| As a counselor, I am always on the lookout for | | | | Every teen has felt that a particular teacher does |
| great resources to hand to parents and students. | | | | not like him/her. While this may seem subjective |
| Jeff Herring's "Back to School Success System | | | | to parents, it is very real to students. However |
| for Parents and Students" is on the top of my list | | | | Jeff shares with the students: "Even if it is |
| this Fall. A licensed marriage and family counselor | | | | absolutely true, and it can be, it's good training for |
| and nationally syndicated author, Jeff has decades | | | | the real world. Sometimes this even means a |
| of experience successfully working with teens and | | | | boss or colleague." He then proceeds to share |
| their parents. His creativity and forward thinking | | | | more practical advice on how the student can |
| to help parents meet the unique challenges of | | | | come out a winner in what feels like losing battle. |
| back to school success for students is | | | | "The Law of Yours" |
| remarkable. In addition, Jeff lays out his | | | | Jeff writes: "School. Make it Yours." Therefore, |
| recommendations in easy to understand "Universal | | | | reminding your student that only he/she can go |
| laws" for both parents and teens. Just follow the | | | | on this "journey." Success is dependent upon him |
| laws for success: how easy is that! Here are | | | | her taking ownership of this journey. Again, |
| some of my favorite Universals: | | | | encouraging your student to dare to step out into |
| "The Law of Nagging." | | | | the independence they so greatly want, and |
| Reminding that nagging is frustrating for all | | | | making positive choices to reach their desire. |
| involved, Jeff writes: "You would think that | | | | Jeff Herring also cites numerous other bonus tips |
| complaining about nagging is something you only | | | | for parents and teens to have back to school |
| hear from kids. The reality however, at least in | | | | success: "7 Things Parents can do for a |
| my office is that parents complain just as much | | | | Successful School Year" "How to spy on your |
| about having to nag." Likewise, I have sat across | | | | teenager without them knowing it - the secret |
| from teens that have complained about nagging | | | | language of report cards." "What to do with a bad |
| as if they really believe this is a hobby of their | | | | report card." There is even a chapter dedicated |
| parents'. | | | | to graduating students. |
| "The Law of In Charge." | | | | In addition to the great content, Jeff Herring has |
| This is definite favorite of mine because is | | | | written this in an e-book form. There is no going |
| coincides with my counsel of taking the | | | | out the book store to dig through what seems |
| responsibility of school success from the parents | | | | like thousands of books. Busy parents with even |
| and giving it to the students. He writes: "At some | | | | busier teens will find this as an advantage. |
| point the child needs to be in charge of school, | | | | Another great thing its affordability. Jeff has |
| and be responsible for the outcome." I do not | | | | priced this e-book so that even families that are |
| want to spoil it for you, but Jeff then provides | | | | having difficulty making ends meet can get the |
| very practical suggestions for helping families to | | | | counsel they need. He even offers a money back |
| accomplish this goal. | | | | guarantee. |
| Not to be left out, Jeff also provides Universal | | | | As with any book, there will be some content |
| laws for teens. Based on the same principle of | | | | that will not relate to anyone. Some of the |
| recognizing a person's life is a result of the choices | | | | chapters may be shorter than one would want. |
| he/she makes, Jeff provides laws for students to | | | | However, I still give Jeff Herring's Back to School |
| follow as well. Here are two of my favorites: | | | | Success System an "A". |
| "The Law of Personality Conflict" | | | | |