A groundbreaking, research-based guideline that sheds fresh light on why young people produce dangerous choices–and gives solutions that function

Texting while driving. Binge-drinking. Unprotected sex. There are many known reasons for parents to be concerned about getting a late-night contact about their teen. But most of the information parents and educators hear about teens is outdated and unscientific–and just doesn’t work.

Acclaimed adolescent psychiatrist and educator Jess Shatkin brings more than two decades’ about Born to become Wild: Why Teens Take Dangers, and HOW EXACTLY WE Can Help Keep Them Safe worth of research and scientific experience to the topic, along with cutting-edge findings from brain science, evolutionary psychology, game theory, and other disciplines — plus a widely inquisitive mind and the perspective of a worried dad himself.

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

* Why ‘scared straight,’ adult logic, and draconian consequence don’t work

* Why the teen mind is ‘blessed to become wild’–shaped by advancement to explore and take risks

* The surprising part of brain development, human hormones, peer pressure, screen time, and additional key factors

* What parents and instructors can do–in everyday interactions, teachable occasions, and specially chosen activities and outings–to use teens’ dependence on risk, benefits and sociable acceptance, not against it.

“Presents new study, aswell as insights as a clinician and a father….This book is a clear argument to avoid putting ourselves in our children’s shoes, and to try putting ourselves within their minds, instead.”

-The Washington Post

“With stories (personal and professional), neuroscience and cognition, mindset and clinical experience Dr. Shatkin offers an great quantity of understandable, participating and actionable information. He clarifies why and displays how. We are able to reduce risk in the children we like and teach, but only when we realize to how to do so and do it. Born To Be Crazy shows us the best way to succeed.”

–Psychology Today

Winner, Country wide Parenting Product Honor 2017