Mom, They’re Teasing Me
Helping Your Child Solve Social Problems
By Michael G. Thompson, Ph.D. and Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D. with Catherine O'Neill Grace
From the acclaimed authors of Best Friends, Worst Enemies, here is the perfect companion volume: a practical, how-to guide for parents to help their children navigate the sometimes harsh terrain of social life at school, on the playground, and in the neighborhood.
Almost everyone agrees (and remembers): Childhood can be a traumatic time. Kids frequently face peer rejection, name-calling, bullying, after-school fights, esteem-crushing cliques, and malicious exclusion by the popular kids. And parents often feel powerless to console their children. Now help is here. Mom, They’re Teasing Me is a specific, hands-on guide for concerned parents who want to give their children the tools they need to cope with social cruelty. Through vividly written case studies and a reader-friendly question-and-answer format, this compelling book shows parents what a child may confront with other children, and then offers concrete advice on handling each situation.
Mom, They’re Teasing Me deals in-depth with specific aspects of social cruelty: the four major types of children at risk for social isolation and their unique problems; the ordinary pain of those children not at risk—but who, nevertheless, cause their parents concern; and bad class dynamics in the school and neighborhood. Through thoughtful discussion and insightful suggestions, parents will discover
- The difference between real risk and normal social pain
- The appropriate time to intervene—and when to step back
- Tips on how to mediate between children—without appearing meddlesome
- Essential advice for parents who worry too much
- The importance of teaching and encouraging leadership
- The redemptive power of friendship
Mom, They’re Teasing Me answers key questions on the many manifestations of social cruelty, offers compelling descriptions of prime “teasing” scenarios, and illustrates how to counter them. It is an indispensable book for every involved parent who wants to make their child’s formative years rich and rewarding.
Praise for Mom, They’re Teasing Me
What a wonderful and helpful book. It is right on target dealing with a very difficult issue – one that all parents confront – in a truly sensitive and intelligent manner. Above all, Michael Thompson and Lawrence Cohen give answers – why it happens and what to do about it. I was really impressed by their ability to make helpful sense out of a truly difficult part of child-raising.
Anthony E. Wolf, Ph.D., Author of Get Out of My Life, But First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall?
Few parenting challenges compare to helping a kid cope with teasing or being left out. With empathy and understanding, Mom, They’re Teasing Me gives parents age-by-age information and practical advice to guide and comfort kids through every stage of their so-called social lives.
Freddi Greenberg, Editor in Chief, Nick Jr. magazine
Once again Michael Thompson, Lawrence Cohen, and Catherine O’Neill Grace have reached into the hearts and minds of children and parents and given us deeply needed advice, reassurance, and good news. They show us how to deal with some of the most painful moments of childhood and, not only survive them, but thrive. Michael Thompson combines the knowledge and wisdom of a brilliant psychologist with the heart and love of an experienced parent. This much-needed book is a true gem.
Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., Author of Driven to Distraction and the forthcoming book, The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness
