The Psychology of Parenting Teenagers: Thriving Throughout The Teenage Years

Psychologist Cullen (A Practical Guide to Child Psychology) breaks down “normal” adolescent behavior in this studied if uneven guide to navigating the often-trying teenage years. Cullen writes that teenagers should be embraced and guided, and, in a textbookish tone, introduces such basic terms as positive psychology, behaviorist theory, and cognitive theory. Her survey is strongest in the sections covering “major issues” and “particular challenges,” wherein she applies these concepts to case studies and examines how parents might respond to teen behavior: a case study on teen pregnancy, for example, is a jumping-off point for Cullen to cover “the communicative and open parenting approach” in which no conversation is off-limits and TV shows spark important discussions; another on a boy who won’t help with chores sees Cullen recommending a reward and sanction system. Summaries, quizzes, and exercises round things out. On the downside, the advice often comes in the form of clunky and tough-to-remember acronyms, and Cullen’s academic tone might leave readers awishing for more accessible explanations. Still, those who stay the course will find Cullen’s stance that adolescence is a time of growth and possibility to be a welcome relief. (Apr.)