What's My Tween Thinking?

I really like this book series, having already read What's my Child Thinking? and What's My Teenager Thinking? Each spread in the latest title reflects on a statement a tween might come out with, such as "Nothing's the matter" or "I want a mobile phone". There are then different sections in response: what you might be thinking; what they might be thinking; and how you could respond. What I appreciate is the practical approach. It's not about panicking and dashing out to get help, but about listening to your tween, validating their feelings and helping them grow as a person to cope with all the issues that will come their way in life. It's also reassuring to read about what is 'normal' at this stage of development - things like young people needing to distance themselves from us as parents so that they can 'find' their own identity.

The book is divided into two age ranges, 8-10 and 10-12, and is extremely easy to use. You can either dip in and out of issues or read particular sections in more detail. Inset boxes and illustrations make the key information accessible. Carey and Rudkin are excellent at supporting with empowering, practical approaches for both parents and children, to help us all learn and grow together and cope with the complexities of modern life.

-- Saffia Farr * Ju