• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Display Search Bar
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Facebook Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Twitter Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Pinterest Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Instagram Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on YouTube Follow 5 Minutes For Mom via RSS

5 Minutes for Mom

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast and Brunch
      • Snack
      • Lunch
      • Appetizer
      • Dinner
      • Dessert
    • Ingredient
      • Apple
      • Beef
      • Blueberry
      • Chicken
      • Chocolate
      • Cranberry
      • Peach
      • Pumpkin
      • Squash
      • Strawberry
      • Tomato
      • Vegetables
      • Zucchini
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Baking
      • Grilling
      • Instant Pot
      • No Bake
      • One Dish
      • Slow Cooker
    • Type
      • Breads and Rolls
      • Cakes and Muffins
      • Condiments
      • Cookies and Bars
      • Drinks
      • Food for Kids
      • Gluten-Free
      • Main Dish
      • Pies and Crisps
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches and Wraps
      • Side Dishes
      • Smoothies
      • Soup
  • Crafts & DIY
    • Crafts
    • DIY
    • Kids Crafts
    • Printables
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing
  • Family Life
    • Giveaways
    • Lifestyle
    • Marriage
    • Motherhood
    • Parenting
    • Pet Care
    • Special Needs
    • Time Management
    • Travel
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas

I’ve Had it Up to Here with Teenagers {Review and Giveaway}

April 1, 2012 by Jennifer Donovan

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

ShareTweetPinPocketMail

I don’t believe that the teen years have to be all bad. Contrary to the title of Melinda Rainey Thompson new book, neither does she. In I’ve Had It Up to Here with Teenagers, she combines humor in her topical essays about dealing with teenagers, combined with a mother’s unconditional, unwavering, and unapologetic love.

She is a self-proclaimed “humor writer,” so yes, she uses hyperbole to her advantage, but she uses the humor to dish out practical advice about raising teens.

A modern-day Erma Bombeck

For some reason, back in my teens and early twenties, I actually read a lot of Erma Bombeck. I didn’t personally relate to a lot of her topics (like cooking, cleaning, and raising kids), but one thing that I didn’t miss was that she was funny. Hilarious.

I am not using hyperbole when I say that Melissa Rainey Thompson is a modern-day Erma Bombeck, and so whether you have teens or not, this book is for you.

By the time my daughter was 9 or so, I began reading books that dealt with teens. I think that it was easier to be objective at that time. I was never sure if they were exaggerating, or if my child would indeed display the self-absorbed, spacey, hormonally-fueled characteristics that seem so common to teens, at least those that parenting writers focus on. But being a little removed, I could actually laugh and I could objectively plan how I was going to react and parent.

I highly recommend this approach. Now that my daughter is almost 14 years old, I am not objective or rational. I find myself acting like a teenager myself.

Topics to Ponder

Like I said — if you don’t have a teen, feel free to read along for pure enjoyment. If you do, you have the privilege of learning a little about one mom’s approach to these issues, which will either give you some new ideas, or at least cause you to think about your current approach:

  • Attitude
  • Money-Matters
  • “Curfew Conondrums”
  • “Laundry Laments”
  • Care and Feeding
  • Clothing
  • Driving
  • Internet Safety
  • Dating

I’ve included some of my favorite quotes from I’ve Had it Up to Here with Teenagers over at 5 Minutes for Books. If you click through and leave a comment over there, you’ll get an extra entry (and I promise that in reading them, you’ll get a laugh or two).

This book would make a great Mother’s Day gift! Treat your friend or your sister or even your own mom to I’ve Had it Up to Here with Teenagers (as a sort of retroactive apology perhaps?).

Leave a comment here for your chance to win.  We have THREE books to give away, and we’ll announce the winner in our book column right here on April 16.

The winner of The Complete Allergy-Free Comfort Foods Cookbook is #16 June.

ShareTweetPinPocketMail
What’s Gracing Your Table This Easter? How About a Ham from The National Pork Board
Organizing Toys

About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

Reader Interactions


Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

56 Comments

  1. Jen Hitchings says

    February 21, 2020 at 12:45 pm

    I NEED this book because I have had it UP TO HERE with my teenager and being able to find some humor in it could be life saving! Maybe for him, maybe for me!!! 😉

    Reply
  2. Stephanie says

    April 17, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    I cannot figure out where to go to find out who won this giveaway!

    Reply
  3. Magnolia Mom says

    April 15, 2012 at 4:55 pm

    I would love to read this book.

    Reply
  4. Kathy says

    April 14, 2012 at 8:56 pm

    I have a lovely 14 year old girl (thankfully) and I teach middle school. I am sure this book is chockfull of advice that would be useful at home and at work!

    Reply
  5. tammy b says

    April 14, 2012 at 11:55 am

    count me in! i’ve got 3 pre-teen girls and can use all the support and humor i can get!

    Reply
  6. apple blossom says

    April 11, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    this book sounds most interesting. I have teenage girls so really intrigues me thanks for chance to win.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    Reply
  7. Kandra says

    April 11, 2012 at 9:15 am

    This sounds great! A little humor never hurt anyone!

