Why Do They Act That Way?: A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen

by David Walsh, Nat Bennett, David Walsh

Book Overview

This anniversary edition--revised and updated--goes beyond raging hormones and peer pressure to explain why adolescents act the way they do and what parents and teachers can do about it.

Why Do They Act That Way? was the first book to explain the scientific, brain-based reasons behind teens' impulsive behavior, lack of focus, self-consciousness, territoriality, fatigue, and their quickness to anger and take risks--to name just...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1476755574
• ISBN13: 9781476755571
• Release Date: June 2014
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Excellent ---A Must Have for ALL parents

Dr. Walsh must have known my son. I felt like he wrote this book for my family. His explanations were easily understood and very insightful, but, not an excuse for the teen's behavior. It was hard at times to put the book down. I really wish my parents had read this book. Thank YOU, Dr. Walsh. Thank you, thank you, thank you. M. Weedman, Merritt Island, FL

Great Book!

What's most remarkable about this book is how easy and fun it is to read. There are lots of stories sprinkled in with the scientific information, and Walsh's friendly, engaging voice comes across on every page. I wish I'd had this book when I was a teenager. It would have been nice to know that pains and dramas that afflicted me were the part of the process of literally growing into my adult brain. I know this book is intended for parents, but I think there are a lot of kids out there who would find it a good read too.

A trusted expert delivers again!

As a developmental psychologist, I understand how children develop and behave. As a father, I understand how perplexing their behavior often seems. Dr. Walsh has managed to use the latest information in developmental neuroscience to tie these two sides together in a way that the lay reader will comprehend, which ultimately will help parents of adolescents to stop being so perplexed and to be able to interact with their adolescents in a positive way. Dr. Walsh, as always, mixes science with common sense and humor, and provides research-based advice that all parents can use. This is one reason why his organization, the National Institute on Media and the Family (www.mediafamily.org), has become such a trusted resource for parents, educators, and policy-makers.

Understanding and helpful wisdom in dealing with teens

This book brings the reader upfront and close to what is happening in the brains and lives of teens. It is one of those rare nonfiction books that the reader doesn't want to put down. David Walsh's conversational style of writing, peppered with many examples from his own work and life with teens, is thoroughly engaging. The added plus is his many useful and practical ideas for connecting with adolescents. He is clear and concise in offering strategies both for loving and coping with teens. His integration of the latest brain research with his expetise and years of experience working with teens makes this a classic for parents, teachers and anyone having contact with teens.

Thank You Dr. Walsh

I have been reading about child and adolescent development since my graduate school days. Later, when my children were born I was also a voracious reader of all the major writers on child and adolescent development. How I wish I had this book when my kids were in junior and senior high school!Dr. Walsh has absolutely nailed adolescence. Amazing. He has taken an enormous amount of scholarly research and delivered it to us in readable and useable form. He clearly loves what he does and his passion for kids shines through in every chapter. It is a joy to read such a powerful combination of scholarship and common sense.Someday I would love to meet this man. I am sure I would learn a lot. I recommend this book without reservation to every parent and teen out there who wants to understand these years.