Report - Book Report/Review Example

They write, “ Parents whose children are now turning thirteen know that kids face far greater challenges than they did just a generation ago. Risky behaviors such as binge drinking, drug use, and premature sexual activity are more rampant than ever in our high schools, and children are experimenting with them at younger ages”(p.13). In a way, the entire humankind, the combustible teenagers in particular, are reaping the harvest of negativities of the materialistic civilization and it has invaded the private lives of the teenagers with style and intensity.

Love baffles definition… Love baffles definition and each one sees the new horizon. As the child grows to become a teenager, parents begin to perfect their styles of handling their teenager wards. As the tantrums of the teenager increase, the parents rethink about the compulsion to change their definition of love. The teenager has by now developed a sense of independence and desires to do many things in his own way. He thinks that what he does is correct. Instead, he needs to be told that ‘whatever correct is there in the world belongs to you’.

The love of the parents and their patience will be tested by the teenager at every turn of life. Even the so-called obedient teenagers will have issues with their parents. What should be the attitude of the parents at this juncture? The authors argue “…Nor does love mean tolerating outlandish, disrespectful, or illegal behavior. Rather love means maintaining a healthy relationship with our teens, empowering them to make their own decisions, to live with their own mistakes, and to grow through the consequences” (p.14). The children have grown and the problems related to them also have grown.

Recollection of the past… Recollection of the past of a teenager is an invigorating experience. Not long ago you were at the commanding post of the relationship skills and the child just listened to you with implicit faith. They sometime tested your patience but you had the upper hand in dealing situations. They worked, played and ate within your sight. But now their thinking process has radically changed and they have gone through physical changes. The authors argue, “Fact is, children go through more physical changes in five years of adolescence than at any other time during their lives” (p.29). They are out of sight and you really now do not know what they are doing and the stakes are high, as you have brought up the child for all these years with love and with high positive expectations.

You simply tell them what to do without inviting questions. Credentials/authority of the author This book is the intellectual product of two authors, Foster W. Cline, M.D. and Jim Fay. Both are eminently suited to comment upon the various aspects of bringing up and controlling the teenagers. The former is a globally recognized psychiatrist. He specializes in dealing with difficult children. He advises mental health organizations, parent groups and educational institutions across North America.

The latter owns over three decades of experience as an educationalist and school principal. In the field of education, he has won many awards and he is considered as one of America’s top educational consultant. He leads by example, and has creditably guided his three children during their teen years using love and logic. The rationale behind usefulness of the book to parents The