It's Back to School season! Some kids look forward to this time of the year to buy school supplies, sport their new outfits, and reconnect with their classmates. While for others, this time of the year brings anxiety and worries about fitting in, making friends, and being able to do well academically.
How to Make and Keep Friends: Tips for Teens on Life and Social Success is a helpful read for teens who are worried about back to school. It's also a great resource for parents who are at a loss of what kind of advice or guidance they can give their children. After reading this, I myself used some of the strategies with my 9 year old who is dealing with "bullies" at school.
The book is divided into four sections: Self, Others, Online and Social Media, and College, Work, and Adulthood.
Within each section are about a dozen different chapters like fitting in, bullying and meanness, personal hygiene, real friends checklist, online presence, driving, accepting criticism, and more.
Each topic has a short introduction and then a list of coping strategies for each of the chapters. I liked the "Adjusting to Social Feedback" chapter that discussed non-verbal feedback, being conscious of social norms, conversation tips, and respecting personal space.
The format of this book is "teen-friendly". The anecdotes are relatable and the tips on how to deal with each scenario is simple and straight to the point, exactly what a teen wants. The examples shared in the book are common occurrences at the school where I work.
I look forward to sharing this book my students in my work as a school counselor. I see myself with a student dealing with a particular issue, finding a relevant chapter in this book, having them read it, then discussing with them what they learned. I know my students will be able to find coping strategies they are comfortable with in this book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review. All opinions are mine.
