Growing up is Hard, by Dr. Laura Schlessinger, is the story of a young boy's struggles with new expectations brought upon him as he gets older. He doesnt understand why his actions, once found adorable, are now frowned upon. He feels as though he cant do anything right, in addition to dealing with his best friend making new friends at school. While at first hesitant, the boy eventually shares his troubles with his father who consoles him and explains that with age comes responsibilities. The fathers continues with the fact that the little boy is still very loved, but is old enough now to think before he acts, that he knows better now and is expected to make better choices. The main message of the story is not to let frustration get the best of you and that when your upset you should go to a loved one and talk about it, just as the young boy does with his father. Growing up, and the new expectations that come with it, can be a difficult and confusing road for little ones. This story is a great lesson for little ones on the actions to take when upset, as well as a reminder for parents and caregivers of the cognitive and emotional changes young ones go through as they enter adolescence. ( )