How to Survive Living with a Teenager

Teens can be cranky, sullen, lethargic, unmotivated and unhappy. Living in the same home with them is often a challenge. Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey can change all that. If the book title and author seem familiar, it’s probably because Sean Covey is the son of Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

I’ve read both books. I prefer Sean’s. (You can buy it by clicking HERE.) Maybe it’s the teacher in me. I spent decades with teenagers, and know how they think. This book can improve how they feel about their lives and their understanding of the future. When I was still in the classroom, I recommended this book to parents every Back to School Night. I've given a copy to every child in my family on their thirteenth birthday. It should be required reading in the seventh grade.

I kept twenty copies of this book in my classroom library. I loaned them to students, often when they finished their work early, or just before a school holiday. I always said something to them when I handed over the book. It varied by the personality of the student. Before you give your child or other young family member a copy of Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, think about his/her personality. This will work for your kids too.

·         For the left-brained, analytically minded, tidy teens in your life, tell them the book will help them organize everything. They love this, and will happily read the book. (It does, by the way.)

·         For those who are a little loud, love bright colors and think the world exists to be their audience, explain the book is funny and will help them make more friends. They will enjoy hearing this, and will read the book. (It does this, too.)

·        For the pushy teen, who knows how to run everything and often takes over, suggest they read the book because it will show them how to reach their goals. This is their hot button, and they’ll have the book read in no time at all. (It does this for everyone else too.)

·         For the laid back type, who hates making decisions and might seem a little lazy, hand them the book, and tell them to start reading. (They don’t need reasons; being told to do something is enough for them.)

Students who read the book I loaned them told me they enjoyed it so much, they bought a copy for themselves. I always asked their favorite tip from the book, to see if they had actually read it. Their answers varied, but each student was very excited when they explained it to me. Why did I loan this book to students and give it to kids in my family? I wanted them to know they can get what they want out of life. I also wanted them to have the tools needed to do so. This book does everything I’ve explained here, and more.

You are reading from the blog, RoadtoFreeCollege.com, where we empower families with knowledge to navigate the path to higher education without the burden of excessive loans.

 

For more information, you’ll want my book, Free College, CLICK HERE. It teaches families how to help their kids become more successful in school, college, and life.

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