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WHY Do They Act That Way?: A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen Audiobook
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(4.07) - 194 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Even smart kids do stupid things. It's a simple fact of life. No one makes it through the teenage years unscathed—not the teens, not their parents. But now there's expert help for both generations in this groundbreaking new guide for surviving the drama of adolescence.
In WHY Do They Act That Way? nationally renowned, award-winning psychologist Dr. David Walsh explains exactly what happens to the human brain on the path from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. Revealing the latest scientific findings in easy-to-understand terms, Dr. Walsh shows why moodiness, quickness to anger and to take risks, miscommunication, fatigue, territoriality, and other familiar teenage behavior problems are so common: all are linked to physical changes and growth in the adolescent brain.
But WHY Do They Act That Way? goes beyond the well-known issues of hormones and peer pressure. It is the first book to explain the changes in teens' brains and to show parents how to use this information to understand, communicate with, and stay connected to their kids. Dr. Walsh actually likes teenagers and has worked with them and their families for more than thirty years as a parent, teacher, psychologist, coach, and trusted expert. Through real-life stories, he makes sense of their many mystifying, annoying, and even outright dangerous behavioral difficulties and provides realistic solutions for dealing with everyday as well as severe challenges. Dr. Walsh's techniques include, among others: sample dialogues that help teens and parents talk civilly and constructively with each other, behavioral contracts, and Parental Survival Kits that provide practical advice for dealing with issues like curfews, disrespectful language and actions, and bullying. In addition, Dr. Walsh explores the short- and long-term effects of drug and alcohol use on adolescent brain development, the effects of computer games and other activities, the brain differences between the sexes, and how to talk to your teen about sex and the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases.
With this arsenal of strategies, parents can help their kids learn to control impulses, manage erratic behavior, cope with their changing bodies, and, in effect, develop a second brain. Dr. Walsh's proven tactics will be extremely welcome to frustrated parents trying to help their children through this confusing time of life.
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"If the government is going to be all up in our grill about everything anyway, they should issue this to every parent on the 11th birthday of their first born child. I didn't agree with his positions of the best health care model or sex education (let's make that class an elective...let's make everything an elective...except this book), but that wasn't a deal breaker. This road map of the teen brain has been very helpful in my understanding of why my teenager is DRIVING ME CRAZY. Er. I mean, uh. No, that's right. Read the book."
— Zelda (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“If you are struggling with your adolescent, or even anticipating your child’s entrance into those crazy years, this book will show you why it all makes sense and how to help both you and your teen have the healthiest, sanest passage.”
— Gail Saltz, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry, The New York Presbyterian Hospital -
“This book is an easy read, but its message is fresh, nuanced, and important. I recommend it to all parents who ask themselves, ‘Why do they act this way?’”
— Mary Pipher, PhD, author, Reviving Ophelia -
“WHY Do They Act That Way is a comprehensive guide to the biology behind just about every adolescent behavior a parent or teacher might encounter…You’ll finish it feeling as if you’ve just had coffee with someone who is not only entertaining and enlightening but who knows exactly how it feels to be the mom or dad of a twenty-first-century teen.”
— Cheryl Dellasega, PhD, author of Surviving Ophelia -
Parents will find the book immensely informative, reassuring, and useful. I highly recommend it!
