Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers

With more than 100,000 copies sold, Michael Riera’s UNCOMMON SENSE FOR PARENTS WITH TEENAGERS has ushered countless families through the trying years of adolescence. Offering a fresh interpretation of the teen years, Riera asserts that this period of a child’s growth is too often misunderstood as a phase to be dreaded instead of enjoyed. In this fully revised and updated edition, Riera tackles some of the newest issues facing parents and teens—text messaging and the Internet, changing driver’s license requirements, fad diets and exercise—and gives a second look to the old standbys—alcohol and drugs, academics, sex and dating, sports and extracurricular activities, eating disorders, making friends, single parenting, divorce, and more. Beginning with overviews of the parent-teenager relationship, the adolescent world, and high school, the bulk of the book comprises a series of responses to questions commonly asked by parents. Based on his 19 years as a teacher, counselor, dean of students, and parent, Riera recommends some unexpected—and ultimately successful—approaches, like "Communicate indirectly," "Let your teenager brood," and "Resist giving advice, even when your teenager asks for it." With a rare appreciation for this special developmental stage of life and an unpatronizing approach to teenagers, UNCOMMON SENSE FOR PARENTS WITH TEENAGERS is a beacon of optimism and hope for confused and wearied families everywhere.