One among many interesting thoughtsis this: At times we, as parents, over react to our kids because without knowing it we are grieving at the same time. We are grieving the loss of our sweet, hugging, loving child who sees us as God.But this new version , our child 2.0 is also wonderful if we do not give up on him no matter how mad he tries to make us.
October 8, 2012
He's not really my teen, but he's definitely crazy. This book is helping me understand why. Basically, being a teenager is like an ongoing case of really bad PMS coupled with major brain damage. You've got all the hormones and bad brain chemicals making you feel miserable or angry with no basis in reality, but your prefrontal cortex isn't yet developed enough to override with reason. On top of that, you have to deal with high school! Who wouldn't be pissy? So much easier not to take it personally in light of that.
...
This is a great book. It gives a lot of practical advice, and it does a great job of showing the world from the teens' view so you can understand where they're coming from and what they're going through. I wish I'd taken notes while I was reading it, but the main takeaways for me are listen--they need to know someone cares about them--and stay calm. It's not weak to let snide comments roll off you. Rather, by not reacting, you're failing to reinforce that behavior as a way the teen can control you. If it never produces any results, he'll eventually stop doing it. (That's the theory, anyway!)
The whole time I was reading this, I was filled with compassion for said crazy teen and everything was great between us. Unfortunately, the effect seems to have worn off since I finished reading. I really don't want to read this same book over and over for the next 4-7 years. Might be worth it, though.
...
This is a great book. It gives a lot of practical advice, and it does a great job of showing the world from the teens' view so you can understand where they're coming from and what they're going through. I wish I'd taken notes while I was reading it, but the main takeaways for me are listen--they need to know someone cares about them--and stay calm. It's not weak to let snide comments roll off you. Rather, by not reacting, you're failing to reinforce that behavior as a way the teen can control you. If it never produces any results, he'll eventually stop doing it. (That's the theory, anyway!)
The whole time I was reading this, I was filled with compassion for said crazy teen and everything was great between us. Unfortunately, the effect seems to have worn off since I finished reading. I really don't want to read this same book over and over for the next 4-7 years. Might be worth it, though.
November 19, 2011
The first third of the book paints a terrifying and bleak portrait of the world we are trying to navigate and the way teens view it. But the chapters that follow offer hope, guidance, humor, and sensible strategies for how to cope with any teen, but especially those who are challenging, rebellious, and/or temporarily crazy.
We've hit a rocky patch with our teenager, and this book helped me feel less alone and unmoored. And it gave me hope that he might weather these tumultuous teen years successfully after all. At the very least, I know what NOT to do. And I have a new perspective and tons of helpful strategies for what to try next.
I loved it when Bradley said we parents of teens should just smile indulgently at those parents of small children who might look at us judgmentally or think "I'd never allow MY child to behave like that!" Because they have no idea what's coming, and they'll soon get their turn. ;)
We've hit a rocky patch with our teenager, and this book helped me feel less alone and unmoored. And it gave me hope that he might weather these tumultuous teen years successfully after all. At the very least, I know what NOT to do. And I have a new perspective and tons of helpful strategies for what to try next.
I loved it when Bradley said we parents of teens should just smile indulgently at those parents of small children who might look at us judgmentally or think "I'd never allow MY child to behave like that!" Because they have no idea what's coming, and they'll soon get their turn. ;)
May 4, 2008
If you are a middle school or high school teacher (particularly a new one), this could answer a lot of questions and spare you unnecessary head-and-heartache. Funny and practical. Bradley shows you why what you think must work won't work. And how we must be prepared to swallow the gruesomeness of our current reality and change our own behavior before we expect the behavior of our young ones to change. Be prepared to be scared. But also to find solace in solutions.
October 23, 2016
"LOVED this book. Recommend to anyone w/ a preteen/teen. So many great tips. Funny and eye opening. Glad I read it to appreciate how good I have it and be ready for when some of these (hopefully not most) incidents occur."
Loved re reading this book. I feel like I should read this every 6 months for new behaviors that arise for each kid. Makes you realize how crazy the teen brain is!
Loved re reading this book. I feel like I should read this every 6 months for new behaviors that arise for each kid. Makes you realize how crazy the teen brain is!
November 28, 2015
I found a lot of good, practical advice in this book. I did have to wade through a bit of foundation before getting to it (Part III), but that was probably necessary. It is a bit dated, with no references to social media aside from some statements about chat rooms on the internet. But that's fine.
