Critical Connection: A Practical Guide to Parenting Young Teens - Softcover

Kerckhoff, Andy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0991131800 ISBN 13: 9780991131808

Publisher: White Orchard Press, 2013

Synopsis

Parenting 10-14 years olds can be the most challenging of all the stages of development. Middle school is a time of tremendous change for families. Critical Connection is for parents of young teens who have said: · "So much is changing. I just don’t get my daughter any more. I don't want her to slip away." · "My son wants to spend every moment on some sort of electronic screen." · "My daughter has these extreme mood swings and her social life is such a big deal now." · "I am not sure how to discipline my son now. He's not a little boy anymore." · "I don't know what to do about her smartphone." While this may seem overwhelming, the truth is that being a young teen can be wonderful. Kids at this stage of development may not admit it, but they need a stronger connection with their parents than ever before. Wise parents must seek after a better understanding of the age and try new ways to connect with and guide their children. Critical Connection offers practical advice that will help parents raise healthy young teens, inside and out. It discusses how to: o Connect with your middle school child o Build a healthy family life o Discipline with love o Create resiliency and independence in your child o Foster a healthy social life in middle school o Guide their academic, athletic, and artistic life o Handle the new media and electronic devices o Develop work ethic and financial sense Critical Connection is a parenting book that teaches parents how to build healthy, loving families that their 10-14-year-olds can rely on for safety, support, and unconditional love. People who loved Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages of Children and Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods will love this book.

About this title

About the Author

Andy Kerckhoff is also the author of the blog Growing Up Well.

Review

"Critical Connection is a valuable parenting resource -- I actually underlined a powerful insight on every single page of the book! Andy uses his experiences to help parents meaningfully connect with kids. I have read a lot of parenting books and this was by far one of the best. - Rachel Macy Stafford, author of the blog and book Hands Free Mama

"I am a parent to three teenage children, and after reading Critical Connection, I sure wish I had this book a few years ago! It is a must-have for parents of young teens. This is an easy book to recommend to others. I look forward to not only reading it through again to glean more ideas, but also to purchasing copies for friends who would appreciate the encouragement and challenges." - Mike Weinberg, sales coach and author of the best-selling New Sales. Simplified.

"When your kids hit middle school, it's time to make sure they learn responsibility along with independence. That can require parents' patience, prayers, and perhaps a peek at this very book!" - Lenore Skenazy, author of the book and blog Free-Range Kids

"Any parent would benefit from reading this book and seriously grappling with its truths, insights, and suggestions, especially in the area of social media and its profound impact on today's teens." - Jim Marsh, Director of the Van Lunen Center, Calvin College

"Critical Connection will give you the hands-on wisdom and will provide success in establishing a stronger heart-to-heart connection. It is a must-have tool that every mom and dad should get to help them navigate those tumultuous years. It's the best resource I have read in three decades!" - Ward Wiebe, Director of K-West summer camp for ages 12-14

Edition details

• Publisher: White Orchard Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0991131800
• ISBN 13: 9780991131808
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 236