The Blessing of a B Minus
Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Resilient Teenagers
-
-
4.2 • 31 Ratings
-
-
- $11.99
-
- $11.99
Publisher Description
New York Times bestselling author and host of the podcast Nurture vs Nurture Dr. Wendy Mogel shows parents how to navigate the challenging teenage years.
When a child becomes a teenager, her sense of entitlement and independence grows, the pressure to compete skyrockets, and communication becomes fraught with obstacles. Dr. Wendy Mogel emphasizes empathy, and offers guidance over micromanaging teens’ lives and overreacting to missteps. She reveals that emotional outbursts, rudeness, rule-breaking, staying up late, and other worrisome teen behaviors are in fact normal and necessary steps in psychological growth and character development. With her signature wit and warmth, Mogel gives parents the tools to meet these behaviors with thoughtful care, offering reassuring advice on:
· why influence is more effective than control
· teenage narcissism
· living graciously with rudeness
· the surprising value of ordinary work
· why risk is essential preparation for the post–high school years
· when to step in and when to step back
The Blessing of a B Minus is an important and inspiring book that fortifies parents through the teenage years.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Social-clinical psychologist Mogel concentrates on the hidden blessings of raising teenagers in this engaging follow-up to The Blessing of a Skinned Knee. Intermingling wisdom and guidelines from Judaism and adolescent psychology, Mogel compares the teen years to the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. As kids wander in the "desert" of adolescence, she advises parents to offer counsel and guidance, demonstrate empathy without entanglement, and resist the urge to intervene or rescue. In chapters peppered with true-to-life examples and humor, Mogel examines the blessings of a B minus, staying up late, hangovers, breaking the rules, and a variety of other teen topics, urging parents not just to look on the bright side, but to help kids benefit from the learning opportunities inherent in difficult situations. Some of her advice may be challenging for readers to follow: for instance, she recommends that parents refrain from broaching the subject of college until grade 11. She also encourages parents to let teens learn from their own mistakes and to respect their yetzer hara (aggressive impulse), while seeking balance with a sense of teshuvah (repentance). Mogel's compassion and authenticity will ring true with parents of all faiths facing the tumultuous teen years.
Customer Reviews
Blessing of a B Minus
I loved the common sense, no fear approach. I am a Christian and I found the Judaism customs and traditions interesting and beautiful and also they gave me an illustration of the result we are all trying to "achieve" in our child/teen-rearing. Although, I may teach a few life lessons differently, the big picture is we need to feel encouraged to let our children experience life and not tempted to carry them through life. I appreciated the author's experience and expertise. The "scripts" are also most helpful.
Very Helpful
even a Catholic found it very helpful and practical!
Yay
Fantastic! And who are those wonderful kids on the cover? Lol