I have a new suggested title for this book:If Your Child Is 96.7% Perfect and You're a Total Freak, Read This Book for a Few Tips on How to Chill Out,by A Mom Who Did Pretty Much Everything Right (see examples inside).There's some common sense in here, but it's obscured by the fact that the author writes off any kid who has been sleepless or high before the age of 17. If your kid is one of those, it's time to basically check him/her into the psycho ward. She does not address those kids.The 'problems' Levine addresses are with kids who tearily confess to their parents that they've had a few people over when they were out of town but got help from a neighbor before the cops came. Or kids who got a B one time and were really broken up about it. Etc.I'm exaggerating but not by much.Also, I have great beef with Levine's core argument that not every kid is 'special'. Yes, every kid is special. Levine just *assumes* that all her readers judge 'special'-ness by GPA. Sad assumption. She talks about the 'average' kid and says we need to think that kid is great, too. But by 'average', she means average as a student. Levine's assumptions are deeply ingrained, yet she seems to be spouting off against them as being the biggest wrong of 21st century parenting.Gag. This book was like a tug of war for me. Levine had many GREAT points about allowing, even championing freedom in your children's schedules and outdoor freedom. It was so helpful in growing thoughts of slowing the competition of middle class American. Then, after the elementary and middle school sections I found so helpful, I was hit with the teens. I was taken aback with the openness and nonchalant attitude toward teen sex. Opening this door too early in life breeds all sorts of confusion. As a Developmental Therapist, I looked at this book through a growth and development lens. Spiritual, physiological, social, and psychological shifts happen in both girls and boys as a result of teen sex. I don't know. Call me old fashioned. I just think it is too young. That was my issue with this otherwise quite helpful read.
What do You think about Teach Your Children Well (2012)?
Thought-provoking and great advice, particularly for the Middle School and High School years.
—mai_lgml
There was quite a bit I couldn't agree wtih, but I did appreciate the focus on character.
—Alejandro
This is a must read for anyone with teenagers...wish I had when the kids were younger
—Alexis505406
Excellent book for parents and anyone working with kids!
—pookie
Good parenting advice but most of it you already know
—Amiah798
