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The 10 Myths of Teen Dating by Daniel and Jacquelyn Anderson - A Review

I literally JUST finished this book.  Okay, well I skipped two chapters, because its nearly midnight and I have AT LEAST 12 years until I need to read about this topic.  But, as usual, I digress.  It was really, really good! 

Although I don't intend for my children to have dating relationships, at least while living under my roof, but more of a heavily chaperoned courtship situation when they decided they are ready to marry in the next couple of years, this book was AMAZING! 

The authors live in Portland, Oregon, are both high school teachers, and a father/daughter writing team.  Apparently some teenagers talk to their teachers about personal things, which I didn't really ever even think of as a teenager, but this man has some stories of very personal things students shared with him (anonymously of course!).  Most of the book is written by Daniel, the father, with small portions in each chapter written by Jacquelyn, the daughter.  He writes about the facts, and she gives her perspective as a more recent teenager.  Both of them write in a very friendly, conversational way that is enjoyable to read.  You can learn more about them on their landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/djanderson

He wrote this book as a way to help parents understand the way that teens view dating.  It is chock full of statistics and facts about WHY the things that teenage girls think are true are just myths.  These myths range from "If I had a boyfriend I would be happy" to "Love and sex are the same".  My favorite part of this book is the insane number of statistics he uses to back up his advice.  I know statistics can be manipulated, but I love them anyway.

Something different about this book from many that I read is that while he does make some references to God and Bible verses, as well as sharing that he is a Christian, it isn't really a Christian book.  While that in and of itself doesn't bother me, in fact I kind of like it when a book that has the potential to help people make good decisions for their family isn't religious in nature, so that more people will benefit from it, one thing he said troubled me: The Bible is Not Enough.  It is true that most people will be edified by reading books that expand on Biblical principles, but it seems wrong to say that the Holy Word of God is not sufficient.  I think it could have been put in a less uncomfortable manner.

That is literally my only complaint.  I would recommend this book to anyone with children that will be dating in the future, even if you plan to use the courtship model.  It will give you the facts to share with your children as to why you have made the decisions you have made.

I was given this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

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