Promise You Won't Freak Out: A Teenager Tells Her Mother the Truth About Boys, Booze, Body Piercing, and Other Touchy Topics (And Mom Responds

Rating:
Summary: Better than the rest
Review: After reading "Reviving Ophelia", "Queen Bees and Wanna Bes", and "Odd Girl Out", I have to say that this book was the most helpful (and the least scholarly). I make no judgments on the relationships between these two attributes, but this book offered the most practical advice. My daughter is 12, so a lot of the information is yet to come into play, but I feel better about having it. I especially enjoyed the discussion of parents who are in denial that their darling daughters would ever do such things. There's a lot of that thinking going on among the parents of my daughters friends, and it's good to hear someone keeping it real.

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Summary: Fun, Frank and Fascinating
Review: As the mother of two teen girls and reader of many "advice to moms" books, I have to say this is one of the best. The "mom wisdom" of Doris Fuller is balanced by the engaging teen voice of Natalie. So that's what teens think when they're about to ...(fill in the blank)! Older son Greg Fuller also adds an interesting dimension. While one book can't possibly cover all the issues parents of teens might face, this one handles some of the major ones with frankness, wit and insightful, practical advice.
It's also just a fun read! If you've been looking for a new perspective on raising a teen daughter, definitely buy this book.

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Summary: Little Darlings?
Review: Every parent, at one time or another, is guilty of the smug belief that their kid is not like everyone else's. Love is blind, and many parents chose to believe their offspring are capable, wise-beyond-their-years, little darlings.
In this book, Doris and Natalie's mission is to destroy the notion of the "perfect kid" and annoy those who have been content in their denial. What is pleasurable, however, is the author's willingness to provide this service in a candid, unpretentious, humorous fashion. There is excellent advice on how to take the blinder's off and become active in your child's life. For any and all parents of pre-adult children, it is a must-read.


Rating:
Summary: Promise You Won't Freak Out is Very Impressive
Review: Extremely well written and interesting. Every teenager and every parent of one should read it, regardless of their own situation (and even if they can't relate to the examples). A good study book for schools and churches. Although the subject matter covers many of the lapses of integrity in today's teens, the book itself reeks of honesty. The authors are courageous in putting their lives out for public view. The excellent conversation starters should help any parent.

From a grandparent in Flagstaff, AZ.

Rating:
Summary: Enlightening and Educational!
Review: I don't typically leave feedback on books I read but I found this book simply outstanding. I read a lot of parenting books but I found the approach of parent and kids responding very refreshing and enlightening. I learned a ton, was shocked a lot, but feel better prepared to deal with my 2 sons (ages 12 and 14). I loved Doris' questions at the end of every chapter and have used several with success. Even though it is co-authored by a girl, it was very applicable to those of us who only have sons. Thanks for an excellent book and innovative approach to a topic every parent with teens needs to know.

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Summary: I wish this book was available when my kids were 12!
Review: I wish I had this book when my kids were 12 instead of 19 and 20. My daughter had a drinking incident at a club sporting tournament when she was 14! I was shocked to my core that my daughter was even experimenting with alcohol, let alone being the supplier to other team members. I jumped into action to put out the fires but it was too late. She suffered the consequences for a long time. This book shows how a little investigating can go a long way to helping keep your teen out of trouble before it starts. This book kept me chuckling and I couldn't wait to see what Natalie was up to next and how long it was going to take for Mom to GET A CLUE!

Rating:
Summary: It's never too early to read this book
Review: If you haven't managed by now to keep your teen so busy with dance,
soccer, piano lessons, church, etc. that they come home so tired they
will not want to go out with their friends, then you'd better read this
book.  Not only is it easy and fun to read, it also gives great advice
on how to communicate with your teen, and even better, how to get your teen to communicate with you.
I have 2 little girls, and upon reading the book, I realized I needed to start paving the way to their teen years NOW in order to be ready when their hormones kick in.
I believe "Promise..." will help a lot of people.

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Summary: The best book about modern teens I've ever read
Review: This book is terrific. Fascinating, provocative, funny, entertaining, wise.
I couldn't put it down. The alternating voices of mother and daughter give it a liveliness and an energy that captivated me utterly. This is stuff for which all moms (in particular) should have an inexhaustible appetite.

The authors do a sensitive and compelling job of communicating the drawbacks of many of the questionable behaviors that are discussed. Any parent who shares it with their teen will send a clear signal about the value of open communication,

Rating:
Summary: Great Book! Finally Some Reality
Review: This was a great read. I applaud the authors for sharing their "reality based" experiences.

Rating:
Summary: Time Well Spent
Review: Wish I'd had this book earlier in my parenting. I learned a tremendous amount, but the biggest value was in ideas for conversation starters with my teens. I tried a few suggestions and was amazed at the discussions that followed. I left the book on the kitchen table during a teen party and the kids zeroed in on it immediately, particularly the chapter on sex (no surprise there!) I have made gifts of the book to my younger sisters, telling them it is an easy read, well written, and packed with useful information and suggestions. Read this book if there are teenagers in your life.