[.ca] Promise You Wont Freak Out (ISBN 0425195910)

Terrific book!:
As the mother of two teen girls and reader of many "advice to moms" books, I have to say this is one of the best. The "mom wisdom" of Doris Fuller is balanced by the engaging teen voice of Natalie. So that's what teens think when they're about to ...(fill in the blank)! Older son Greg Fuller also adds an interesting dimension. While one book can't possibly cover all the issues parents of teens might face, this one handles some of the major ones with frankness, wit and insightful, practical advice. It's also just a fun read! If you've been looking for a new perspective on raising a teen daughter, definitely buy this book.

It's never too early to read this book:
If you haven't managed by now to keep your teen so busy with dance, soccer, piano lessons, church, etc. that they come home so tired they will not want to go out with their friends, then you'd better read this book. Not only is it easy and fun to read, it also gives great advice on how to communicate with your teen, and even better, how to get your teen to communicate with you. I have 2 little girls, and upon reading the book, I realized I needed to start paving the way to their teen years NOW in order to be ready when their hormones kick in. I believe "Promise..." will help a lot of people.

Fun, Frank and Fascinating:
Written with a fine sense of humor and remarkable candor, "Promise You Won't Freak Out" provides entertaining and informative reading. The writing is wonderful, crisp and clear; the information, though sometimes frightening, is priceless for parents and useful for the rising teen; and the illustration of communication between teen and parent is heartwarming and encouraging. The authors skillfully hide sound, sage advice and information in delightful anecdotes that depict a teen's mindset and a parent's ability to survive it. At the end of each chapter, Doris and Natalie offer "Conversation Starters," questions to help parent or child broach subjects such as sex, booze, drugs, etc. Doris (the mom) occasionally weighs in with secrets of how she acts as a "guerilla mom" to break the teen code of silence. A few parents may choose not to believe the frank description of some actions and thoughts of today's teens while some teens may wish that their parents hadn't read it at all! But parents and teens alike will find "Promise" an unforgettable, sometimes hilarious, and always enjoyable adventure.

Enlightening and Educational!:
I don't typically leave feedback on books I read but I found this book simply outstanding. I read a lot of parenting books but I found the approach of parent and kids responding very refreshing and enlightening. I learned a ton, was shocked a lot, but feel better prepared to deal with my 2 sons (ages 12 and 14). I loved Doris' questions at the end of every chapter and have used several with success. Even though it is co-authored by a girl, it was very applicable to those of us who only have sons. Thanks for an excellent book and innovative approach to a topic every parent with teens needs to know.

Better than the rest:
After reading "Reviving Ophelia", "Queen Bees and Wanna Bes", and "Odd Girl Out", I have to say that this book was the most helpful (and the least scholarly). I make no judgments on the relationships between these two attributes, but this book offered the most practical advice. My daughter is 12, so a lot of the information is yet to come into play, but I feel better about having it. I especially enjoyed the discussion of parents who are in denial that their darling daughters would ever do such things. There's a lot of that thinking going on among the parents of my daughters friends, and it's good to hear someone keeping it real.