5 comments about The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens.

1. I selected the CD abridged version of this book after loving the book and wanting my son to get the content. The points were not developed or illustrated enough to have the content be memorable.



2. My parents bought this book last year for me as a christmas present. It was a nice idea but i am capable of be coming sucessful without the help from a book. At first glance this book turns off teens all together. It looks like the awful pants someone in their 50's would wear. The font is not eye catching and all together it reminds me of a book i would have to read in health class that told me to plan for the future and create goals . not that those are bad ideas . i myself being sixteen just didnt want to even go near this book .



3. My 16-year-old stepson was assigned this reading for his academic/social coaching blocks in school. It's an excellent read; life skills for everyone!



4. The book was very interesting to read and kept my attention through the whole book. Many of the ideas presented here I have used and if you seriously try to follow its suggestions then your life could be drastically improved.



5. A while back I worked for a school for struggling teens, and this was recommended reading for the students and I decided to pick it up to see what it was all about and loved the way the material was presented. At that time my daughter was about four and was irrelevant to her so after reading it for my job I just put the title back on the shelf and just remembered the title when my daughter became fourteen. I re-read this book and decided to give it to my daughter before the struggling began and boy am I glad I did. The format is great for her and she devoured the book. She seems more confident and sure of her self as Sean Covey uncovers the secret of way teens deal with today's issues in their lives. It is a fun to read book for teenager to read and uses language that is appropriate for them. It is starting to open line of communications between the two of us and that feels great.

5 comments about What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What to Do Guides for Kids).

1. This book is an excellent resource for parents who have a child with anxiety or suspect there is anxiety going on. It is well-written, easy to understand and offers suggestions on how to proceed for your child.



2. I am a mental health provider and this book is GREAT at helping kids understand what anxiety is and the ways they may unintentionally make it "grow" and become overwhelming (using the metaphor of a tomato plant). Kids can really grasp this concept. There are also some practical ways to help them take care of the anxiety and not see it as "them", which makes it more empowering and manageable. The only reason I did not give it a 5 star was because I though that in the 3rd chapter, they should expand more on the abstract concept of using "logic" and been more specific on how to do this. Otherwise what a fantastic workbook!



3. I have used this in session with a child struggling with generalized anxiety. It was very helpful--both in giving our work in session a helpful direction and in providing the child and her parents with helpful tools to use at home.



4. Good book for helping children that worry or feel troubled over things
   and creates open dialogue to feelings they (can't) don't know how to express by themselves.



5. This book really help me understand why my 9yr old daughter just can not "stop worrying about anything and everything". It has givin us a running start on a long road ahead.

5 comments about Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations.

1. Alex and Brett have captured the essence of my heart for the teen years. I read this book during my 19th year, and I was like: "Yes!! This is what I believe! This is how I tried to live my teen years!!"
   It's like all teens are given rebellion. How we use the energy of rebellion is our choice. Alex and Brett encourage youth to make the choice to rebel against the things that are wrong with our culture, rather than rebelling against the Godly things in our lives.
   I love this book!! I give a 100% buy recommendation!
   In fact, I liked the message of the book so much, I decided to coordinate a Do Hard Things DVD Conference in my area!!
   The prinicles shared in this book apply to people of all ages. Though I'm now 20 years old, I know I will continue to be challenged to live the core message of Do Hard Things, the rest of my life.



2. This book (or the audio version) is excellent for anyone interested in encouraging young people and helping to set them on the right track. If the person does not like to read, I recommend the audio version. It is refreshing and inspiring to know that 2 young men (the Harris brothers) have gone out on a limb to make a difference in our world. I heartily recommend this book in whatever form will work for anyone longing FOR direction or longing to GIVE direction. I purchsed the audio version for my teen and post teen grandsons; the interest has been there and as I pray, I expect it to make a difference.



3. I have read Do Hard Things, attended the Harris twins' conference, and followed the blog. What they have to say in all three is the same: Make a difference for God--NOW. Life isn't about waiting until you're "old enough." Take on something exciting and huge!
   
   My generation is looking for adventure, purpose and fulfillment. The whole concept of doing hard things (for Christ) is just that. There is nothing to make life worth living like doing something impossible, having a goal to work towards, and the satisfaction of helping others and a job well done.