It contains a good amount of humor, and plenty of real life examples. I was surprised and pleased to see a couple of examples that fit one of the issues that's been weighing on my mind... whether to enroll her in the high school I prefer instead of the high school she prefers. There's no black and white answer, but there are some good strategies for approaching the discussion. It also gives me plenty of good ideas for how to make the most of the limited conversation time we have together, how to handle boundaries and consequences, privacy issues, etc. He offers a strong argument for letting her explore her own identity, which I agree with and is reassuring.
There were one or two statements that I really had to disagree with, but maybe they were a bit tongue in cheek. Most of the advice was sensible and practical, though definitely not intuitive. This is gonna be work!
It contains a good amount of humor, and plenty of real life examples. I was surprised and pleased to see a couple of examples that fit one of the issues that's been weighing on my mind... whether to enroll her in the high school I prefer instead of the high school she prefers. There's no black and white answer, but there are some good strategies for approaching the discussion. It also gives me plenty of good ideas for how to make the most of the limited conversation time we have together, how to handle boundaries and consequences, privacy issues, etc. He offers a strong argument for letting her explore her own identity, which I agree with and is reassuring.
There were one or two statements that I really had to disagree with, but maybe they were a bit tongue in cheek. Most of the advice was sensible and practical, though definitely not intuitive. This is gonna be work!
March 23, 2018
This is going to be a great reference guide for my husband and I for the next six+ years! Ha ha. The author helped me understand what's going on physiologically for a teen, so that I better understand their motives and behavior. While giving me a whole lot of things to worry about, the book also helped me consider preventative strategies and how to cope with difficult situations.
The only drawback about this book is how outdated it is. Written way before the advent of social media and smart devices, we now have a whole new slew of issues facing teens and it's a strong reminder of how attentive I need to be with my kids and monitoring their access to addictive and psychology harmful technology. I don't have the answers... I know what's wrong, I know what's not working, and my problem solving skills in this area are limited. Just trying to be the best parent I can be, teach my children about values during these crucial years while they are deciding who they are, and create quality family time, and a safe, controlled environment for them to test things out so that they can be set up for independence and success later in life.
Wish us luck ;)
The only drawback about this book is how outdated it is. Written way before the advent of social media and smart devices, we now have a whole new slew of issues facing teens and it's a strong reminder of how attentive I need to be with my kids and monitoring their access to addictive and psychology harmful technology. I don't have the answers... I know what's wrong, I know what's not working, and my problem solving skills in this area are limited. Just trying to be the best parent I can be, teach my children about values during these crucial years while they are deciding who they are, and create quality family time, and a safe, controlled environment for them to test things out so that they can be set up for independence and success later in life.
Wish us luck ;)
May 1, 2012
This book was fantastic. I don't have any teens at home yet, but I am a youth speaker and this book really sheds light on many issues facing parents.
I can sympathize with parents much more and give practical advice in how to deal with things like "Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll(violence)" as the author puts it. The author understands teens on a scientific and emotional level. This is quite different than other books I've read on the subject. I found it to be much more honest and it gets to the point.
One issue I appreciated him addressing was Rage. What to do when your teen is in your face and violently defiant of your authority. Very smart chapters on that.
The author has spent over 25 years as a Psychologist with Adolescents and he relates to the reader in a way that does not talk down to them. He is surprisingly candid about his own parenting mistakes and bad tendencies and counters them with new and more informed tactics he learned after working with teens as a clinician.
I can already tell this book will serve me as a go-to resource throughout the years.
I can sympathize with parents much more and give practical advice in how to deal with things like "Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll(violence)" as the author puts it. The author understands teens on a scientific and emotional level. This is quite different than other books I've read on the subject. I found it to be much more honest and it gets to the point.
One issue I appreciated him addressing was Rage. What to do when your teen is in your face and violently defiant of your authority. Very smart chapters on that.
The author has spent over 25 years as a Psychologist with Adolescents and he relates to the reader in a way that does not talk down to them. He is surprisingly candid about his own parenting mistakes and bad tendencies and counters them with new and more informed tactics he learned after working with teens as a clinician.
I can already tell this book will serve me as a go-to resource throughout the years.
January 11, 2013
This book has saved me from putting my kid into an institution. For any parent of a teen, this book is a comforting hand/guide through the conflicting teens years of your child.
