Expert suggestions for guiding your child through the rough teenage yearsDoes it sometimes seem like your teenager is trying to push you over the edge? Learn what your child is going through and what you can do to help your teen navigate this difficult period in this practical guide from psychologist and parenting expert Carl Pickhardt. In an easy-to-read style, Dr. Pickhardt describes a 4-stage model of adolescent growth to help parents anticipate common developmental changes in their daughter or son from late elementary school through the college age years.* Provides unique advice for dealing with arguing, chores, the messy room, homework, and many other issues* Offers best practices for teaching effective communication, constructive conflict, and responsible decision-making* Includes ideas for protecting kids against the dangers of the Internet, bullying, dating, sexual involvement, and substance useAn essential road map for parents looking to guide their children on the path to adulthood.

Acknowledgments ixAbout the Author xiAuthor's Note xiiiIntroduction xvVoices of Parents Past xix1 Preparing for the Inevitable 12 A Road Map to Early and Mid-Adolescence 213 A Road Map to Late Adolescence and Trial Independence 494 Parenting Adolescent Sons and Daughters 835 The Complexities of Spoken Communication 1056 The Use and Abuse of Confl ict 1277 Discipline That Does and Doesn't Work 1498 Informal and Formal Education 1759 Problems with Peers 19710 The Power of Parents 227Epilogue: Climbing Fool's Hill 249Recommended Reading 253Index 255