4. It was a good inspiring book. I work with kids in the school system and unfortunately many of the programs that the teachers have for the students to do don't teach them that they need to work hard and they can accomplish things...instead it's all about students rights, lowering expectations, the harshness of forcing kids to work even on summer vacations. It's no wonder they are getting low grades and expect less and less out of themselves. "Do Hard Things" should have more examples of kids of all ages going above and beyond...



5. It is hard to get kids excited about the world that they are in...or even to get them to try. This book is inspiring for adults and youth alike. I will say that there are still some of my youth kids that have the "Why? I am only a kid..." attitude, BUT still others enjoyed the challenge and embraced it.

5 comments about What to Do When Your Temper Flares: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Problems With Anger (What to Do Guides for Kids).

1. I've never bothered to write a book review before, but this book promises to be a life changer. I hope others will find it as useful as my daughter and I already have. Dawn Huebner and Bonnie Matthews are spot-on with their examples and illustrations depicting our personal situation. It's almost as if they've been peeking through our windows. Like some of the other reviewers, my daughter pitched the book across the room as soon as I showed it to her, but when I called her bluff and made a move to trash it, she quickly back-pedaled and assured me that she wanted to get better. Once we started working through it, she would take a mocking tone and say something to imply that the author didn't know HER and the very next sentence would speak to her grumble. Dawn nailed it every time and the illustrations were strikingly familiar as well. The book's credibility has risen to a surprising level, though she will never acknowledge it.
   The workbook style with humor sprinkled throughout has made the book much more fun for both of us. She likes writing in the book since that is usually considered "bad" behavior. I have two favorite parts. The first is a list in Ch. 3 of "why bothers" that include such gems as "Has anyone ever said, 'I want to be your friend because you are so good at losing your temper'" and "Have you ever fallen asleep with a smile on your face, thinking about all the times you got mad that day?". The second is a caution to parents not to provide the "cool thoughts" for the child as that will only infuriate her more. I've experienced that response many times in the past and now know that it is typical and not unexpected. I do suggest following the method outlined by the author for best results. My daughter and I are simultaneously working on the Dreading Your Bed book to undo 5 months of problems after she saw part of zombie movie at a neighbor's house. It has been equally good, but different enough to keep it fun. We will start the Grumbling book next. If you have a child with a short fuse, get this book - you won't regret it.



2. This book is a very nice addition to my children therapy books library in my private practice. Have read it to my own 6 year old who also enjoyed it.



3. When this book was recommended by our child psychologist, I wasn't sure what to expect. It really surprised me that my 7 year old son loved reading it with me. He responded personally to the imagery used to describe anger and self-control. The exercises it provides were completely appropriate for him and he loves tying knots in his string to demonstrate his success with stepping out of anger. Terrific product.



4. This text allows the user to feel empowered over their issues of anger, inappropriate and maladaptive behavior. The text can also be used by parents and clinicians to incorporate exercises in therapy.



5. Simple and easy to read to our kids. Good examples and it includes exercises to understand the different concepts.

1 comments about It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health (The Family Library).

1. This book is now 15 years old, and it is still the best available book of sexuality information for the preteen age group. The information on body parts, puberty, reproduction, birth, diseases, and the emotional swings that accompany adolescence is presented simply and matter-of-factly. There are no photo's. Instead, there are explicit drawings of both internal and external body parts. For entertainment, two cartoon characters, a bird and a bee, give a running commentary on the material on almost every page.
   
   This book is a perfect aid for teaching responsible sexuality to preteens.

5 comments about The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make: A Guide for Teens.

1. Hi there. I recently did the 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People Signature Course and have almost finished the book. I found this book online and thought it might be helpful for my 15yr old son who has been having some difficulty identifying the important (Quadrant II) things in life. Whilst he enjoys reading it's not something he often willingly throws himself into .... until this book! He simply could not put it down, taking it to school and reading during silent reading, recess and lunch. I couldn't believe it. He even took the time to grab my attention and go through some of the interactive exercises with me. His behaviour grabbed the interest of his Year Coordinator at school who now is reading the book herself with a view I believe to implementing some of the strategies with other students. Well done Sean Covey! I have also purchased the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Book and Workbook which my son is currently reading. Thankyou so much!
   
