I Wanna Be Sedated: 30 Writers on Parenting Teenagers

by Faith Conlon, Gail Hudson

Teenagers: they roam in packs, mope silently in their rooms, sneak out, talk back, sneer, yell, roll their eyes, and think their parents just might be the dumbest creatures on Earth. Raising a teen is perhaps the most challenging phase of childrearing, a time when kids push every known hot button and wreak havoc with carefully thought-out parenting strategies. I Wanna Be Sedated brings a sense of humor and perspective to some of the deepest worries of parents. Joyce Maynard explores the house rules for boy-girl sleepovers in "The Girlfriend Sleeps Over," Dan Glick writes about drug dilemmas in "I Definitely Inhaled." Debra Gwartney speaks candidly about every parent's worst nightmare in "Runaway Daughter." And, Anna Quindlen reflects upon her rapidly emptying nest in "Flown Away, Left Behind." Featuring dynamic, top-caliber writing, this delightful collection speaks to the challenging, exhilarating, and occasionally mind-blowing task of parenting teenagers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2005

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A former student, Jeff Wallace, has an essay in this collection called "Shopping for Kotex," which is wonderful. Other essays by Roz Chast and Dave Barry and Anna Quindlen, and others, all very good. I only give this four stars because I haven't read them all. But to me, Jeff's essay would be worth the cost of the book.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times hilarious, at times heart-wrenching, these true tales from parenting's most rocky stretch were a relief to read. Some of the essays were brilliant, some not well written but still immediate and ringing true.

[Joni Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent gift for parents of teens and pre-teens, this collection has 30 essays by authors on parenting. W. Bruce Cameron wrote 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter and applies his wit here as well. Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist Dave Barry also cuts loose the tethers between the teenager you want and the one you have. Irene Hopkins expounds on "The Seven Circles of Hormone Hell" when a parent is in menopause while teens live at home. I recommend this book for every parent to enjoy during this chaotic, exciting, and yes, rewarding family time. Parenting is not for the fainthearted and this book offers insight from survivors.

[Julene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories about parenting teenagers!! GREAT book, if you are a parent please read this book! Published in the Northwest it has some terrific pieces. One of my favorites is by Dangerous Writing author Stevan Allred in the section Baby, It's a Wild World. He lives in Portland and tell of going to a punk concert with his punk son. Other writers include Dave Barry and Louise Erdrich. Really, it is a book to cherish, and I have no children!

[Rhi]

"Congratulations! You are now the proud new owner of a teenage daughter. Please read this manual carefully, as it describes the maintenance of your new daughter and answers important questions about your warranty (which does NOT include the right to return the produce to the factory for a full refund)."
This is how the book starts . . . it is a wonderful collection of essays about raising teens.

[Jodi Vandenberg-Daves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second time I picked up this book. In the intervening time, one of my teenagers turned 20, and then my youngest became a teen. It still felt fresh, even for the essays I re-read. Lots of funny and moving material in here that made me feel less alone in the trials and joys of parenting young people on their way to adulthood.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this collection of parenting essays at the Friends of the Library used bookstore in Gaithersburg. Essays by Anna Quindlen and Dave Barry caught my eye. Theirs were good, others were depressing. I hope I'm not in for some of the experiences these parents have had!

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for parents and anyone that knows a parent - OK Everyone

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for all parents of teenagers. Made me laugh, made me cry, made me grateful for my own kids.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book of 30 writings on parenting teenagers by various authors.

[Katia Lief · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just about finished reading this wonderful collection of essays by writers describing life with teenagers. Hits the mark!

[Maureen Neylon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mix of funny and poignant essays about raising teenagers. Timely read.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few of these were so spot-on they were both painful and comforting to read. Others were totally skippable.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a teen and you think you are going crazy, read these short, beautifully written narratives. You'll feel better and find a reserve of patience and empathy.

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great collection of touching and funny essays about raising teenagers.