Dr. Bradley explains, in a humorous way, that your teen, although looks like an adult (somewhat) is actually going through a brain growth spurt. This causes the teen to go haywire.
For the perplexed parent, that simply wants to throw their hands up in surrender, this book is informative with a common sense approach. He uses examples from his own child rearing- and it aint pretty either. He is real and I like it.
With laughter, tears and straight talk you'll find the wisdom to raise your teen and maybe even yourself.
Dr. Bradley explains, in a humorous way, that your teen, although looks like an adult (somewhat) is actually going through a brain growth spurt. This causes the teen to go haywire.
For the perplexed parent, that simply wants to throw their hands up in surrender, this book is informative with a common sense approach. He uses examples from his own child rearing- and it aint pretty either. He is real and I like it.
With laughter, tears and straight talk you'll find the wisdom to raise your teen and maybe even yourself.
September 28, 2013
The first "help" book of any type that I've ever read that I wasn't disgusted with after the first 20 pages. There is really very little offering of societal causes or blames to modern problems that quite frankly never existed before this age (which is just fine in my opinion) and the author has a few "political" views which he tries to conceal but he just can't hide despite himself. These moments though are few and don't take anything away from the purpose of the book: getting your mind wrapped around just what is going on with your child. Understanding is the first and biggest step. The "I was a child once" argument is point by point destroyed in the face of what average kids are living through now. Really an excellent treatment for parents at their wits end.
April 5, 2015
Another impulse read that turned out to be fantastic. In one of those half absurd, half serious conversations, my friend Julie mentioned this book. The review that intrigued me though was "I don’t even have children -- much less teenage children. Neither do half a dozen other people I know who, like me, started reading the opening pages of this book and found themselves hooked -- utterly unable to put it down. For non-parents, YES, YOUR TEEN IS CRAZY! is that fascinating. " Now for this actual parent of teens, I found it an excellent reminder, refresher, and informer about those creatures that live with me. I would say it has made me a tad more patient and understanding. Now the question is will it last who knows?
October 7, 2013
This book is great and a easy read. I won't say I'm finished with it because I know I will be going back to it over and over through the years. It really helps you understand the what, whys and how's of this evolving person you have created. It is a scary time, but this book has many explanations that are not only interesting, but they made me feel better. I recommend this to anyone with children. It's a must read!
January 9, 2016
This book should be passed out like candy at a parade. Read this if you have teenagers, if you will have teenagers, if you know teenagers, if you know parents of teenagers, if you are anyone who as the privilege of caring for youth, which I hope you are because even though teens brains are going crazy and we do not always get it, they are amazing, worthy of love and need grown ups more than ever before.
April 17, 2008
Parenting teens is difficult but with the right tools you and the teen will survive. I found it very informative and would recommend it to any parent, teacher, social worker, and others who deal with teenagers.
April 11, 2013
Every parent, teacher and coach of junior and senior high schoolers must read this!! Very helpful advice.
June 13, 2013
Required reading for all parents. Period.
April 16, 2017
This is an absolute MUST read for anyone that has an adolescent in the family. It is SO helpful in understanding the way they think as influenced by the raging hormones.
April 24, 2021
Good background info about neurological and biological development. Helpful, reassuring strategies for common teen struggles. Statistically speaking...”the overwhelming majority of teens have relatively short lived storms of insanity”. Keep your cool, listen well, maintain your own integrity while still honoring your child’s identity, and remember that this too shall pass
June 5, 2023
This book is excellent- in explaining how the teenagers of today have a different experience compared to what we had as parents, providing sage advice, and good tips. My one issue with this is that it came out in 2003, so it does not address issues like social media, and certainly does not address edible cannabis, but that said, it is still very relevant to today and filled with good advice. Highly recommend.
December 31, 2020
I skimmed this. Excellent advice on how to handle the teen years. Covers drugs, suicide, sex, rage, all the important topics. Gives you pointers from the parental perspective. The most eye opening is parental use of alcohol impacts kids use of drugs. It’s simple content but can be hard to practice.
January 6, 2015
- A very good book for parents of teens who need a roadmap for a lot of difficult situations (very detailed and comprehensive).
- I gave it a 4/5 as opposed to a 5/5 because it was a bit too dense for me and wasn't meeting my specific needs. It's more for parents and less for general adolescent health practitioners (though I do still think it's worth a read even if you're not a parent.