   Darren
   Albion Park
   New South Wales
   Australia



2. When I looked over this book I was very impressed. I loved the style, the humor, and of course what it had to say. But the real test was wether my 14 year old daughter would read it or not and she has devoured it. I peek in on her every night and she is reading this book and she's even used some of the stories to help sort out stuff that's happening in her life. I am extremely pleased. Thank you!



3. As an individual who has worked with at-risk youth for a considerable amount of time I can respect what Covey was trying to accomplish with this book. It is to the point and attempts to communicate to young teens the nuances of difficult decisions that have to navigate as they make the journey into adulthood. In a few points it does well at making the argument, particularly around study skills, education, and its relevance to finding success.
   
   However in other points it is radically off the mark. The section on safer sex only promotes abstinence and even goes as far as saying that safer sex is an oxy-moron (p. 206). This not only is misleading, it plants a seed for a dangerous sexual activity well into adulthood. Stating that abstinence until marriage is the only means of protection is a dated notion that has not been shown to have any great success in preventing new infection or reducing incidence of teen sexual activity (Santelli, J. et al., 2006).
   
   This is not the only section that Covey plays fast and loose with the facts. For some young people this may give the impression that this is just another manifestation of adults talking down to them and not-respecting their intelligence, leading only to further disenfranchisement.
   
   I would only recommend giving this to a teen if you are prepared to tell them to investigate for themselves whether or not they believe the claims are valid. If you use this book as a source for absolutely credible knowledge on the only path towards success, be prepared to be deal with some healthy resistance towards its unqualified claims.



4. I am a youth leader and listened to this book because a teen had told me it was a great book, and it is. This book really helps teens put their lives in perspective with reality and really helps them to focus on what is really important. The decisions made as teenagers can shape the rest of your adult life. Don't wait till you are an adult to figure out you made some bad decisions when you were young. There are a lot of short stories from other teens and with the audio version different students read these parts. It makes it interesting and keeps it flowing like a long conversation.



5. The teenager life is divided in a few important topic such as family, school, friends, etc. What the authors do is to question yourself about the decision you are going to take and how are you going to live in the different areas. It also help you have a good starting point, by telling you the most common sense cases, and you should do in some situations. This is a very good book to give some light in a teenager.

5 comments about Adult Children of Alcoholics.

1. This book details issues experienced by adult children of alcoholics with great accuracy, and provides useful information about dealing with the issues in a proactive manner. Much thanks to the author.



2. If you have already read "Struggle for Intimacy" you may wish to skip this one. It repeats a lot of the same information. But if you are an ACOA who is just beginning their recovery this would be a great place to start. It will help you understand why you do some of what you do and how you begin to live a more healthy emotional life.



3. Why believe me? Because if the critics are right and I'm wrong, you've only tried one more thing and it only cost you ten bucks. This and the Lifeskills book are therapeutic dynamite!
   
   There are sections on what happened while you grew up and what is happening now, but section 3, "Breaking the Cycle," raises this book head and shoulders above all the knock-offs that followed it. (Note: The edition with the pink cover is an old edition that has no section 3. Be sure to get the "Expanded Edition" with the yellow/gray cover.)
   
   Therapists have a financial interest in keeping you coming back. If you recover and become functional, they lose you as a revenue stream. Moreover, a doctor told me that the medical students she knew who went into psychiatry did so "to straighten their own problems out." Most of them know nothing of the ACA syndrome, let alone how to fix someone who has it.
   
   If you believe that a "higher power" and the twelve steps & disease model can save you, visit the ACA "world service organization" and observe pathetically sick ACAs with classic symptoms and behaviors. As the author points out, being an ACA is not a disease; it is a fact of one's history.
   
   Not one of the three one-star reviews has a speck of evidence that those liars even read the book. A couple others said that the book is too short or too simple; for them I would recommend War and Peace or Advanced Differential Equations. :-) Check it out and decide for yourself!
   
   I suggest highlighting the parts that resonate strongly with you because that makes for a quick review if you keep your copy. If no part of this book hits you like a freight train, then you are not an ACA.



4. I got Adult Children of Alcoholics from the library, and am glad I didn't spend any money on it. It might be a good starting point for those who have absolutely no knowledge of the subject, but as someone who has done a few months of therapy none of it was new to me.
   
   The writing was ridiculously simple and she seriously overgeneralized about almost everything. I kind of felt like I was reading a high schooler's book report.
   
