How to Talk So Teens Will Listen and Listen So Teens Will Talk

I really enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the previous one (Cómo hablar para que los niños escuchen y cómo escuchar para que los niños hablen). The authors share very useful techniques to build up a good relationship with adolescents based upon good communication strategies. The drawings, summaries and explanations are clear, straightforward and reinforce each chapter's objective. If you have to deal with teenagers, this is a must-have book! On the other hand, the translation into Spanish could be improved.

Do you remember how supportive and understanding your parents were during your teenage years? Do you recall how you could confide in them, how they trusted your judgment and how appreciative they were of your help? For most, the answer is simple--"no!" Flash forward: Would your own teenagers consider you loving and understanding? Do they confide in you? Do they feel trusted and appreciated by you? And...do you feel loved, understood, trusted and appreciated by your teens? What gets in the way in the way of "yes" answers to these questions? In this book Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish explore the teenage years and help parents and teens get closer to "yes" answers. They show what goes wrong (e.g., blaming, name-calling, lecturing, playing martyr) and help both parents and teens develop an attitude of earned respect and appreciation for one another. Impossible? Think again--open the pages and hear the stories of parents who have just about given up on their teens--whether it's dealing with sassing, homework, chores, hanging with the "wrong crowd" ...sexual promiscuity, binge drinking, "experimenting with pot" or discovering that your daughter has plans to meet a strange man she's been hooking up with on the internet-- watch how the right attitude and skills dramatically improve life at home. Enjoy this quick read that so effectively helps you achieve what you might have written off as impossible--a loving relationship with your teens.

I had just finished "How to Talk so Your Kids Will Listen..." when someone told me that this book had come out. Putting the lessons of the earlier book to work on the communications with my 8, 10 & 12 year olds was helping a lot. Less yelling, more communicating, actually solving some problems; welcome changes. So when I saw this at the local library I grabbed it. It starts off with familiar material from the first book, but then goes further with more pertinent examples and sections about friends, and how to talk about sex and drugs. I'm still the early stages of my journey with this material. But so far it's a much better way. One more comment. This is unlike so many self-help books that go on and on about the problem before they get to anything practical. This book is 100% practical. From the first chapter there will be challenges and opportunities for you to improve your communication (with your kids or anyone else).

These books are so open and honest about issues dealing with children. They teach a way to be a parent in a non abusive directive that makes children feel good about themselves and teaches them to have self control. They actually can think for themselves and become productive self-reliant adults.