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)

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!!!!

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 !

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.

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!

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