When Good Kids Do Bad Things: A Survival Guide for Parents

by Katherine Gordy Levine

The author draws on her experience as a social worker, biological parent, and foster parent to more than four hundred children to lend advice on handling the parent-child crises that erupt during the teen years

Genres: Parenting

267 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

I am a maverick or a mutant take your pick. First a therapist, a Columbia University School of Social Work professor, and then a foster mother. For nearly fourteen years my husband and I provided short term care to an ever changing group of boys and girls, mostly teens, and all in trouble with the law. As 366 kids lived in our home, I am most likely the world's most experienced mother. My advice transcends the usual parent advice. I am a therapist who has been in the trenches. I know how easy it is to give advice and how hard to follow it.

Reviews

[Fiona Gatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of being involved in the revision and update of this fabulous parental resource. First published in 1991, the vibrant Katherine and I "met" via Linked In. She is an active blogger and I liked her style. When she mentioned she had some books that were now out of print I was delighted that she was willing to work with me to make them available again as Kindle eBooks.

I myself have a teenage daughter, another daughter who will be a teenager by the end of the month, and a little one too. You may think that 'When Good Kids Do Bad Things' is only for parents who are facing serious, life threatening issues with their kids; it's not. Teenagers struggle with the dichotomy of still needing their parents for so many things, and wanting to be independent. Their emotions get conflicted, they act out, you act out. Staying the controlled, calm parent isn't always easy. This book has invaluable advice on how to handle day to day encounters, as well as more serious bad behaviour.

I'd recommend 'When Good Kids Do Bad Things' as a preventative as well as a guide. I found it a comfort to read. I've now thought about how I'd handle various situations. I've talked with my teen about things I might not have approached them about otherwise.

So, although as Katherine's e-publisher I am biased, I am still entitled to my opinion and I've got to say, it was serendipitous to me that I came to read this book. It has positively impacted my parenting and I use the techniques everyday - the tactics for communication and negotiation, and for taking care of myself as a parent.