"Back to School Success For Parents and Students" - A Book Review

As a counselor, I am always on the lookout for great resources to hand to parents and students. Jeff Herring's "Back to School Success System for Parents and Students" is on the top of my list this Fall. A licensed marriage and family counselor and nationally syndicated author, Jeff has decades of experience successfully working with teens and their parents. His creativity and forward thinking to help parents meet the unique challenges of back to school success for students is remarkable. In addition, Jeff lays out his recommendations in easy to understand "Universal laws" for both parents and teens. Just follow the laws for success: how easy is that! Here are some of my favorite Universals:"The Law of Nagging."Reminding that nagging is frustrating for all involved, Jeff writes: "You would think that complaining about nagging is something you only hear from kids. The reality however, at least in my office is that parents complain just as much about having to nag." Likewise, I have sat across from teens that have complained about nagging as if they really believe this is a hobby of their parents'."The Law of In Charge."This is definite favorite of mine because is coincides with my counsel of taking the responsibility of school success from the parents and giving it to the students. He writes: "At some point the child needs to be in charge of school, and be responsible for the outcome." I do not want to spoil it for you, but Jeff then provides very practical suggestions for helping families to accomplish this goal.Not to be left out, Jeff also provides Universal laws for teens. Based on the same principle of recognizing a person's life is a result of the choices he/she makes, Jeff provides laws for students to follow as well. Here are two of my favorites:"The Law of Personality Conflict"Every teen has felt that a particular teacher does not like him/her. While this may seem subjective to parents, it is very real to students. However Jeff shares with the students: "Even if it is absolutely true, and it can be, it's good training for the real world. Sometimes this even means a boss or colleague." He then proceeds to share more practical advice on how the student can come out a winner in what feels like losing battle."The Law of Yours"Jeff writes: "School. Make it Yours." Therefore, reminding your student that only he/she can go on this "journey." Success is dependent upon him/her taking ownership of this journey. Again, encouraging your student to dare to step out into the independence they so greatly want, and making positive choices to reach their desire.Jeff Herring also cites numerous other bonus tips for parents and teens to have back to school success: "7 Things Parents can do for a Successful School Year" "How to spy on your teenager without them knowing it - the secret language of report cards." "What to do with a bad report card." There is even a chapter dedicated to graduating students.In addition to the great content, Jeff Herring has written this in an e-book form. There is no going out the book store to dig through what seems like thousands of books. Busy parents with even busier teens will find this as an advantage. Another great thing its affordability. Jeff has priced this e-book so that even families that are having difficulty making ends meet can get the counsel they need. He even offers a money back guarantee.As with any book, there will be some content that will not relate to anyone. Some of the chapters may be shorter than one would want. However, I still give Jeff Herring's Back to School Success System an "A". dr seuss cat in hat book