A book review of Adulting Unplugged: Parent Edition by Traci Bakenhaster
Stars: ****
Adulting University (2025)
Parenting Teens
? Pages
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary: If you’ve ever wondered… Will they know how to manage money, or will they be calling you to cover overdraft fees? Can they advocate for themselves in a job, relationship, or college? Can they handle tough situations, or will they freeze when life throws them a curveball? Will they set boundaries in relationships, or get taken advantage of? Are they confident decision-makers, or do they constantly second-guess themselves? You’re not alone if these questions keep you up at night. The truth is, no one hands you a manual on how to prepare your teen for adulthood—until now.
In “Adulting Unplugged”, you’ll discover the 7 most critical life skills every teen needs—and exactly how to teach them in a way that actually sticks (without the eye rolls). Because here’s the thing—your teen’s future success isn’t just about academics. It’s about confidence, independence, and knowing how to handle real life. And that’s exactly what this book will help your teen achieve. Think of this book like “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”—but instead of preparing for a baby, you’re preparing your teen for the real world (minus the diapers and sleepless nights… hopefully). Together we can do this!
Adulting Unplugged
This book, when you buy it, comes with other goodies such as a planner, checklist, challenge, mini course and workbook. I only reviewed the ebook so I can’t speak to the workbook or other items. Also note you do get a hardcopy of the book but will get the ebook right away so you don’t have to wait for shipping to get started.
The book itself is probably better for those with kids who are 16 and under. I have three kids older than that so I feel like I have figured out some of what the book says already. That said, I would have preferred to have known it BEFORE my kids got older. So this book would have been a good resource for me a few years ago.
The book is broken up into categories/chapters such as Reality Check, Talking the Talk, Feelings First, Friendship Foundations, Healthy Habits, Money matters and more.
Throughout the book as information is given, we are directed to an activity in the workbook that goes with it. I assume these help cement in the idea. In some areas, after giving advice on how to talk to your almost adult, examples are given on what exactly to say or how to say it. I found this helpful.
My favourite part of the book is after each chapter is a Put It Into Practice section with a few activities you can do to help. For example in the communication section it is recommended to cook a meal together to give you guys a chance to chat with open-ended questions without anyone feeling awkward or like they are the center of the conversation.
Check out the book at Adulting Unplugged.