With 100 different chapters, each just a few pages in length, this little book works especially well as a bedside companion or tucked in a backpack for the morning commute to school. Each chapter is devoted to a single, simple idea such as "trust your inner signals" and "root for the underdog," and plenty of real-life examples from teens are used to illustrate principles. In the second chapter, a teen volunteering at an animal shelter is used to show how just one person can make a difference, as she takes the time for one more phone call that results in saving a dog's life. The concepts are appropriate for both early high school students and new graduates--who doesn't need an occasional reminder to "be ok with your bad hair day"? Incorporating sports, theater, literature, video games, teachers, and parents into stories make these examples accessible to kids of all interests, and a sprinkling of tales from the author's own teenage years adds an effective personal note. With plenty of suggestions for adding activities into a teen's life--volunteer opportunities in particular--your child may even feel encouraged to seek out new forms of positive expression simply for the joy of the activity, rather than the old standbys of "my friends are doing it" or "I need it to get into college." --Jill Lightner

Product Description
Now the #1 bestselling author of the Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series, Richard Carlson, Ph.D., offers teenagers simple, helpful wisdom for coping with everyday issues

Anyone who thinks teens have it easy hasn't been to a high school recently. As the headlines remind us almost daily, America's teenagers deal with stress in just about every facet of their lives: academics, sports, social situations, family life, money matters, even work. Now Richard Carlson, author of the Don't Sweat series, with sales of 12 million copies, applies the same techniques to teens that have made his other books required reading for anyone coping with life's everyday challenges. In simple, straightforward language, Dr. Carlson addresses common teen concerns with chapters such as: "Make Peace with Your Mistakes," "Be Creative in Your Rebellion," "Be Okay with Your Bad Hair Day," "Turn Down the Drama Meter," and "Notice Your Parents Doing Things Right." As with his other Don't Sweat the Small Stuff titles, teens and their parents will find that Richard Carlson's positive approach helps to minimize the impact stressful situations have on their lives.

Perfect selection. It deals with issues that every kid wants to talk about and presents them in a way that every kid will listen to.

My 11 year old comes home often with horror stories about what friend likes her today, what group does what to another group, how one girl hates another girl, and how can she possibly face it all tomorrow.

I counsel her, listen, feedback, and hug her. But she needs to know that what I am telling her is not unique. So when we read the chapters called "Drop the Drama" and "Check Out these Odds! (The Likelihood that Everyone Will Like You) she looked at me like I was a genius. She actually asked me if I knew the author.

Don't get me wrong. This book is great for a wide age range. I read it to my kids. The teen set (and beyond) will devour it.

Some of the issues in this book are so universal that they need to be taught in college or business school. The chapter that is called "Understand the Law of Focus" should be memorized by every student entering college. This chapter reinforces the basic of 'never obsess'. Know anybody that is so focused on one thing that they lose sight of everything else? Better read this part first.

Well written, to the point, and so very very relevant. Good for early grade schoolers to upper teens. It is by far the best Sweat book that I have read.


STRESS REDUCTION FOR TEENS   November 4, 2000
 38 out of 39 found this review helpful

If you're "stressed out" and would like to look at ways to be a happier more contented person, you may find something in these pages that ring true for you. The book title indicates "for teens", but anyone could benefit from some of the author's suggestions. For example, when someone is talking, avoid the words, "I know."; or "dare to show enthusiam. Be a volunteer in your community-- find something that you really enjoy doing and do it! - Don't infect your friends with negative thoughts if you're in a low mood.-- Instead of making unkind, caustic comments, stay away from those close to you until you feel better; that way, you don't have to feel guilty, make apologies or re-ignite your stress worrying about any inappropriate hurtful words you might have used --Try some meditation or contemplation or yoga exercises to be more relaxed." Richard Carlson's hypothesis is- if you don't get stressed out about the small things, then dealing with more complex issues becomes easier. The book offers advice without lecturing and the topics are brief. One could read a few pages daily. Highly recommended reading. Quite inspirational, and not just for teens. Contains practical information for anyone


We Can All Learn and Benefit From Dr. Carlson's Philosophy !   October 7, 2000
 18 out of 18 found this review helpful

This is a brand new addition to Dr. Carlson's books on "not sweating the small stuff." This one is targeted to teenagers, but we can all benefit. I found that the way the book is set up is quite helpful. Each of the more than 100 topics is short, and you can gain the insight into his teachings on that topic in just a few pages and a few minutes. There are really practical tips for coping with peer pressure, dealing with everyday situations at school, work, play or home. He includes many examples of his own experiences as a teen and the best ways to handle them. He offers advice, but doesn't preach to you. The advice he presents is simple, full of wisdom for coping with situations the teen must deal with daily. One of his key factors in overcoming the "small stuff" is developing the ability not to be irritated, bothered, and annoyed by the day to day things that happen to all of us. He acknowledges that it's very tough to be a teen today, considering the numerous outside pressures to set you going down the wrong path. The techniques he offers won't make the pressures go away, but you'll be better able to deal with them. He goes into some detail about criticism, and how to handle it. There are tips in gaining self confidence. If you incorporate just a few of his many suggestions into your everyday life it can make a major difference in your life, your success, and those around you. Well worth reading.


The best advice I've ever been given!   August 4, 2002
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I admit, this was lying on my shelf for two years before I picked it up (almost). Being somewhat hard-headed, I never accepted that someone could tell me how to make life easier. But Mr. Carlson's methods and exmaples put his 100 tips into perspective... and reality. Although not all his examples are good, the principles have certainly helped me through a lot of stressful times, including keeping my cool in arguments with my boyfriend & family. It's a definite must-read for any teenager, and even parents.


A Great For Any Teen   March 10, 2001
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

When I first got this book I looked at it as another book with an adult telling you useless ways to keep your cool in weird situations. Then one day I picked it up and I was amazed. The write of this seems to understand our life and doesn't lecture us about how we blow things out of proportion. All the chapters pertained to me and really helped me not to stress out so much. I think I am now a better friend and person from it. He (Richard Carlson, author) really shows us good examples and you remember things from the book as you go. I suggest this for every teen.