UBC Press Parenting Teenagers book Paperback

Parenting Teenagers is invaluable for parents or for anyone filling the parenting role - temporarily or permanently. Bob Myers makes complex theory simple, and explains how to make, maintain, repair and strengthen relationships with teenagers. He encourages adults to take control of the parenting situation by taking control of their own actions and reactions. He seeks to remove conflict from parent-child relationships and identifies the traps that block good communication.Parents, teachers, residential youth workers, social workers, and probation officers will find much in the book to support them in the often difficult task of getting children ready for life as responsible adults.Based on more than twenty years' experience, this very level-headed text is intended for all who have to deal with the needs of adolescents. There are no quick-fix solutions here but rather an examination of often complex relationships. Strategies are developed for problem solving and helping the teenager build self-esteem, responsibility and independence while at the same time keeping the carer's sanity. In a friendly, supportive voice and while not minimising difficulties, Myers recommends that patience and perseverance in applying them will gain the desired results in the end.

Bob Myers has, since 1979, been Director of the Brophy Memorial Hostel, where he works with young people who are either homeless or unable to live at home. Some have been severely emotionally damaged and present very challenging behaviours. Bob has adopted the radical approach that solutions to these difficult behaviours have to be found, without the option of expulsion.