When We're in Public, Pretend You Don't Know Me: Surviving Your Daughter's Adolescence So You Don't Look Like an Idiot and She Still Talks to You

by Susan Borowitz

The two worst times in a woman's life is when she is 13 and when her daughter is 13, or so goes a popular maxim in psychology circles.

Genres: Parenting

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Cynthia]

Borowitz is a former Hollywood writer and producer, and she broaches a difficult subject with humor. I appreciate this approach, but tired of it during this reading, although, I did laugh out loud a few times.

A loan from a neighborhood acquaintance, this book's gist is: 1. Be yourself while raising your daughter(s). Do not attempt to be their best friend or keep them from advancing into adulthood. You are the parent. 2. Set boundaries and controls. 3. Do not escalate when she escalates.

Intellectually and instinctively, I get this. That doesn't mean I'm always successful (with #2 or #3). Each day is a new day, each moment is fresh. I can see how this book might be valuable, and there are some points I could see returning to as reference. I, however, prefer Untangled by Lisa Damour, Ph.D.

I hesitated to post this title on my goodreads booklist because I don't like the cover art. True.

[Jennifer]

A witty, well-written, and well-researched guide to the teen and pre-teen years. I got a lot out of this one!

[JustWorkAlready]

FOR MY MOTHER!!!!!