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....

From the co-author of Field Guide to the American Teenager and parenting expert for "The CBS Early Show," invaluable advice on parenting teens.

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. ...