Born to Be Wild

Why Teens Take Risks, and How We Can Help Keep Them Safe

By: Jess Shatkin

Narrated by: Jess Shatkin

A groundbreaking, research-based guide that sheds new light on why young people make dangerous choices--and offers solutions that work

Texting while driving. Binge-drinking. Unprotected sex. There are plenty of reasons for parents to worry about getting a late-night call about their teen. But most of the advice parents and educators hear about teens is outdated and unscientific--and simply doesn't work.

Acclaimed adolescent psychiatrist and educator Jess Shatkin brings more than two decades' worth of research and clinical experience to the subject, along with cutting-edge findings from brain science, evolutionary psychology, game theory, and other disciplines -- plus a widely curious mind and the perspective of a concerned dad himself.

Using science and stories, fresh analogies, clinical anecdotes, and research-based observations, Shatkin explains:

* Why "scared straight," adult logic, and draconian punishment don't work

* Why the teen brain is "born to be wild"--shaped by evolution to explore and take risks

* The surprising role of brain development, hormones, peer pressure, screen time, and other key factors

* What parents and teachers can do--in everyday interactions, teachable moments, and specially chosen activities and outings--to work with teens' need for risk, rewards and social acceptance, not against it.

“Presents new research, as well as insights as a clinician and a father….This book is a clear argument to stop putting ourselves in our children’s shoes, and to try putting ourselves in their minds, instead.”
–The Washington Post

“With stories (personal and professional), neuroscience and cognition, psychology and clinical experience Dr. Shatkin offers an abundance of understandable, engaging and actionable information. He explains why and shows how. We can reduce risk in the adolescents we love and teach, but only if we know to how to do so and then do it. Born To Be Wild shows us the way to succeed.”
--Psychology Today

Winner, National Parenting Product Award 2017

Excellent

Very helpful in understanding teen behaviors and how teens make decisions. Well written and great to hear the author read the book.

A must read for all parents!

Excellent information and delivery was superb. I highly recommend this for every parent! Great book.

Great for parents and professionals working w/teen

The book was up-to-date with information and research. As my heading notes, it is a great read for parents and professionals that work with teenagers.

The entire book is based on the fallacy, or rather disproving the fallacy, that teenagers believe they are unbreakable. The author describes in great detail and at great length why teenagers take risks... Hint: it has more to do with biology and brain chemistry than false beliefs or lack of information.

The best part is that the author also explains more effective ways to address risky behaviors in teens that avoid being punitive, preachy, and or sounding redundant.

I recommend this read to any parent or professional working with teens.

A Must Have for Parents, Teachers, Counselors!!!

Dr. Jess Shatkin has achieved something rare in the writing of this book, a balance between sharing academic and applied research and making it useable and accessible to all readers. This book has the potential to be a game changer for entire communities, if they are willing to do the work, ask the hard questions, and challenge the status quo. Dr. Shatkin's willingness to share authentically about his own experiences as a teen, parent and helping professional, draw the reader in, make poignant examples, and provide a relatability that shares truth, both about teen perspectives and those concerns we have as adults. I would put this book on the must read list for schools, health agencies, parenting groups, and civic leaders. This will be a game changer, and it takes something to digest the truth, and then go to work on making the world a better and safer place for our children and teens. Get it, read it, and then get to work making meaningful changes, for our kids and teens can't wait, because their future is NOW!!!

This Mother and Health Teacher is Wild About This Book

The science is up-to-date and absolutely relevant. But what makes this book so fabulous is the artful way thatJess Shatkin explains things. The information is eye-opening, easy to understand, and the stories truly enhance the major points. I find the brain development information to be so interesting, and the tips that are shared are very practical for anyone who cares for teens. I like the fact that Jess narrated this himself- I think that lends to the authenticity of the piece. I’ve already listened to it twice, and I would like to listen to several sections again- WITH my teen/tween daughters so they have better insight about motivations and behaviors that involve risk.