    Reply
  8. Linda Kish says

    April 10, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    I would love to read this book.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  9. bethsportsmomma says

    April 10, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    Oh my gracious. The title of this book IS MY LIFE right now!

    Reply
  10. TawndaM says

    April 10, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    hehe… 3 … 30… or is it 300 teens? I think I need this ☺

    Reply
  11. Tia says

    April 10, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    My oldest just turned 13 and I would love to attempt to be a bit ahead of the game by reading this.

    Reply
  12. amandasue says

    April 10, 2012 at 11:33 am

    Love the title! So could use this book!

    Reply
  13. Jeni Monroe says

    April 9, 2012 at 9:48 pm

    I would love to get my hands on a copy of this. I am the mom to 4 preteens who is not looking forward to the teenage years. I could use all the help that I can get before they come.

    Reply
  14. shelby says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    this would be a great book for my aunt

    Reply
  15. Kristen N. says

    April 8, 2012 at 8:48 pm

    Thank you so much for this giveaway!

    Reply
  16. Cathy Mattison says

    April 8, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    I’ve raised 4 teens and I’d love to read the book.

    Reply
  17. Hoa Le says

    April 8, 2012 at 4:01 pm

    Seems like something I would love to read!

    Reply
  18. Angie says

    April 8, 2012 at 9:03 am

    I currently have THREE teens and this would be a great help! Release!

    Reply
  19. Renee says

    April 8, 2012 at 5:51 am

    Sounds like a book for me! I have a 12+ year old and I’m a high school principal. Teenagers are EVERYWHERE in my life! Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
  20. Staci A says

    April 7, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Looks like a great read!

    Reply
  21. Lori says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:48 pm

    Will have to read this one, our mother and father raised 9 of us all together.

    Reply
  22. Jeff says

    April 6, 2012 at 10:17 am

    What a great book.

    Reply
  23. Kari says

    April 6, 2012 at 9:10 am

    Sounds like a great read! I’m a mom of three teens and one tween so I could use a little humor on the subject.

    Reply
  24. ANGEL JACKLYN says

    April 5, 2012 at 4:55 pm

    THIS WOULD MAKE A GREAT GIFT FOR MY AUNT! SHE’D PROBABLY LAUGH THE WHOLE TIME SHE READ IT =)

    Reply
  25. Terra Heck says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:39 am

    With three teenagers and another turning 13 this summer, I could definitely use this humorous book! Thanks.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  26. Pam Gordon says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:10 am

    I need this book – my son just turned 13 and is already driving me crazy!!!!! 🙂

    Reply
  27. Lisa R says

    April 5, 2012 at 7:35 am

    My daughter is 11 going on 20… I think 11 is different than when I was a kid… With technology and access to many things on Television. These kids today know more than I ever did at that age. Sometimes I think it’s a real shame because they lose a lot of the childhood years…I would love to win this….thanks for the opportunity of winning this book

    Sibabe64 at ptd dot net

    Reply
  28. Lauren Knott says

    April 4, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    This looks very interesting!

    Reply
  29. amandasue says

    April 4, 2012 at 8:10 pm

    I NEED this book! Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  30. nannypanpan says

    April 4, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    would love this for my sis
    [email protected]

    Reply
  31. Angela E. says

    April 4, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    I ‘d love to read this book, and then let my Mom read it also.

    Reply
    • Angela E. says

      April 16, 2012 at 7:06 pm

      Saw my name listed as a winner of this book, have not received an email yet. Thanks

      Reply
  32. Van says

    April 4, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    Sure to be full of good information.

    Reply
  33. gail says

    April 4, 2012 at 10:30 am

    thanks for this contest

    Reply
  34. Melissa Alexander says

    April 4, 2012 at 1:04 am

    Oh my! I need this one! My daughter will be turning 12 this month and her attitude is more like 16! Luckily for me I timed my girls 10 years apart so I will have a nice long break before having to deal with it again… NOT!

    Reply
  35. Christine Jensen says

    April 4, 2012 at 12:02 am

    I am on the verge of entering the parenting a teenager years (my oldest is 12), this sounds fabulous!

    Reply
  36. Melissa says

    April 3, 2012 at 11:48 pm

    I would LOVE this book!! I have a 10, 4 and 2 year old so I NEED this book :)!

    Reply
  37. Melinda Thompson says

    April 3, 2012 at 10:52 am

    It is so fun when a new book comes out to hear from readers! This is my 4th humor book, and all year, when people asked my kids, “Is your mom writing a new book?”, they would reply, “Yeah, she’s writing a REVENGE book. That is SO not true!! We are all in this together, you know. . . . We might as well laugh. It’s free and non-fattening. How may things can you say that about??

