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The
Sacred Flight of the Teenager was selected to receive
The National Parenting Center's prestigious Seal of Approval
for 2002.
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An independent
panel of parents and educators noted the following:
"Well-written in an easy-going, readable tone
that communicated well with parents, this book is an encouraging,
supportive guide to helping parents step back and appreciate the
unique life situation they are involved in with their teen. This
book is filled with great insights and real world ideas about
how to help both yourself and your teenager navigate this crazy,
turbulent time together. This book supports parents and shows
how you can be more effective if you step back, be flexible, speak
without asking too many questions, let them make mistakes and
many other difficult steps that are essential in allowing your
child to discover their own strengths as they move towards adulthood."
"Parenting a teenager is full of challenges, and letting
go may be the hardest. In The Sacred Flight of the Teenager,
Dr. Susan Smith Kuczmarski helps parents see how, how much, and
when to get out of the way of a teen who is getting ready to soar.
The wonderful thing is that her book will lift you up too!"
Donald A. Baker, Executive Director,
Youth Organizations Umbrella, Inc.
"If I were parenting a teenager again, I would keep one copy
of Susan's book by my bedside and another in my car. I only wish
that as a parent, I had been able to have access to the insights
provided to help guide me through those difficult periods. I would
love to personally give a copy to every parent that I know upon
his or her child's graduation from elementary school."
Catherine F. Beadles, Teacher/Gifted
and Talented Program,
Aiken County, South Carolina, Public
Schools
"How my husband and I wish we'd had this book while raising
our teens! I give it rave reviews! It's rich with humor and sensitivity,
empathy and understanding. I love how the author sees the kids'
as well as the parents' side."
Dottie Billington, Ph.D., author of Life
Is An Attitude
"I read The Sacred Flight the same week my older son
got his driving permit and my younger son turned 13. It was a
timely palliative for the new confusions and self-doubts I've
been experiencing in the early teen years. Mothering little ones
was a "natural" for me; but these teenagers are a foreign
breed! The Sacred Flight is a practical, reassuring, easily
digestible guide for navigating this foreign territory of teenage
hood. Susan's book comforted me with truth-filled reminders such
as "there needs to be a balance between structure and flexibility,"
and "you will weep with painful confusion and smile with
delight as your teen becomes an adult." And the idea of the
Tai Chi of parenting teens - essentially going with the flow instead
of resisting - really helped me with acceptance of both my teens'
many new facets of my own capabilities and uncertainties. I recommend
Susan's book as a great instruction manual for the adventure of
parenting teens."
Beth Brooks, Director, Office of the
President, Colorado College
"It is very helpful to parents to hear advice from those
who have had or are having experiences with their own teens. Dr.
Susan Smith Kuczmarski combines her expertise as educator and
parent in an engaging and positive way. The notion of respecting
the teenager for who he or she is during a time for self-discovery
is brought out in this book. Parents will learn that offering
patience, guidance and a firm stand are important and possible."
Linda Campbell, 8th Grade Teacher, Chicago
City Day School
"For those confronting the trying if not treacherous terrain
of parenting teenagers, there is hope. Dr. Susan Smith Kuczmarski
confidently guides us through developmental passages in order
to overcome the trials of these turbulent years, arriving at child-parent
relationships that can survive, even thrive."
Michelle Moeller Chandler, Ph.D., Educator
- Williams College, Williamstown, Mass.
"Susan Smith Kuczmarski has written a very insightful, essential,
and invaluable book for parents to guide them in their efforts
to have a healthy, living relationship with their ever changing,
challenging, and demanding adolescent children. Kuczmarski, a
parent herself of two teens and one pre-teen, helps other parents
avoid becoming micromanagers of their teens' lives. Instead, she
clearly and succinctly states the ways in which parents can fulfill
their roles as caring, compassionate, supportive parents with
immense love and utmost regard for their soon-to-be-adult children."
Henry Doyle, Priest, Chaplain & Religious
Studies Department Chair - Shattuck - Saint Mary's School
"The greatest gift, as parents, to our children and the world
is to steward with invisible strings of love and permission. The
Sacred Flight of the Teenager will be your very best friend
as you let go, without ever leaving their hearts behind…or
yours!!
Nancy Drew, author of The Artful Spirit
and First-Aid Kit for Mothers
"The concepts contained in this book are very timely for
today's parents. Dr. Kuczmarski's recommendations are easily incorporated
into the real lives of both teens and parents without having to
change their lives upside-down. It gives options that are empowering
to all parties involved. I would recommend this book to any parent
who would like to "get real" with their teens."
Jennie Hernandez Hanks, author of A
Little Secret for Dealing with Teens
"As the parent of a teenager and two pre-teens, the information
and thought process outlined will really come in handy. This book
will be a good starting point in the maturation of the family
unit."
Kenneth Polin, M.D., Pediatrician, Children's
Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Medical Center
"This book is chock full of excellent information all parents
of teens need. And it is simultaneously nourishing and encouraging
for the reader. I'm most impressed with Susan's willingness to
honor and respect a teen's development process, as this is a most
difficult time for teens. Susan's ability to capture the essence
of what a teen's needs are sparkles, with statements like, "Listen
deeply". I highly recommend this book for parents of teens
or anyone who is dealing with a teen on their own challenging
process. The book is a model for making room for the 'other' in
relationships."
Kathryn Sain, M.A., Psychologist
"Dr. Susan Smith Kuczmarski's endlessly readable book The
Sacred Flight of the Teenager places emphasis on the uniqueness
of every teenager and how valuable that discovery can be. Within
these short, humorous chapters is a goldmine of valuable information
to provide the bridge between you and your teenager."
Kimberly Senior, Resident Artist, Steppenwolf Theatre Company
"A compellation of thoughtful and practical ideas on parenting.
A powerful "how-to" when developing a family environment
that fosters inspiration and support. The author's sensitive approach,
coupled with insightful exercises, result in an easy to read book
full of tools that have practical application for day-to-day family
life. As owners of a program where a child's physical and emotional
needs are central - this book has an abundance of important suggestions
and reflections and is a must read for any individual working
with children."
Jim and Donna Stein, owners and directors
of The Road Less Traveled
"Dr. Kuczmarski uses humor, as well as personal and professional
insight, to guide parents of teenagers through the art of walking
the fine line of stepping back, without stepping out."
Michelle L. Trujillo, author of Why
Can't We Talk? What Teens Would Share If Parents Would Listen
and Teens Talkin' Faith: A Christian Perspective
"Behind Susan Kuczmarski's helpful ideas on how to effectively
parent a teenager is a profound faith in the human spirit that
longs for and naturally guides itself toward self preservation
and self-realization. Much like the flower that grows to catch
the sun, she believes teenagers will pursue the path that best
leads them to their own light. Her book inspired me to trust that
belief."
Chrissy Washburn, Mental Health Counselor,
Portland, Oregon
"Parenting teens today is not "business as usual."
Not only are the times significantly different than merely a decade
ago, so is what teens need to traverse a world that requires a
great deal of psychological hardiness - which is precisely why
The Sacred Flight of the Teenager is not only a timely
book, but an important one. This book will help you equip your
teenager with skills to make sound choices in a new and remarkably
challenging world."
Bettie B. Youngs, Ph.D, author of Taste
Berries for Teens series
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