I can’t even describe what a gift reading this book was for me. As the mom of a teenager, I know that I get my best encouragement when I can just be honest with them and admit my struggles and provide a listening ear. Because let’s face it, even though we sometimes want to cry (or yell or pull our hair out), sometimes you just have to laugh.
Melinda Rainey Thompson gave me that in her book I’ve Had it Up to Here with Teenagers. The book made me think about my parenting AND laugh, and that’s a wonderful combination.
I wanted to share a few of my favorite excerpts here:
- “When my daughter had the gall to say to me out loud one day, ‘What do you know about it?’ in the middle of a heated discussion about boys and girls and the birds adn the bees, my answer flew out of my mouth without a second’s hesitation: ‘I know plenty, missy!’ Then I stalked out of the room in a huff, just like a teenage girl (which I used to be contrary to popular belief)” (page 4).
- “‘You should be nice to geeks. One day you’ll be glad you were.’ ‘Why do you always start these weird conversations, Mom? I don’t care about geeks! I just want to go to So-and-so’s house, and you turn it into a parenting moment. Can I go now?'” (page 31)
- “My kids will tell you I’m a mean mama. I’m not ashamed of that reputation anymore. But my kids also claim I enjoy being a mean mama. Now that’s just not true. It hurts my feelings that they think so. I’d much rather be one of those sweet mamas who speaks in a soft voice and gets her children to behave appropriately by inspiring them to do the right thing with little songs and heart-shaped cookies. That mama never screams until she is hoarse (did that today)” (page 40).
- “The only question became, ‘Do I look beautiful in this dress, Mommy, or that one?’ I wish girls kept the confidence they have as toddlers all the way through middle school and high school. That would sure come in handy when mean girls tear them apart” (page 111).
- “No sleeping with your cell phone. You don’t need to be available twenty-four hours a day. You are not the President of the United States” (page 148)
You can read my full review of I’ve Had it Up to Here with Teenagers by Melinda Rainey Thompson over at 5 Minutes for Mom.
Leave a comment there to enter to win your own copy. You can also leave a comment here for an extra entry (but you have to leave a comment there to be eligible). Giveaway is closed.
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ibeeeg says
Oh wow! I could use a book like this, at times, to lighten the teenage parenting mood.
Beth C says
I’d love to be entered for this book. Thanks for the chance.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Tammy Gordon says
Looks like a funny book!
LuKa (Lubna) says
“No sleeping with your cell phone. You don’t need to be available twenty-four hours a day. You are not the President of the United States” (page 148)
LOL, I love this comment……. once in the corporate world, they would itch to switch off their blackberries and cell phones — so as not to be bothered by pesky clients
I have also left a comment on the other blog, to be eligible for the giveaway.
Stephanie says
I need this book!
John says
Could use that book for sure! Have a teenage girl in my house.
Natalia says
Cool book! I need it.
Isabelle says
Would like to win this book!
Liz says
Blessedly, I am past the teenage years with children, but this sounds so delicious I would love to share it with my suffering friends.
“You are not the President of the United States” is priceless.
mrsshukra says
I needed this book yesterday!
Ms. Yingling says
My four teens idea of a good time over break was to have Mario Cart tournaments in the living room while having Weird Al singalongs. If that’s not going to lead to post traumatic stress, I don’t know what will! This will be great to read, whether I win a copy or not!
Melinda Thompson says
I love to be quoted by other parents! I am a genetically bossy Southern woman. My mother is bossy. My grandmother was bossy. My new book, I’ve Had It Up To Here With Teenagers, has just been released, so I’m hearing from the first readers, and that is SO MUCH FUN! Nothing makes me happier than having someone agree with me; how about you? Ha! Think of all 4 of my humor books as a 3-hr spa break–for about $15, the same price as a large pizza. G-rated humor is a bargain! Happy reading, y’all. I hope you laugh out loud!
Rachee says
My tween has made this book required reading.
-r
Sandra Norman says
Would love to have a copy of the book.
Christine Jensen says
This sounds fabulous!
Joyness Sparkles says
Adorable! This book looks just so cute…I even love the cover!
Linda Kish says
I would love to win a copy of this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Tia says
This is not the nicest thing to say but when my kids say that other kids parents let them do this or that, I tell them that it’s because the other parents don’t love their kids as much as I love mine. 😉
I also entered the giveaway over at 5 Minutes for Mom.
Jennifer says
You and Melinda are on the same page. She says exactly the same thing!!
Beth says
Too funny! My son told me not long ago that I “am on him 24 hours a day.” My response, “nope, not true, I do sleep at least 6 hours a night!”. I’d love to read this book!!!
Kandra says
Hilarious. I need this book!
apple blossom says
nice teasers. this sounds like a lovely book thanks for the extra chance to enter.
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
tammy b says
with three pre-teen daughters i can use all the support and humor i can get! would love a copy!
Carrie at In the Hammock Blog says
I would love to win this for my aunt and her teens! Thank you!