Teen Tips: A Practical Survival Guide for Parents with Kids 11 to 19

The updated and revised edition of Tom McMahon's informative collection of tips about raising teens, an age-group that shares with toddlers the distinction of being most difficult for parents.There may not be a cure for adolescence, but there are ways for parents of teens to survive these challenging years Parenting expert Tom McMahon has gone straight to the source--veteran moms and dads--to try and solve the mysteries of raising a happy, healthy teenager. Gathered here are hundreds of practical, creative, and proven tips that cover all aspects of parenting a teen: -Rules and Discipline--Keep order while encouraging your child's independence, and pick your "battles" for what matters the most -Talking and Listening--Get to know when to sympathize, when to back off, and how to deal with your teen's inevitable moodiness -School and Learning--Free yourself from being the "homework cop," while nurturing both curiosity and enthusiasm -Friendships and Relationships--Use role-playing to handle peer pressure, and help nurture healthy relationships -Drugs and Alcohol--Pinpoint telltale signs of problems before they become serious, and stay involved by providing alternatives to parties with alcohol -Responsibilities and Money--Strike a balance between chores and allowance, and make part-time jobs an introduction to money management -Self-Esteem and Values--Enhance your teen's exposure to role models who will strengthen character and boost self-confidence. Whatever the situation, Teen Tips is full of down-to-earth, inventive advice. It's an indispensable guide to navigating the teen years--and making the journey as rewarding for the parent as it is for the aspiring young adult.