    Reply
  38. Idaho Jill says

    April 3, 2012 at 9:54 am

    My daughter is not a teenager yet, but I need to be prepared for when the time comes 🙂

    Reply
  39. Ms. Yingling says

    April 3, 2012 at 6:19 am

    I’m living with two eighteen year olds, a sixteen year old, and a fourteen year old. My reply any time that they complain (so-and-so has better clothes, why can’t we order Chinese, why do I have to dust) is “Some parents love their children.” I will read this book whether I cin a copy or not!

    Reply
  40. jenn says

    April 3, 2012 at 2:14 am

    I would love to read this, I have 4 teens and I cant tell you how true this statement is. This book may provide the answers i am seeking and the hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel

    Reply
  41. angie says

    April 2, 2012 at 8:48 pm

    with a house of teens this book could be just what I need
    [email protected]

    Reply
  42. Chuck says

    April 2, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    What a good book.

    Reply
  43. Joy says

    April 2, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    I have a soon to be teen and i need all the help i can get!

    Reply
  44. Stephanie says

    April 2, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    I need this book!

    Reply
  45. Don says

    April 2, 2012 at 2:32 pm

    Those can be some pretty tuff years, for the parents & the teen as well.

    Reply
  46. LuKa (Lubna) says

    April 2, 2012 at 2:11 pm

    This would make a perfect gift for my friend, whose teen is to appear for his high school exams next year and well, behaves like a teen and refuses to buckled down and study

    Reply
  47. Will says

    April 2, 2012 at 1:56 pm

    I clicked through to read the intro pages on a seller website – I like Thompson’s style. Looking forward to reading it.

    Reply
  48. Tammy Gordon says

    April 2, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    Looks like a good book!

    Reply
  49. June says

    April 2, 2012 at 9:16 am

    Ah yes, the joy’s of teenagers. Boy do I remember.

    Reply
  50. Beth C says

    April 2, 2012 at 8:08 am

    I have 3 teenage grandkids and I know their Mom would love this!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    Reply
  51. Garrett says

    April 2, 2012 at 7:15 am

    I know my Mother would get a kick out of this one, she raised four of us.

    Reply
  52. SteveJohnson says

    April 2, 2012 at 4:29 am

    fully hit her yet. Just with those three alone…this book would be grand to read, humor is what I need

    Reply
  53. Mozi Esmes Mom says

    April 2, 2012 at 1:45 am

    Looks interesting!

    janemaritz at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  54. ibeeeg says

    April 2, 2012 at 1:01 am

    I have a 16 year old who is giving me a run for my money. I also have a 14 year who is quite the social girl, and a 12 year old who…well…puberty has not fully hit her yet. Just with those three alone…this book would be grand to read, humor is what I need, at times. I read the quote posted on5 minutes for books, and I laughed, and agreed, and thought… I like laughing at these years and need to do more of that. Even if I do not win, I am for certain going to get my hands on this book

    Reply
  55. Jennifer C says

    April 1, 2012 at 11:30 pm

    This book sounds wonderful! I could use some humor – my teenager and tween are driving me crazy!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Bringing Moms Together

We are Janice and Susan, twin bloggers and work-at-home moms. We're here to inspire, encourage & empower you.

Meet Us…

Work With Us…

Subscribe via Email

to be first to read new posts

Trending Now

Raspberry Coulis – How To Make Raspberry Sauce

Raspberry Coulis – How To Make Raspberry Sauce

Among Us Costumes – How To Make Pretty DIY Among Us Cosplay Outfits

Among Us Costumes – How To Make Pretty DIY Among Us Cosplay Outfits

Oven Roasted Potatoes and Peppers Recipe

Oven Roasted Potatoes and Peppers Recipe

Instant Pot Apple Crisp that is Ready in Minutes!

Instant Pot Apple Crisp that is Ready in Minutes!

browse around

  • Posts by Susan
  • Posts by Janice
  • Favorite Recipes
  • Favorite Crafts
  • Giveaways
  • All Posts

Footer

Recipes

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe and History

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe and History

25 Awesome Rainbow and Green St. Patrick’s Day Treats

25 Awesome Rainbow and Green St. Patrick’s Day Treats

Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies

Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies

Crafts/DIY

DIY Flower Press – How To Press Flowers

DIY Flower Press – How To Press Flowers

Valentine’s Day Crafts For Kids – Super Cute and Easy Valentine Craft Ideas

Valentine’s Day Crafts For Kids – Super Cute and Easy Valentine Craft Ideas

Animal Ears – How to Make an Easy No Sew Animal Ears Headband

Animal Ears – How to Make an Easy No Sew Animal Ears Headband

Giveaways

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Mom

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Mom

School Supplies List and Back to School Shopping Guide

School Supplies List and Back to School Shopping Guide

REDEEMING LOVE Set to Strike Gold on the Big Screen #RedeemingLoveMovie

REDEEMING LOVE Set to Strike Gold on the Big Screen #RedeemingLoveMovie

Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Facebook Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Twitter Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Pinterest Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Instagram Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on YouTube Follow 5 Minutes For Mom via RSS
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Us
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2023 5 Minutes for MomTheme by Melissa Rose Design and Once Coupled