Dating Smarts - What Every Teen Needs To Date, Relate Or Wait

In the adult world, dating is like an audition. An acquaintance asks you out to dinner or an event, which will give you time together to learn more about each other. Will you enjoy each other's company? Will you have shared values and common ground? Will you want to spend even more time getting to know each other? Will there be "chemistry"? For many, the first date could mean: "I wonder if I want to have sex with you." A hug and a sweet kiss afterward may be expected. And if both feel something, perhaps more!And now your child wants to date someone! Your kid is growing up and needs to learn how to have fun while being responsible. Because of your own experiences with dating, you may have dark thoughts: foreplay, sex, unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections! Ack! It's enough to give you the heebie-jeebies!Dating should be fun, so how can you help your child create the best-case scenario, while avoiding the worst?One dad I know greeted his daughter's potential suitor by inviting the boy to sit with him on the front porch. "So you want to go out with my daughter," he said. This was followed by questions about the boy's intentions while he slowly whittled away on a wooden cylinder about the size of...well, you know.I've always thought this story was hilarious, but of course it's not the approved solution! The good news: childhood sexuality expert Amy Lang has written Dating Smarts: What Every Teen Needs to Know to Dare, Relate or Wait, a resource that can help parents and teens plow through issues that could be scary for both.For over 25 years, Lang has counseled parents and teens about every aspect of sexuality and dating. Because she knows the territory so well, her advice is thorough and wise. Her writing style is perfect for young people: honest, compassionate, direct, and plain-spoken. Her book covers all the important topics. I like the way she coaches teens to learn what their values and boundaries are, so they can set expectations and manage behavior while having fun.Like all good how-to books written for teens, a parent can use Dating Smarts several ways:- Read the book to prepare for parent-teen discussions- Simply give the book to the teen- Read the book, have your teen read it, then discuss the topicsOne of the benefits of raising kids in the early 21st century is that resources like this exist. So you won't have to pull out your pocket knife on the front porch.

Good book to read along with your teen. Short paragraphs. Lots of reflection questions. Some grammar errors which did not take away from the meat and potatoes of the topic. We would recommend this book. It doesn’t push one relationship over another (Except in the case of abusive situations). Lots of recommended books and websites offered. Also hot lines.

I thought this book was very well written and straight to the point. I think she talks "straight talk" to teens without sounding preachy. If you think it's a bit too much information for your teen to absorb, especially if they are a young teen, then you can use the book for some talking point so to begin conversations with them. I have been queasy about talking about birth control with my 13 year old because I don't want it to appear I am condoning sex at 13, but I think it's the responsible thing to do to discuss sexuality with them while also expressing your family values around it. Knowledge is power and Amy Lang gives you lots of knowledge in this book. I highly recommend it!

This book has helped my 14 year old gain the knowledge to know what is a healthy relationship. Sometimes it's hard to talk to your kids about this. Actually it harder for your kids to listen :) This book is amazing and I highly recommend checking out birds and the bees and other books by the author.

As a therapist, working with tweens for twenty years, I whole-heartedly recommend this book. Amy's easy-mannered, forward and fun style shines through for the tween who is starting to splash around in the dating pool (and their parents!). If you want your kid to get spot-on tips and heads-ups from an informed and powerful female perspective (but don't have the stomach or parts to do it yourself), this is REQUIRED READING for boys and girls alike; I keep it on the table in my waiting room!

I bought this book for my teenage daughter who just fell in love for the first time. I read it first and loved the candid tone and non-judgmental approach to sex, relationships, and dating. It was a quick read and easy to digest. My daughter is reading it now, and I can tell it is making her think. Our discussions about relationships and her own attitudes about sex are far richer since she started reading it. My main thing is I want her to think about her values and attitudes toward sex before she is faced with a decision. This book does a great job of making you think about values and character without being at all preachy. I believe it is helping her find her own path.

I can't see a teenager drudging their way through any part of this book. Felt like alot of fluff. Didn't have any of the details I was hoping would be included. And it didn't keep my attention.

Amy is a true expert. The education and wisdom she provides on all the sex/relationship topics are extremely valuable. If you have kids, I highly recommend her books to you.

I love Amy Lang. She's smart and sensible.