The Breakthrough Years

A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens

By: Ellen Galinsky

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Ellen Galinsky

Length: 18 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

This program features an introduction and conclusion read by the author.

Blending cutting-edge research with engaging storytelling, The Breakthrough Years offers listeners a paradigm-shifting comprehensive understanding of adolescence.

“Just wait until they’re a teenager!”

Many parents of newborns have heard this warning about the stressful phase that’s to come. But what if it doesn’t have to be that way?

Child development expert Ellen Galinsky challenges widely held assumptions about adolescents and offers new ways for parents and others to better understand and interact with them in a way that helps them thrive.

By combining the latest research on cognitive neuroscience with an unprecedented and extensive set of studies of young people nine through nineteen and their families, Galinsky reveals, among other things, that adolescents don’t want to separate completely from their parents but seek a different type of relationship; that they want to be helpers rather than be helped; and that social media can become a positive influence for teens.

Galinsky’s Shared Solutions framework and Possibilities Mindset show you how to turn daily conflicts into opportunities for problem-solving where both teens and parents feel listened to and respected; how to encourage positive risk-taking in your child like standing up for themselves, making new friends, and helping their communities; and how to promote five essential executive function-based skills that can help them succeed now and in the future.

The Breakthrough Years recasts adolescence as a time of possibility for teens and adults, offering breakthrough opportunities for connection.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Ellen Galinsky (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“This book smashes common stereotypes of tweens and teens. Ellen Galinsky marshals extensive evidence to reveal what adolescents today are really like—and how to help them grow and flourish.”–Adam Grant, author of Hidden Potential and Think Again

“A masterpiece weaving together current scientific discoveries, key insights from extensive interviews with teens and parents, and empowering suggestions–this book is a gem! Comprehensive and with ready-to-apply suggestions for any adult caring for an adolescent in these challenging modern times, The Breakthrough Years offers us all a practical path to cultivating resilience and wellbeing for our next generation.”–Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., author of Brainstorm, Executive Director of Mindsight Institute

"Grounded in science and rich with real-life examples, The Breakthrough Years beautifully explains the inner workings of the teenage mind and details exactly what adolescents need–and deserve–in order to thrive. Ellen Galinsky's compassionate call-to-action is an essential guide for anyone raising, educating, or caring for teenagers."–Lisa Damour, author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers