Official Review: Empowerment Parenting by Stephanie L. Mann

[mmm17]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Empowerment Parenting" by Stephanie L. Mann.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Empowerment Parenting: How to Raise Resilient Children Who Become Happy, Self-Reliant Adults, written by Stephanie L. Mann, begins with the author telling readers her heartbreaking life story. She was abandoned by her mother and stepfather (a lobbyist in Washington DC) in Mexico City when she was just fifteen. She didn’t speak Spanish, and to earn some money, she had to become a guide for American tourists. When she finally managed to get back to the US, she was malnourished and starving to death. She had to overcome many obstacles (she didn’t finish high school, for instance), but she finally got back on her feet and became a successful consultant in crime and violence prevention. In this ten-step interactive guide, Mann draws on her extensive experience to “help preteens, teenagers, and young adults avoid self-destructive behavior.”

This book’s greatest strength is its applicability. It is highly practical, with real-life stories, tips, fact sheets, exercises, self-evaluations, and questions. The reader should work together with an adult adviser, and to this end, there are two parts: Part 1 – Preteens and Teens; and Part 2 – Parents and Adults. Both parts explore the same ten steps, and although the book is primarily for teens, I believe anyone can profit from it. I particularly enjoyed the third step, which explores ways to handle anger; the tips for staying cool are applicable and useful. Step six deals with abusive and controlling relationships, helping readers recognize the cycle of abuse. I’m sure this can be useful for all of us, regardless of age.

Empowerment Parenting seems to be a well-researched book; it comes with several links to scientific studies, and there is also a list of additional resources for teens and adults. I appreciated the part about preventing substance abuse, especially the tips on how to recognize the warning signs. The fact sheet regarding underage drinking, for instance, caught my attention. I was surprised (and appalled!) to learn that people aged 12 to 20 years drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the US – more than 90% in the form of binge drinks.

As a parent, I support and agree with the author’s reasoning and recommendations. I also enjoyed the several thoughtful illustrations, as well as the inspiring quotes from knowledgeable people such as Mahatma Gandhi, Dale Carnegie, Margaret Mead, and Deepak Chopra.

Finally, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I found no negatives in it, and it seems professionally edited. Kudos to the author for writing such a useful guide! It is a valuable resource for teens, and I also recommend it to parents, counselors, guardians, and schools.

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Empowerment Parenting
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Ashbozley11]

I agree. It’s a eye opening book helps teens and preteens. It’s helps self reflect on there strengths and weakness. To help you in the real life.

[tsic]

Sounds like a very informative book about raising children and it's good that you've recommended the book to parents, counselors, guardians, and schools. As a teacher and counsellor this book is a great resource to guide the children and parents I interact with. Though we can not assure happiness and self reliance in children as they grow up into adults, we can most definitely help to instil good moral values and attitudes that can help them have positive behaviour.

[mmm17]

I agree. It’s a eye opening book helps teens and preteens. It’s helps self reflect on there strengths and weakness. To help you in the real life.

Absolutely. And adults can benefit from it, too.

[mmm17]

Sounds like a very informative book about raising children and it's good that you've recommended the book to parents, counselors, guardians, and schools. As a teacher and counsellor this book is a great resource to guide the children and parents I interact with. Though we can not assure happiness and self reliance in children as they grow up into adults, we can most definitely help to instil good moral values and attitudes that can help them have positive behaviour.

Agreed. I'm glad you feel this way. Thanks for commenting!

[Tomah]

This sounds like a practical, evidence-based guide to raising teens. I'm also really glad the author managed to thrive after her ordeal, which sounds terrible. Thanks for the review!

[Cecilia_L]

This sounds like an excellent parenting book, and I enjoyed your interesting review.

[Ybala11]

Empowerment Parenting is an awesome book for both Teens and Parents!!
It brings out the inner thoughts of a thriving human to reach the top!
Love the quote given by the legends around the world.
- Yoga Balaji

[mmm17]

This sounds like a practical, evidence-based guide to raising teens. I'm also really glad the author managed to thrive after her ordeal, which sounds terrible. Thanks for the review!

It seemed to be evidence-based, indeed. Thank you for commenting!

[mmm17]

This sounds like an excellent parenting book, and I enjoyed your interesting review.

I appreciate your comments! Thanks for reading.

[Nisha Ward]

I'm so not the target audience for this, but I think teenagers could benefit from it. Anger issues and binge drinking are only the tip of the iceberg, but every step counts.