Growing Up Is Hard

by Laura Schlessinger (Illustrator), Daniel McFeeley (Illustrations)

Dear Parents, All parents understand the feeling of being willing to take on the pain of their child's stomachache, sprained ankle, or broken arm to relive their child of hurt. Most parents, though, would rather that their child have a broken bone than a broken heart. Seeing our chilren agonize over emotional pain brings up feelings of helplessness and desperation. As parents, we want to make it all better and save our children from the sometimes harsh realities of life. But if they are to learn how to cope effectively with the personal challenges in their own lives, our children need to acknowledge and understand their own feelings rather than act out on them inappropriately or stuff them away. That's why it's so important for parents to observe and gently inquire when their children are in emotional distress - usually evidenced by withdrawn or angry behaviors. It is vital for parents to be able to talk about these things and to teach their children how to communicate what they are feeling. Growing Up is Hard will help you help your child become stronger and more confident by exploring and facing disappointments, hurts, frustrations, and embarrassment. Shalom, Dr. Laura Schlessinger

Genres: Childrens

40 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2001

About the author

Laura Catherine Schlessinger (born January 16, 1947) is an American talk radio host, socially conservative commentator and author. Her radio program consists mainly of her responses to callers' requests for personal advice and has occasionally featured her short monologues on social and political topics. Her website says that her show "preaches, teaches, and nags about morals, values and ethics".

Reviews

[Ashly Schuette]

Sammy can't seem to have a good day. The teacher, his best friend and mother all do/say things that make Sammy feel stupid, unwanted, and lazy. Sammy feels that his life is just awful, until Dad helps him find new ways of looking at his problems.

Great integration piece for teaching about how to handle stress and reach out for help.

Recommended for ages 5-8.

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Um...yeah...this is the story of a boy who says he hates his life and a dad who takes the time to listen to him and help him see the good in life.

[Kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adjusting to taking more responsibility and accountability that comes with growing older can be difficult at first. But you can see the positive side to things. It teaches a good message, albeit a bit cloyingly twee. The pictures show expressions well and were interesting, rustic.

[Shaelynn Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Realistic
Age Range: Early Primary
This is such a good book to read to lower elementary students who are struggling with growing up. It teaches kids to feel their feelings and how to navigate through them in a positive way. Very relatable boom for students!

[Ashley Couey]

This book is so cute. Its about children growing up and them not liking all there responsibility they are being given. As a parent reading this to their child they hate seeing their children hurt and go through pain. This book is all about children growing up.