The Blessing of a B Minus

Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Resilient Teenagers

By: Wendy Mogel PhD

Narrated by: Karen White

New York Times best-selling author, internationally known clinical psychologist, and lecturer Wendy Mogel returns with a revelatory new book on parenting teenagers.

Mogel’s sage advice on parenting young children has struck a chord with thousands of readers and made her one of today’s most trusted parenting authorities. Now, in a longawaited followup, Mogel addresses the question she hears most frequently: what to do when those children become teenagers, their sense of independence and entitlement grows, the pressure to compete and succeed skyrockets, and communication becomes fraught with obstacles.

With warmth, wit, and her signature combination of Jewish teachings and psychological research, Mogel helps parents ably navigate the often rough journey through the teenage years and guide children to become confident, resilient young adults. By viewing the frustrating and worrisome elements of adolescence as “blessings,” Mogel reveals that they are, in fact, necessary steps in psychological growth and character development to be met with faith, detachment, and a sense of humor rather than overinvolvement and anxiety. Mogel gives parents the tools to do so and offers reassuring spiritual and ethical advice on why influence is more effective than control, teenage narcissism, living graciously with rudeness, the value of ordinary work, why risk is essential preparation for the post–high school years, when to step in and when to step back, and a sanctified approach to sex and substances.

An important and inspiring book that will fortify parents through the teenage years, The Blessing of a B Minus is itself a blessing.

©2010 Wendy Mogel (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Wise, witty, and wellwritten, this book is a treasury of common sense for anyone dealing with adolescents.” (Rabbi Harold Kushner, New York Times bestselling author)

A very practical teaching guide

I was looking for guidance for teenager communication and saw this book also written by Dr. Mogel. I Loved the detailed examples; love the book and the reading of the book Thank you !

Excellent

Totally enjoyed listening to every word. It was so informative. Thoughts are well organized. Information is pertinent to today's teenager. Everyone with a teenager needs to read this! They will thoroughly enjoy!

This book saved my sanity!!!

I was desperately trying to understand my teenage daughter and this book was a game changer for me and my husband. It helped me to understand her brain and development. It was comforting to know her behavior was normal and what to do with that. I recommend this book to EVERY parent I know!!! I'll be rereading it as now I have another teenager to tend to. Thank you, Wendy!!!!

Great also for non-religious nor non-Jewish parents

I liked the stories & the lessons

A bit repetitive on certain pts & can be shorter

Would recommend as initial parenting book as fundamental skills are covered, but not innovative when it comes to modern techniques.

Classic!

I am a parent and teacher of middle schoolers- so much of Mogel's story/advice resonates! Did I make mistakes? You betcha! But I wish for everyone with preteen S& teens could put this book on their summer reading list!
Ps- I am a Christian oriented person & loved learning Jewish teachings as they relate to raising responsible healthy members of society

Wonderful book!

I found this book incredibly interesting, helpful, and based in common sense. I am not Jewish but really enjoyed the Jewish teachings and stories used as foundation or analogy for many of the concepts. I would highly recommend this book to anyone raising teenagers.

A must read for every parent

Would you listen to The Blessing of a B Minus again? Why?

I plan to listen to it at least once a year to remember some of the important lessons. This book gave me a peaceful feeling towards all of the scary teenage years I have in front of me as a parent.

What other book might you compare The Blessing of a B Minus to and why?

Blessing of a Skinned Knee - same approach except for younger kids.

A MUST READ for all parents

This book has helped me reevaluate my entire parenting style. I am a mom of 5. My style has worked well for my first child, and let’s just say it hasn’t worked so well for my next 2. I’ve been looking for help in learning new ways of raising them, and have found it in this book.

I think it’s even better than her book “Voice Lesson for Parents,” which I also loved.

Falls right in there with “The Collapse of Parenting” by Leonard Sax, which I think is a must read.

There are a few things I don’t agree with toward the end of the book. But there are so many amazingly helpful pieces of advice throughout the rest of the book that I simply took it with a grain of salt.

Well worth the listen. I’m hoping to implement some of the strategies and have a happier home environment with all my kids :).

A+

Loved the readers voice. an excellent fit for the content. Aligns with our families values even though we aren't Jewish. Also balanced in parental concern vs hope.

Another home run for Wendy Mogel

If you could sum up The Blessing of a B Minus in three words, what would they be?

Informative , inspiring, well done

What other book might you compare The Blessing of a B Minus to and why?

Blessing of the skinned knee, get out of my life but could you drive me to the mall first, love limits lessons.

Which scene was your favorite?

When she talks about her teenage daughters and dinner time.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The emotion and hardship she describes when a parent has to accept the changes in her kids as they grow and don't "need" their parents in the way they did as little children.

Any additional comments?

Even though she uses Jewish teaching this book can be usefull for parents of all faiths.