Preparing for Adolescence: How to Survive the Coming Years of Change Paperback – December 1, 2005

Great book! Explains things well and leaves little to the imagination!

I did this study when I was a kid - going into my teen years. I did a study on it with my church and my parents - it was really helpful to me. Now, my own son is ten, and he and I are going over all the material. It is a great way to introduce your teens-to-be to the concepts, challenges, and rewards of growing older. It's more than a discussion about sex - it deals with all the craziness of the teen years. You should have the talk you're your child before someone else does. This book will help you do it in a Biblical and common sense approach. Highly recommend. I know that not everyone agrees with everything that comes from Focus on the Family and Dr. James Dobson; however, this book is pretty straightforward. The most important thing is that YOU guide the conversation with your childe. This book serves as a great starting point.

This book is very helpful as teenagers navigate the changes of adolescence. I highly recommend.

What parent is prepared for the roller coaster ride of adolescence when their first child starts "growing up"? I thought I wouldn't have to think about it until my child was 13! Ha! The moodiness has already started -- at 10!I enjoyed this book by Dr. Dobson, a well known & trusted author. The book helps the parent see this phase from the child's perspective and is written in a style the child can relate to. It assists them in trying to make sense of it all. It offers the child a preview of what to expect as radical physical and emotional changes begin and suggestions of how to handle them with practical common sense and their faith. The section addressing the "facts of life" is respectful, frank and thorough, but only offers age appropriate "details". It is appropriate enough for a 10 year old.The book cover-to-cover may not keep the attention of a 10-12 year old who is accustomed to reading "action" type books, but if they are searching for answers, it's all there. Whether you buy the book for guidance as a parent, for your child to read, or as a tool to open up discussion on these topics, it is a worthwhile purchase.

My wife took our 10 year old daughter (5 years ago, shopping trip), and I took my 11 year old son (1 year ago, snowmobiling) on overnights, as suggested. Our kids considered it a rite of passage and looked forward to the trips with great anticipation.Dobson teaches about the many changes of adolescence, which has helped each of our teens to avoid the many pitfalls of that age(so far!). We have loaned the tapes to many friends, and each have been pleased with the experience.Many ask when to do this trip with their child. Dobson recommends right before puberty- when the child will still think sex is "gross", but old enough to have interest and understand.This sure beats the talks our parents had with us!

I got this for my nine year old. I read it myself before attempting to read it to her. Still haven’t read it to her. Probably won’t read it to her until she’s 12 maybe 13. There were is some subject matter that was more informative than I would have liked. I.e. a kid took all the pills in the bathroom cabinet to try to commit suicide… kind of things. Didn’t really wanna put that in my kids head. Glad I read it myself before attempting to read it to her.

I think that this book is a must have in order to navigate smoothly through puberty. I read it as a family to my 17 yo, 13 yo. and 9 yo. All three children have plenty to discuss. Its recommendations are helping my 13 yo have a much more optimistic attitude and better self esteem. It thoroughly explains why teens can feel inferior and withdraw or become aggressive, and it offers great advice on how to deal with teen emotions and feelings of inferiority and how to gain self confidence. It is very empowering.

How do you get started on the subject of the birds and bees? It seems all you need is for someone to shove you through the door (with your fingernails leaving ruts in the door way!). The book opens the door gently for you and your kid. The 3rd chapter covers all the physiology and does it so easily. The rest of the book surprised me with the emotional and mental changes. My daughter has requested I read the rest of the book aloud to her. I read it first and wished I had had this book as a kid. Dobson says that about 85% of pre-adolescent kids willing and desiring to talk to the parents close down communication after the onset of puberty. Do the right thing for your kids before it's too late.