This parenting and education guidebook speaks up on behalf of teens and the adults who care about them. Developed from real situations encountered in the author’s work as a guidance counselor, it pinpoints the key issues of teen psychology, and addresses common areas of conflict with concrete advice and proven methods.

The teen years are an important stage for the development of “self identity” which is facilitated by the attention and accompaniment of adults. However, teens can also be confused and irritable, making them frustrating to be around. This book helps parents and teachers understand the issues behind the confusing behavior of teens, and puts them on the path to better relationships with teens built on understanding, respect, and support.

The book’s 22 chapters are divided into four parts. The first part addresses the key factors in getting along with teens: trust and respect. Only when you respect a teen and demonstrate that you are trustworthy will they open up and communicate with you. This gives you space to discuss the differing obligations and responsibilities of teens and adults, and why some behaviors aren’t appropriate for teens.

What about challenging teen behaviors like unstable emotions, obsession with appearance, and the tendency to engage in put downs? The second part of the book addresses these issues one at a time, providing solutions to each. All of these behaviors reflect the hidden need to be seen and understood. Rather than assume that nothing can be done and therefore ignore these behaviors, adults need to engage teens in appropriate ways. The unstable psychology of teens can make them swing between seeking closeness and keeping their distance, making it difficult to maintain relationships. The third part of the book advises on what to pay attention to when building relationships with teens, and what minefields to avoid, emphasizing that a “sense of safety” is critical for developing healthy interactions. The book’s fourth part focuses on how to work with teens as they discover their own values (hints: don’t force them, don’t negate them, and be patient), analyzing a variety of scenarios to point out underlying concerns, and guiding readers to practical solutions.

Beyond just summarizing field-tested strategies for working with teens, author Lin Wei-Hsin shares his knowledge of the sticking points we all encounter when relating to teenagers, providing solutions and model dialogues for a variety of common situations. This practical guidebook is essential reading for any parent or teacher who wants to understand teens and interact with them in ways that provide positive support for their growth and development.