— Edward Hallowell, M.D., author of Driven to Distraction
WHY Do They Act That Way? Listener Reviews
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" Loved this book and the insights it gives on teens. The ideas in this book validate good parenting skills that I've always wondered about. It also is enlightening to understand how and when the teen brain develops and how that effects they how they respond. Very helpful. "
— Lynne, 2/10/2014 -
" I might have enjoyed this more if I had read it, rather than listened to it. Lots of good info, lots of silly role playing. I felt like he was speaking to the stupid among us. "
— Deborah, 2/2/2014 -
" A great book to have read to understand children at any age. I bought this one as well and use it as a reference. "
— Sheila, 1/30/2014 -
" Would have easily been 4 stars, but the author focused almost exclusively on teens of married parents with very little attention given to single or divorced parents. "
— Marla, 1/28/2014 -
" I heard David Walsh talk at a conference and had to buy this book. I wish I had read it earlier - before I had been working with teens for over 5 years ... I finally get 9th grade boys!! :) "
— Natalia, 1/27/2014 -
" This book is probably the best parenting guide for parents of teenagers I have read. It is based on the latest research on brain developmemnt and explains, in simple terms, what happens in teenaged brain and how it influences their behaviour. Each chapter contains case studies and ends with clear points how to tackle the specific problem. It helps you understand why do they act that way!!! "
— Anna, 1/25/2014 -
" Great book giving insight into what's going on a teenager's head. Give good tips on how to handle some normal things, in addition to helping you understand what's normal and what's not. Great book! "
— Mike, 1/24/2014 -
" Very helpful insight to the adolescent brain in easy to understand terms. Will want to/need to re-read this next year. And the year after that. And the year after that. "
— Carrie, 1/22/2014 -
" a survival guide for living with teenagers and raising them as future adults "
— Pam, 1/18/2014 -
" A must for ANYONE with children 25 years or younger. "
— Barbara, 1/11/2014 -
" Great book for parents! I think every middle and high school teacher ought to read this one. "
— Adelka, 1/5/2014 -
" Almost a manual for the care and feeding of teenagers' brains. Great read. "
— Tammy, 1/2/2014 -
" A must-read for anyone with kids from 11 years to 18. How the teenage brain is totally different than ours and how you can assist them in growing up safely and with proper boundaries. The science was cool too. Keep it by my bed and dip in on a bad hormonal day (my daughter's not mine!!) "
— Kimberly, 12/26/2013 -
" This book should be required reading for any parent of a teenage child. "
— Natasha, 12/14/2013 -
" Excellent book for those with kids who are pre-teens! "
— Cyndi, 12/11/2013 -
" This is a great resource for parents of adolescents. It is packed with information but is delivered in a way that is accessible to all. I know that I will be coming back to it periodically as we are just beginning our journey through the teen years with our children. "
— Kristin, 7/1/2013 -
" want to know why your teen drives you crazy? can you blame it 100% on your teen's brain development, or lack thereof? lots of science behind brain development.... interesting read for those with teens around. "
— Cymiki, 6/11/2013 -
" Another must read especially if you have or work with adolescents. "
— Stacy, 5/28/2013 -
" A must read for anyone with a 10-18 year old at home. Encompasses every situation an adolescent will face, why their undeveloped parts of their brain make them do the things they do and what you as a parent can do to help. You should not parent without reading this! "
— Sabkymom, 3/31/2013 -
" This is a great book for anyone who has kids!!! "
— Michele, 3/8/2013 -
" A must read for allparents of pre-teens! "
— Kelli, 2/13/2013 -
" Great book for parents wanting to understand their teenager. Discussion of the impact of brain development on behavior was most interesting. "
— Renay, 1/7/2013 -
" Great book to read when you have teens who start acting crazy! "
— Ann, 11/28/2012 -
" Great layout. Easy to read for quick answers. Do's and Dont's as well as samples of things like behavior contracts and respect plans make this a great resource. "
— Chris, 9/30/2012 -
" i certainly can't complain about this book because i enjoyed this book. "
— Shawn, 8/30/2012 -
" Basically teenagers act the way they do because they're brains aren't fully developed. Next time you're in a confrontation with your child, tell them that. It'll send them over the edge! "
— Canderson, 7/23/2012 -
" This was a very interesting read. The book was a great insight into why *I* acted that way when I was a teenager. It will also be a valuable asset for when my own kids are teens. I will buy a copy of this to have for future reading and I recommend it to anyone who was a teenager once. "
— Brandan, 6/20/2012
About the Authors
David Walsh, PhD, is one of the world’s leading authorities on children, teens, parenting, family life, and the impact of technology on children’s health and development. He is the author of several books, including Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids; No; and Dr. Dave’s Cyberhood, and many of his articles have appeared in the professional and general press. His books have been translated into eight languages. He and his wife Monica live in Minneapolis and have three adult children and two grandchildren.
Kaleo Griffith is an Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator and classically trained actor. He graduated cum laude from Franklin Pierce University with a BA in theater, holds an MFA in acting from Rutgers University, and is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He has appeared in such television series as Law & Order and Reggie’s Family & Friends, among others.
About Kaleo Griffith
Kaleo Griffith is an Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator and classically trained actor. He graduated cum laude from Franklin Pierce University with a BA in theater, holds an MFA in acting from Rutgers University, and is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He has appeared in such television series as Law & Order and Reggie’s Family & Friends, among others.