Do you envy that friend of yours, who is the centre of attraction in your group; who is smart and seems to know everything; who keeps shooting his views on every matter discussed under the sun.

Are you fascinated by the independence enjoyed by your elders and the manner in which they conduct themselves? ‘Ooh! They are so smart and confident.’ you would tell yourself.

Attaining their status becomes the ultimate aim for you. However, the charisma of being smart and confident is marred by the tricky problems of adolescence which seem to envelop you like a misty fog. You look upon your elders to guide you through this phase but an entire generation comes between you and them.

You turn to your friends, but alas! They seem as lost as you, yourself are. You look around, but no help is in sight. At this crucial turning point in your life, our book ‘Be Smarty...a guide for young minds’ comes to your rescue. This book tells you how to overcome your inhibitions and Be Smarty.

This book is an attempt to provide you a guide which can bring out smartness from within you. Our book not only helps you unravel the mysteries of adolescence, it takes you down the path leading to a world which belongs to you.

So turn the pages and find a friend for life in Be Smarty...a guide for young minds.


About the Author

Seema Gupta has a Master’s Degree in Sociology and an MS in Psychotherapy and Counselling. A prolific writer, Ms. Gupta has authored several widely acclaimed books on a wide variety of subjects, including 10 Sutras for Sure-Shot Success in Exams. Many of her articles and short stories in various magazines have won accolades from her readers. The author herself is the happy mother of two energetic teenagers.


CONTENTS:
My Word
To walk you through
1. Who Grows First
* Puppy fat
* Hormones at work
* Crux of the matter
* Those five days..
* Nose up in the air
* Those tiny dots
* Now the boys....
* Great mind at work
* How high is the sky
* Croaking melody

2. Emotions Taking Over
* Bickering .. snickering
* The fledgelings
* Mood swings
* O Boy... it’s a girl

3. I Wanna Look My Best
* 5 Secrets of healthy living
* Eating well
* Weight watching
* Bulimia and Aneroxia
* Back in shape

4. Stress Quotient
* Adrenaline effect
* Superkids
* Adolescents – stressed in
* Parents – stressed out
* Check your Stress Index

5. It’s My Life
* No arguments please
* I’m a free bird
* Let’s talk
* Mom..be my friend
* Dad’s my hero

6. Friends Forever
* Special bond
* Let’s shake hands
* The mean teen

7. Dreams and Aspirations
* Career opportunities
* Self analysis and success

8. Infatuation Crushes and Love
* Instant love
* Dating

9. Homosexuality
* Gay
* Lesbians
* Eunuchs or hijras

10. Sex : the Taboo Word
* You should know
* Autoerotism
* Nature’s perspective
* Precautions
* Science in vogue
* Boys... ahoy
* Impotence

11. Beware!
* Honeymoon syndrome
* Other sexually transmitted diseases
* AIDS

12. Perils of Adolescence
* Rape
* Sexual abuse
* Drugs
* Cigarettes and alcohol

13. Self Awareness
Quiz-I
* Know your colours
Quiz-II
* Handwriting analysis

14. Parents: The Great Survivors

15. 20 Myths and Realities

16. 20 Questions You Always Wanted to Ask

We Care....


EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK:

It’s My Life

Rita always complained that her children do not listen to her. Her daughter never helps her in household work; her son is always busy with his friends and computer. She felt as if they lived under the same roof but had no inkling of each other’s feelings. While the children complained that their parents act like dictators placing so many hurdles in their free independent lives.

The thread that connects the parent with the child has many twists and turns with hopes, fears, wishes and anxious apprehensions from both the sides. Not many young people claim to enjoy perfect understanding with their parents. But we must remember that this is not a problem of recent origin. It has existed since times immemorial. Even our forefathers felt the same way about their parents. This is what has been termed as generation gap..

Understanding comes from within. Before you can understand your parents, you need to understand yourself. Any good relationship depends upon mutual goodwill and thoughtfulness for each other’s feelings. What the parents consider good and what they don’t is often very difficult to understand for the young people because most of the time, adults preach one thing andpractice quite another. In such situations, there is no harm in conveying your viewpoint to them. Such communication promotes mutual goodwill and better understanding.

You will do well to show your parents what you are capable of. Take up responsibilities and fulfil them to their satisfaction. Very often the responsibilities of everyday may appear too insignificant to exhibit one’s capabilities, but it is not so. Small achievements would prepare you for greater successes in life.