Staying Connected to Your Teenager by Michael Riera

A great book for parents who want to to feel more connected and talking with their teen. It gives you strategies to use and ways to implement them. I especially liked the break down in the chapter The Sexes Are Different, knowing that moms and dads handle sons and daughters differently can help families connect as well.

Book Description: "At last, a book of sage advice that will help frustrated parents reconnect with their teenager and keep that connection even in today's often-crazy world. The first step is simple: realizing that inside every teen resides two very different people-the regressed child and the emergent adult. The emergent adult is seen at school, on the playing field, in his first job, and in front of his friends' families. Unfortunately, his parents usually see only the regressed child-moody and defiant-and, if they're not on the lookout, they'll miss seeing the more agreeable, increasingly adult thinker in their midst. With ingenious strategies for coaxing the more attractive of the two teen personalities into the home, family psychologist Mike Riera gives new hope to beleaguered and harried parents. From moving from a "managing" to a "consulting" role in a teen's life, from working with a teen's uniquely exasperating sleep rhythms to having real conversations when only monosyllables have been previously possible, Staying Connected to Your Teenager demonstrates ways to bring out the best in a teen-and, consequently, in an entire family."

Denise's thoughts: All in all, a good read that will give parents insight into their ability to connect with their emerging-adult-but-still-a-teen. You'll want to keep a copy to refer back to when needed. But while I found that I liked the advice, I wouldn't recommend it be the only book on communicating with your teen in your parenting library.