You Don't Have to Learn Everything the Hard Way: What I Wish Someone Had Told Me

I received this book yesterday and I'm pre-reading it before I give it to my 14 year old step daughter as a gift. This is probably the best book I have ever read. The material is great and it is written in such a positive way that the lessons that are taught will be well received. Sometimes it's hard for parents to teach their kids "everything" they need to know. I had to learn most everything that I know the hard way and if I can save my step daughters some of the pain and heartache that I went through, I will have done my job. Sometimes they don't want to hear it from me or their dad or even their mom, but I feel like this book will definitely help to get a lot of points across and hopefully will help them to reflect on who and where they are now and who and where they want to be and help them be the best version of themselves. I very highly recommend this book!!

The day this book arrived I read it cover to cover in one night! Initially, I thought I would skim through a couple chapters that interested me most, rather than start at the beginning, but I found myself compelled to read the chapters I had originally glossed over. It took me a few hours, but I could not put it down. I love this book! It has solid advice for teens in a modern world, where so many unhealthy and confusing messages are bombarding our youth. It addresses a gamut of subjects, such as learning to take personal responsibility, dealing with challenges and failure, developing healthy friendships, and even identifying and avoiding sexual abuse, to name just a few topics. The book really shines in the way it presents the ideas. All chapters are short and readable; no long, wordy sections that strain ones attention. The warm tone which reads like an intimate conversation - this book does not lecture or instruct - is very appealing. I think it is a valuable guide not only for teens, but also for parents or mentors who are looking for a more effective way to communicate these messages to any young adult.

I've been buying lots of different self help books looking for things for my tween to read that will help develop social-emotional skills. I LOVE this book. It's full of heart and positive encouragement and great advice. I definitely recommend it. Just note it has discussion of sex, addiction, and abuse...which is not a problem, but parents should preview to see if those sections need to be read now or delayed. Right now we are dealing with friendship drama, so we're skipping those sections to better focus on the immediate need.

I am very grateful to Aunt Laya for writing this much needed book. It is practical, effective, sweet, and very readable. Do you have a teenager in the house? Know one? Ever met one? This is a must read for you and then I'm sure you will agree with me that you need to get it in every teenager's hand. I happen to have my Master's in Psychology and have read a lot of ineffective books in my life. THIS is not one of them. Why are you still reading this review? Go click on the purchase button! :) While you are at it, buy two as I know you will want to pass them on. Still reading this? You're NOT a contrarian are you? :) O.K., then I FORBId you to buy two of these books. I hope you enjoy Aunt Laya as much as I did.

This is a great book for teens I wish that there was something like this for me as a young girl,

Book came in good condition! Haven’t started reading it yet but will update with what I think about the book

This book could be helpful to anyone, it has a lot of stuff that makes you have great value for life itself.

Good read for an.... Teen, read with 12 yr old. Talks alot about self confidence and being ok with being you!