- I liked that this book covered the issue of juveniles being charged as adults and why Bradley is against it. That topic hasn't come up in other adolescent health books I've read.
- He does a nice job of mixing humor with seriousness and compassion. Though I do still cringe every time a teen is called "crazy" or "brain damaged". I get it's a joke but language does still matter and I hesitate at anything that reinforces that there's something innately wrong with teens. They bring many challenges but also a lot of positives to the table as well.
- I gave it a 4/5 as opposed to a 5/5 because it was a bit too dense for me and wasn't meeting my specific needs. It's more for parents and less for general adolescent health practitioners (though I do still think it's worth a read even if you're not a parent.
- I liked that this book covered the issue of juveniles being charged as adults and why Bradley is against it. That topic hasn't come up in other adolescent health books I've read.
- He does a nice job of mixing humor with seriousness and compassion. Though I do still cringe every time a teen is called "crazy" or "brain damaged". I get it's a joke but language does still matter and I hesitate at anything that reinforces that there's something innately wrong with teens. They bring many challenges but also a lot of positives to the table as well.
June 17, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, and found it quite helpful. Dr. Bradley gives real world examples and shares his own experiences, along with his patients' stories. This really helps the reader feel like the author is an ally versus a pedantic, lecturing superior, bombarding you with walls of rules and regulations.
Bradley uses humor and a casual style to make the book enjoyable and readable, and I laughed aloud throughout. There were some intense chapters, especially toward the beginning, which I needed to recover from before moving on, but that's just because the truth is scary. I highly recommend this book to any parent.
Bradley uses humor and a casual style to make the book enjoyable and readable, and I laughed aloud throughout. There were some intense chapters, especially toward the beginning, which I needed to recover from before moving on, but that's just because the truth is scary. I highly recommend this book to any parent.
August 26, 2011
I like this so much I bought my own copy. I kept stopping to make notes or to read something aloud to Kent, marking pages with sticky notes. When I accumulated over a dozen, I went to Amazon and ordered. Loads of really good parenting advice, not just for parents of teens, and good relationship advice too. Actually, just good advice on how to interact with the people you love and live with. My only quibble is with the title, which makes the book seem like it'll be flippant, which it really isn't.
December 13, 2016
I ❤️ this quote from the book... "Your defining act of love for your child will not be the 2:00 am feedings, the sleepless, fretful night spent beside him in the hospital or the second job you took to pay for college. Your zenith will occur in the face of a withering blast of frightening rage from your adolescent, in allowing no rage from yourself in response. Your finest moment may well be your darkest. And you will be a parent".
Corny title but the most helpful book I have ever read about parenting the teen years. If you have a teen, you need this book.
Corny title but the most helpful book I have ever read about parenting the teen years. If you have a teen, you need this book.
Read
July 31, 2013I have been longing for an app to help me navigate these challenging years and this is it in book form. Bradley writes snappily enough to make me laugh out loud -- and he also brought a tear several times when he shared his own parenting stories. Lots of terrific advice. I wish I'd found this book a few years ago -- my son is nearly 15, and a handful -- but better late than never, and I have a 12-year-old daughter, besides.
May 27, 2014
I am not an appreciator of parenting books. This one, however, was fantastic! I've kept it from the library long enough that now I think I need to buy my own copy. It ranks up there with Raising Cain. A book I want to re-read to keep me in the right mindset and thoughtful about what my children are experiencing.
The book can be summarized into saying that poor teenagers are dealing with a lot with brains that are still developing. For parents: be patient and love your kids.
The book can be summarized into saying that poor teenagers are dealing with a lot with brains that are still developing. For parents: be patient and love your kids.
February 21, 2016
Dr. Bradley speaks to parents with the evidence of neuroscience, biochemistry, professional experience AND a parent mentor. This book has changed my outlook on the teen years...for the better. The practical strategies to maintain positive interactions with a shapeshifting teen are golden. The examples are very useful. The author does not shy away from the issues that scare us most as parents. I had initially borrowed this book from the library but purchased it today for future reference.
July 4, 2017
So far, I'm loving this book. I'm only about 1/3 of the way into it but it's already been very helpful for me in understanding my teenagers and changing how I respond to them. I've recommended it on a Facebook group I'm on for parenting teens. I appreciate that he's respectful about kids and doesn't just argue for punitive parenting, and he helps understand what's going on in kids' brains. It's also very reassuring, which I need at times with three teens at home. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews