Have a New Teenager by Friday

I’m only on cd 1 and I’ve recommended this to my clients… great tool for reclaiming your teen

This book really gives some fantastic parenting help. If you follow it, it will definitely help you and your child(ren). If you don’t, I guess you’re no worse off. With this book plus mikeandkimcoaching.com, you’ll be great!

I have purchased maybe 6 books on teens in the past 1.5 yrs since my now 16 yr.,10 mo. old grandson came to live with me after losing his Mom. New Teenager by Friday by Kevin Leman takes a different approach to guidance, encouragement and development of teens. His straight talk, non-clinical chapters give us the 'parent' a Step 1, step 2, etc. guidelines for us to follow. Previously it was not 'cool' to be a 'friend' to your teen. In the '60's we were asked to be in a parent/child relationship. Dr. Leman follows an equal respect guideline for one another by giving the teen a voice in making decisions about everything from meals, behavior, curfew, current events, politics and sexual activity. That is to say by giving the teens a chance to be heard without having to listen to put-downs and criticism, they will develop a sense of power that previously had been undermined by the constant nagging, 'you shoulds" and power struggles.He claims that you will see improvements almost immediately. I have used his techniques and have seen major improvements in the past four weeks. You will continue to see little explosions from time to time (he says to expect that to happen) but that is normal in the hormone group. My teen remembers household jobs without reminders, he says 'when you have time, please give me a ride, he apologizes after loosing his temper with being prompted, he thanks me for the smallest thing like purchasing a favorite food, a cooked meal, helping with a project. Most important message is to develop the ability to stop and think before you speak. It took a little practice to change the way I communicated with my teen but so far it is working and I look forward to improvements every day. Remember, listen to your teens no matter how silly or boring they may be, listen to their music if invited to do so no matter how bad it is, avoid saying 'I'm too busy", avoid negative comments about their opinions. You, too, can have a new teen by Friday!

This is a book written from a Christian viewpoint. It's not preachy-preachy "Jesus this", "Jesus that". In fact, I don't remember seeing the word "Jesus" in the book. What it is, is a very readable book with some great insights from Dr. Leman.Dr. Leman puts forth the notion that if you are raising your kids to be adults, then you can allow them to make adult type decisions as they mature. It's that simple. One of his examples is setting the teenage driver's curfew to be "a reasonable hour". If they don't bring the car back at a reasonable hour, then they don't get the family car keys for their next outing. Plain, simple.One of the topics is purposive behavior. I'm going through a divorce right now and see each of my four children engaging in purposive behavior. Dr. Leman tells you how to deal with these behaviors in simple effective ways. I've used several of his methods for dealing with my mouthy teen (I was a mouthy teen too). The methods are effective and takes the winds out of his sails and I can actually reason with him. I've used the methods on my 6 year old daughter and they are fairly effective with her as well.I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to heal their relationship with their teenager. Strangely enough, Dr. Leman (Christian Psychologist) and Marilyn Manson (Satanist and Musician) have the same basic advice for you: Listen to your teenager.

The dynamics have changed, and a new game plan is in order.You may have all the common sense in the world, but what do you do when your teen doesn't want you to solicit any of it? Your experiences, lessons, and knowledge is just that....yours. Have a New Teenager by Friday helps to remove the angst that naturally occurs between a parent who wants to impart wisdom, and a teen who wants to exercise independence. Modifying your methods of "influence" without guidance is easier said than done. Time is moving fast, and methods that work are needed...ASAP! This book fits the bill.Have a New Teenager by Friday will keep you laughing, and nodding your head in agreement. Most importantly, It'll leave you feeling like you can do this parenting thing after all, and maybe, just maybe, you'll have fun doing it too. Though I have not had a chance to experiment with all the issues presented in the book, those that I have are working beautifully. Our daughter is homeschooled, so I've had a few different opportunities to implement these ideas. We are quickly learning how to compromise with one another with regards to how and when things are accomplished. Read...I'm relinquishing control, and giving her a more responsible role. It has had an impact on our daughters attitude already. She even commented today, that she is feeling more grown up. Sold! Dr. Leman's methods have reduced the frequency of our arguments over the issues. That, in and of itself, makes this book worth every penny! We plan on buying the audio book for a friend who's struggling with two daughters. I'm confident Have a New Teenager by Friday will be just as valuable to his family as well.

This was a real hit because it doesn't actually change the teenager, but how you respond to them, and it's that that changes them! Very good and like all in this series, clearly written and with humour and sensitivity. Great books!

Excellent advice! The trick is to stay consistent& let kids take responsibility for themselves to a large extent. We have been trialling the methods & have definitely seen an improvement in our teens!

Still reading it and it is my guide. even the kids dont understand why I read this book even though they are not teenagers yet.

I like the commonsense and humourous way that it is written, and the cool tips. wish I had read it years ago.

Excellent book, very practical. I'm glad I got this book, I can see the changes already.