   Further, some of her claims were completely unsupported. For instance, one section in chapter 2 called "ACoA Have Difficulty Having Fun" literally had *nothing* written under it. It was presented in exactly the same way as every other chapter heading (numbered, in bold and larger font), but there was no content whatsoever beneath. It just skipped right to the next section. I'm not passing judgment on whether or not this statement is accurate (I do think she has some good insights), but a brief discussion or an example would have been nice.
   
   So, if you're looking for a quick intro to ACoA then this might be an ok beginning, but I'd recommend that everyone else look elsewhere (Children of Alcoholism: A Survivor's Manual, by Seixas and Youcha, for example).



5. While there may be some useful information in this book, it's not worth the time it takes to wade through Dr. Jan's drivel to find it. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. Families with alcoholic members don't fit into a mold - just like "normal" families don't fit into a mold. Save your time and money. Skip this book.

5 comments about Lies Young Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free.

1. I bought this for my daughter who will be reading it in a bible study class at school. Perfect book for her age and what she will using it for.



2. I really like Lies Young Women Believe! I am using it with the girls in the youth group I work in. The girls love it and are getting alot out of it! The pages all look fun and appealing!



3. I haven't read the entire book yet, but I've read quite a bit, and this is a great book for teen girls. Actually, the principles of this book are very applicable to anyone, but the specific lies that the devil tempts us on is more geared to teen girls. I am using it for a youth group girls' Bible study, and so far the girls really like it and it seems to be helping them grow in their faith.



4. This book addresses issues young girls are dealing with today. It is written to a specific demographic group, and I think it hit the target. In my opinion, it is worth the read. The book addresses several issues young girls deal with today, and it does it with the use of Scripture. The book starts out with lies, refutes them with Scripture verses, and ends with truth from the Bible to replace the lies of the world.
   
   A word of caution: As addressed in a few other reviews of this book, it does cover subjects of a sensitive nature. I would not be comfortable handing this book to a young girl and telling her to read it. I would recommend reading it with a young person and doing so with the permission of a parent or reading it as a parent with my child. If I were reading it with a young person who attends public school (and is exposed to this subject matter on a daily basis), I think 14 might be an appropriate age. If I were reading it with a young person who is home schooled or attends Christian school, I think 16 might be a more appropriate age.
   
   If you are looking for a book that will allow you to discuss, from a Biblical standpoint, some tough cultural issues with the young women in your lives, then this is your book.



5. Before I mention all the problems with this book, let me first say that the authors do say some things young girls need to hear. Appearance, behavior, relationships, etc. are all addressed and the authors try to say some pointed things that young girls need to be hearing from their parents or adults involved in their lives. I think that is why this book is popular--no one really wants to say the hard things to the young girls in their lives.
   The problem I have with the book is the whole premise. That we need to introduce the lie or "deception" first, with some stories that I believe are included for shock value, in order to then teach the truth is damaging. Young girls are easily led astray. When something is in print, they don't usually take the time to analyze it, they just believe it. For instance, the first story in the book is about a girl who gets involved with drugs when her father offered them to her and then proceeds to have an incestuous relationship with her father.
   Hmmm....whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, pure, lovely...think on these things. Do our young girls really need to hear this story?
   Lets analyze the story itself. It begins with "her life was almost a fairytale until that day". Are young girls really going to analyze that statement? That a girl with such a father could not possibly have had a fairytale life up until that point does not occur to most teens. Do the authors point out that lie? No. The authors also state that "her own church-going father offered her crystal meth". Now another idea has been planted. A young girl from a Christian home may begin to wonder if her own church going father will some day change in this drastic way depicted here. Scary thought.
   In a later chapter the authors proceed to quote young girls saying that they hate God, because some people "say God is like your father and you would not believe what my father has done to me..." I have worked with youth for years. I've never once had a young person share with me that they couldn't believe in God, because he was like their father. Does it happen? certainly. Is it pervasisve? I don't think so. Are there bad fathers out there? Absolutely. Why don't we teach what a good father is, or better yet, Who the best Father is?
   In the chapter on dating, our young girls are introduced to the concept that o--l sex is used by some teens to remain "virgins", and the idea that some girls get involved in physical "touching" with their entire youth group! We are also enlightened with one of the author's stories about how she lost her virginity before she was married.
   Amongst counselors, it is common knowledge professionaly that when kids hear what others are doing, they want to do it also. (ie One kid commits or attempts suicide, then there will be more kids within weeks...once the word has spread) The heart is deceitful above all things. After reading this book, young girls may possibly come away with some helpful guidelines, but I can guarantee they will come away with more tittillating images and maybe some new ideas on which to dwell.
   Shouldn't we be training children and young people in the Truth? In doing this we can train them to recognize lies without providing innappropriate examples and ideas. Modest behavior is instructed in the Bible. Sexual immorality is condemned at length, but it is not explicitly painting a mental picture for the reader. There are plenty of books, the Bible among them that teach what this book is teaching, without all the harmful information.
   I almost thought it might be appropriate for young women at college age, but honestly the writing is dumbed down to an insulting level even for educated high schoolers. As a parent of two teens, a licensed counselor and a Christian, I am appalled with this book.

