The Roller-Coaster Years

by Charlene C. Giannetti, Margaret Sagarese

Children between the ages of 10 and 15 experience biological, behavioural and social changes as dramatic and important as those of the toddler years. This comprehensive guide to mastering the ups and downs of early adolescence draws on the findings of leading psychologists and other experts, as well as the authors' surveys of many teachers, parents and young adolescents. It aims to show that children crave attention from parents at this age, the last stage of development where parental influence is strong. The authors seek to help parents to a pre-teen's developing intellect, idealism and activism; distorted body images and the real aches of growing bodies; raging emotions and tensions; the battle for independence and the boundaries of their independence; distraction, disorganization and disinterest; making learning easier and more fun in order to help pre-teens thrive in school; how to teach pre-teens independent thinking to combat peer pressure; and how to protect pre-teens from the dangers of drugs, alcohol and premature sex without being authoritarian.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Jenifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Filled with quite a bit of practical information and insight, but did feel a little outdated, and included a lot that felt irrelevant to my specific circumstances. 3.5 stars

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outdated, but still a helpful glimpse into the mind and life of a 10-15 yr old. Many of the issues discussed are still relevant today. I appreciated the authors’ voice and found this book easier to read and digest than some other parenting books.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice overview of 10-15 yr olds/"Middlers": Kids this age develop sophisticated reasoning & sense of humor, still need and seek approval of adults, believe they can make a difference, develop personal values, sympathetic and (with guidance) will meet needs of others. I found the parenting advice to be extremely basic, though.

[Sandee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess, if anything, this book reminded me to be empathetic and helped me see that I wasn't totally screwing up navigating the teen years with my daughter. There was some helpful advice, some scary statistics, and some hope for the future!! I usually do not relate to parenting books but this one was ok.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The counselor at school suggested that we read and discuss this book with any parents interested in being involved with this book-club activity. This book is about understanding how best to live with/teach with middle-school students. It was accurate and informative.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for parents of "middlers" (kids aged 10-14). It gave me a good insight on what kids that age are going through mentally and physically. Hopefully, it helps me understand and love my middlers even more.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

First good one I have seen on the in between years. Child manual.

[LaDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when my oldest daughter was around 12. It did help explain a bit of what she was going through. And I remember my own "roller coaster years" all too well!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable trip down memory lane by a witty author

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the few books that talks specifically about the period before tweens/teens, i.e. 10 years old.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad I read it, but really wish it was updated for modern times esp. vis a vis media/tech. It has helped me think through and anticipate life with my "middler."

[Priscilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved learning about the internal, emotional worlds of middle schoolers.

[Beth Shorten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated but a good resource