Middle School Makeover

Since I am a Family Connection Coach, I read a lot of books and blogs on the subject of parenting and recommend very few. Many leave me frustrated because they are short on the “how to” and even shorter on the “why?” when it comes to making the case for adjusting your parenting communication style. That is not true of Michelle Icard's new book, Middle School Makeover: Improving the Way You and Your Child Experience the Middle School Years.Icard has done a great job of summarizing all of the most recent neuropsychology research on the developing teen brain. This new research provides parents of middle schoolers with an alternative to the limiting and relationship-damaging view that the tween and teen years are something simply to be suffered through.Peppered with cultural references that those of us who grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s will enjoy revisiting. The references serve a greater purpose of helping you remember what it was like to experience the tween and teen years.Although Icard writes thoughtfully about using consequences and dangling carrots, this is one aspect of the book that I don't advocate simply because I believe strongly that these create power struggles that can be avoided with the communication skills taught in the Gordon model, developed by Dr. Thomas Gordon. Having said that, that is the only caveat that I have to add as there is much in Middle School Makeover that makes this book a very welcome addition to the parenting genre.Thank you, Michelle Icard, for helping to raise the level of discourse around the topic of parenting it is a very welcome change!

We need more books on this topic. All of a sudden it seems like we blink our eyes and our baby is not a child anymore and we have to help them navigate one of the most socially and emotionally difficult phases of life. Wow this book had a few great tips, it left me wanting more. Michelle has good intentions, but didn’t do much more than scratch the surface of what we need. There’s also a lot of “wasted space“ in the book, for example in the last chapter she goes on for pages and pages about the pros and cons of plastic surgery! I will keep looking for a more expert reference on how to help my child navigate the middle school years.

This was such a great book! Easy to read, easy to understand and really helped put lots of things into perspective for me. I've handed it to my husband to read so we can both be on the same page. As soon as he finishes, it's mine to re-read, and believe me, I will! Our oldest starts middle school next year but I also think much of what I read applies to my daughter as well, who is only two years behind. I feel lucky to have this book now, so I can really have time to fully absorb the information before we dive into middle school! I appreciate the author's frank and straightforward advice about everything from when to give them a cell phone to how important it is to give them freedom and let them take risks. This book felt like a big reassurance for the things I've been thinking we need to allow our children to do, giving me to confidence to now let them!

I have two middle schoolers, one boy and one girl. This book has something for everybody. Plus, Michelle Icard is really funny and puts some of the things that freak us out (cami's, tight jeans & booty shorts being my favorite and most referred-to chapter) into perspective. I seriously need all the help I can get during these years and this book totally delivers excellent, common-sense advice. I'm keeping it on my bedside table because the author's guidelines about how to talk to your middle schooler are a huge help. (Plus she totally entertained me with her 'botox brow' comment.) I know it's important to keep those lines of communication open and I really want to do it right. GREAT BOOK. Would recommend it to ALL parents of kids ages 10-15. Easy to read. Easy to use.

I saw this book mentioned in an editorial in the Chicago Tribune. I decided to check it out and I am happy I did. The way the author writes is intelligent, yet fun to read. The advice given is excellent.Normally I can pick out one or two faults about a book. I can not find any with this book. I think for parenting books this book belongs in the same catagory as the "what to expect" books which were indispensable when my daughter was younger. Also, the price of the book is quite good. The kindle edition is only $9.99 and a physical copy is under $20. I may actually buy the physical copy to have.

Great condition, thank you!

I just started reading this book a few days ago & I'm almost done. I bought our 13 year old another book called "The Drama Years" written specifically for the young girl, and at first she didn't want to read it. But when she saw I was reading this one & I explained to her that it's always helpful to have outside help & other perspectives, she's more open to doing her own reading & inner reflection. Anyway this book has been a very easy read & truly insightful. I think it touches most topics we all face as parents of middle schoolers. I would recommend this book for anyone looking to better their relationship with their child, or keep it great as they enter these tough years.

I found this book really helpful on the social political navigation for middle school. I agree with many of the author's tenets, such as "Don't solve your child's problem for him," but I wasn't adept on knowing how that looks without watching the child flail and maybe even fail. This book provided good strategies that take my natural parenting inclinations to a new level. I recommend it for parents of current and rising middle schoolers, and for teachers and coaches and others who work with middle schoolers. My sixth grader read this book too. I asked him, "What did you think?" And he said, "I think you need to read it again, Mom!" That's a sure sign that the book rang true for his middle-school world.

Excellent book from start to finish. Really practical and useful information. Michelle's style of writing shows her empathy towards both parents and teenagers. Really enjoyed it!

This book has given me the skill set, tools and confidence to manage my family's middle school journey. The writing is sharp, funny and accessible, with just enough repetition and reminders and check lists to keep the reader aware of where she or he is going and to stay on track. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Easy to read, and really helpful insights!