5 comments about The Anxiety Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal With Anxiety & Worry.

1. Received book quickly and in great condition. Loved content of book. Great for anyone, not just teens.



2. I bought this book to utilize with a teen girls support group I am currently leading. I found it to be packed with useful ideas, questions, activities, suggestions, handouts, and more. It's a great resource for a school or mental health professional to have on the shelf and refer to or make copies from to talk through with teens. This seems to be a book best used in a setting where these can be talked through, as opposed to just filled out personally. It covers a pretty broad range of topics but is very straightforward.
   Overall, I think it's a great resource!
   
   Thanks so much,
   
   Sarah Baker, MAMFT
   Atlanta, Ga
   [...]



3. I'm using this workbook with my 13 yr old together with some professional counseling to help him with bedtime anxiety and panic attacks. It is an easy to follow format. Very short narratives at the beginning of each lesson so for those kids who don't want another "homework" assignment they really don't have to work too hard. It's a great resource for helping them to look inside themselves for answers and perhaps look at their thoughts and actions differently. We've only been using it about 3 weeks and he's still a little resistant to changing his thought patterns at night but we're working on it day by day. I'm very hopeful that he will grow through this over the coming weeks/months and embrace the many ways to control his anxieties. Definitely recommend for parents who have been trying to help their child but meeting with lots of resistance.



4. This series of workbooks has never disappointed me in my practice with teens in a day treatment center. The teens relate to them well and I am starting to use them more than my previous resources. I would buy any one of them in the future.



5. Excellent resource for teens and adults. Practical hands on activities for personal use, school, or treatment settings. Highly recommended!

5 comments about The Secret to Teen Power.

1. law of attraction...we've seen it already - if you want you're going to buy a teen a book, get them Live Like A Fruit Fly (also on amazon)- wish i had it when i was younger - about following your passions for true success...



2. I got this book for each of my teenage girls...they are actually reading it...I think that says it all!



3. As a loyal advocate of The Secret video and book series, I decided to read this book and see what else I could learn. I am 16 years old and can proudly saying that buying this book was one of the best decisions of my life. Not only was this book written in a manner extremely understandable by teens, but also conveyed the message of The Secret very candidly and simply. This book has changed my life and was well worth the wait.
   
   If you are already familiar with the secret (an especially if you are a teen), I can not express in words how much reading this book will benefit you. Even if you are unfamiliar of The Secret, I would highly recommend this book as a very enjoyable yet informational start to your experience with The Secret.
   
   5 out of 5, no doubt.



4. I bought this book as a gift to my 13 year-old grandson, and he loves it! Upon reading it, he immediately started using the "Law of Attraction" as a means of getting things he desired through employing techniques he learned in the book. By thinking positively and visualizing himself as having already obtained the objects of his desire, he was able to attract one in an amazingly short time. For instance, he set a goal to purchase an expensive video game, but without using his cash-on-hand.
   
   Using methods he learned from the book, he visualized himself with the desired video game and focused on the feelings of happiness that will result from getting it. As he began to practice this, he found a wallet containing money he had lost months ago; next,to his amazement, he found a $20 bill lying on the sidewalk, exactly the amount of money he needed to purchase the game. He was ecstaticlly happy, and he had learned an important lesson on how his attitude and thoughts are of utmost importance in reaching his personal goals.



5. My 17 yr old daughter is reading this book and the effects are very positive,....every teen should have it!