
The Blessing of a B Minus
Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Resilient Teenagers
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Narrated by:
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Karen White
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By:
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Wendy Mogel PhD
About this listen
New York Times best-selling author, internationally known clinical psychologist, and lecturer Wendy Mogel returns with a revelatory new book on parenting teenagers.
Mogel’s sage advice on parenting young children has struck a chord with thousands of readers and made her one of today’s most trusted parenting authorities. Now, in a longawaited followup, Mogel addresses the question she hears most frequently: what to do when those children become teenagers, their sense of independence and entitlement grows, the pressure to compete and succeed skyrockets, and communication becomes fraught with obstacles.
With warmth, wit, and her signature combination of Jewish teachings and psychological research, Mogel helps parents ably navigate the often rough journey through the teenage years and guide children to become confident, resilient young adults. By viewing the frustrating and worrisome elements of adolescence as “blessings,” Mogel reveals that they are, in fact, necessary steps in psychological growth and character development to be met with faith, detachment, and a sense of humor rather than overinvolvement and anxiety. Mogel gives parents the tools to do so and offers reassuring spiritual and ethical advice on why influence is more effective than control, teenage narcissism, living graciously with rudeness, the value of ordinary work, why risk is essential preparation for the post–high school years, when to step in and when to step back, and a sanctified approach to sex and substances.
An important and inspiring book that will fortify parents through the teenage years, The Blessing of a B Minus is itself a blessing.
©2010 Wendy Mogel (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...
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Critic reviews
What listeners say about The Blessing of a B Minus
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- Eva
- 09-04-19
A very practical teaching guide
I was looking for guidance for teenager communication and saw this book also written by Dr. Mogel. I Loved the detailed examples; love the book and the reading of the book Thank you !
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- Mary
- 03-16-15
Excellent
Totally enjoyed listening to every word. It was so informative. Thoughts are well organized. Information is pertinent to today's teenager. Everyone with a teenager needs to read this! They will thoroughly enjoy!
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1 person found this helpful
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- Tamira
- 01-19-15
This book saved my sanity!!!
I was desperately trying to understand my teenage daughter and this book was a game changer for me and my husband. It helped me to understand her brain and development. It was comforting to know her behavior was normal and what to do with that. I recommend this book to EVERY parent I know!!! I'll be rereading it as now I have another teenager to tend to. Thank you, Wendy!!!!
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4 people found this helpful
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- Wayne Lee
- 10-13-23
Great also for non-religious nor non-Jewish parents
I liked the stories & the lessons
A bit repetitive on certain pts & can be shorter
Would recommend as initial parenting book as fundamental skills are covered, but not innovative when it comes to modern techniques.
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- Barbara C.
- 06-12-16
Classic!
I am a parent and teacher of middle schoolers- so much of Mogel's story/advice resonates! Did I make mistakes? You betcha! But I wish for everyone with preteen S& teens could put this book on their summer reading list!
Ps- I am a Christian oriented person & loved learning Jewish teachings as they relate to raising responsible healthy members of society
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2 people found this helpful
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- Rory
- 09-24-22
Wonderful book!
I found this book incredibly interesting, helpful, and based in common sense. I am not Jewish but really enjoyed the Jewish teachings and stories used as foundation or analogy for many of the concepts. I would highly recommend this book to anyone raising teenagers.
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- Swishopper
- 09-10-12
Another home run for Wendy Mogel
If you could sum up The Blessing of a B Minus in three words, what would they be?
Informative , inspiring, well done
What other book might you compare The Blessing of a B Minus to and why?
Blessing of the skinned knee, get out of my life but could you drive me to the mall first, love limits lessons.
Which scene was your favorite?
When she talks about her teenage daughters and dinner time.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The emotion and hardship she describes when a parent has to accept the changes in her kids as they grow and don't "need" their parents in the way they did as little children.
Any additional comments?
Even though she uses Jewish teaching this book can be usefull for parents of all faiths.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Jere M. Singer
- 12-13-21
Very helpful
I found the content to be very helpful. The reader bothered me a little. Her voice was too sweet and simpering. However, the content and writing outweighed that and I was able to finish the book.
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- Alexis Underwood
- 04-16-21
Narration needs work; message is powerful
It took a while to get through the book because the narration of the text was so dry and boring. However, I LOVED the content and all the examples. Plus, I gained a deeper insight into the Jewish faith and culture. It was truly a wonderful book to listen to when it comes to parenting. One thing the author shared was to meet your children where they are and never turn down time when they ask for it (even if you are tired!)
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- MQMSTR
- 01-30-12
A must read for every parent
Would you listen to The Blessing of a B Minus again? Why?
I plan to listen to it at least once a year to remember some of the important lessons. This book gave me a peaceful feeling towards all of the scary teenage years I have in front of me as a parent.
What other book might you compare The Blessing of a B Minus to and why?
Blessing of a Skinned Knee - same approach except for younger kids.
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1 person found this helpful