| I love reading and read a lot (as well as equally consume audiobook versions), including, of course, books in the field of psychology to keep me up to date and with new tools all the time for working with clients in my psychotherapy practice. In this post, I’ll be sharing a few insightful book recommendations for parents of teenagers. Whether you’re navigating communication challenges, emotional ups and downs, or simply looking to strengthen your connection with your teen, these books offer valuable perspectives and practical guidance. I hope you find something here that resonates and supports you on your parenting journey. 1. Middle School Matters and Middle School Superpowers, both by Phyllis Fagell Phyllis Fagell’s Middle School Matters and Middle School Superpowers are compassionate, practical guides that help parents understand and support their children through the often-turbulent middle school years. Middle School Matters outlines the key skills tweens need to thrive—such as resilience, self-advocacy, and integrity—offering actionable strategies to foster these traits at home. In Middle School Superpowers, Fagell focuses on the challenges kids face today, from academic stress to social pressures, and reframes these struggles as opportunities to build essential strengths. Together, these books provide parents with a reassuring roadmap for navigating this crucial developmental stage with empathy, structure, and confidence. Here are links to the [great!] podcast episodes that were how I originally found out about her books to begin with: Middle School Superpowers podcast interview Middle School Matters podcast interview 2. The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, by Lisa Damour, PhD In The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, psychologist Lisa Damour, PhD, offers a clear, compassionate look at what’s happening beneath the surface of teen emotions. The book seeks to demystify adolescent mood swings, stress, and emotional intensity, emphasizing that these are not signs of something wrong, but essential parts of healthy development. Damour provides practical strategies for how parents can support their teens without overreacting or overstepping, helping them manage strong emotions while building resilience and emotional maturity. It’s a reassuring, research-based guide for staying connected and calm during the ups and downs of the teenage years. 3. Positive Discipline for Teenagers by Jane Nelson Positive Discipline for Teenagers by Jane Nelsen offers a respectful, firm, and effective approach to parenting teens. Grounded in mutual trust and open communication, the book helps parents navigate common challenges—like defiance, screen time, and motivation—without resorting to punishment or power struggles. Nelsen emphasizes the importance of maintaining connection while encouraging responsibility and independence, offering practical tools to guide teens with empathy and consistency. It may be a valuable resource for parents looking to set clear boundaries while still honoring their teen’s growing need for autonomy. 4. Yes, Your Teen is Crazy! by Michael Bradley Yes, Your Teen is Crazy! by Michael Bradley is a candid, humorous, and deeply empathetic guide for parents trying to make sense of their teenager’s often unpredictable behavior. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Bradley explains how adolescent brain development impacts emotions, decision-making, and risk-taking, helping parents understand that what seems like “crazy” behavior is often normal and temporary. He offers down-to-earth advice for staying connected, setting limits, and keeping your sense of humor while guiding your teen through this intense developmental stage. It’s a reassuring, no-nonsense resource for parents feeling overwhelmed or confused by their teen’s emotional world. 5. Grown and Flown, by Lisa Heffernan and Mary Dell Harrington Grown and Flown by Lisa Heffernan and Mary Dell Harrington is a thoughtfully structured, topic-driven guide for parents of older teens transitioning into adulthood. Organized into nine chapters—covering everything from academics, mental health, and social pressures to college prep and independence—it combines personal stories, expert insights, and community-sourced wisdom . The book also includes practical sidebars and “quick tips”, along with deeper reflection prompts, conversation starters, and step-by-step guidance (e.g., for dorm shopping or handling big emotions). This makes it easy to use as a reference in the moment or to read cover-to-cover, providing both emotional support and actionable tools for parents preparing to let their teens—and themselves—fly. “But Sue, How do I make time for reading when I’m already so busy with kids and work and life?” Here are some practical ‘hacks’ you may or may not have thought of and/or may help you make more time for reading or listening to audiobooks in your busy schedule: Turn commutes into reading time – Listen to audiobooks while driving, walking, or using public transit. Pair audiobooks with chores – Make housework, cooking, or yardwork more enjoyable by listening as you go. Replace some of your screen time – Swap 10–20 minutes of scrolling or TV time for a chapter or two. Carry a book (or app) everywhere – Keep a physical book or e-reader in your bag, or use an app like Kindle or Libby (the library app – free book rentals!!) on your phone for spontaneous reading moments. Set small, realistic goals – Aim to read just 5–10 pages or listen for 10 minutes a day—consistency matters more than quantity. Use waiting time wisely – Read or listen while waiting at appointments, in the school pickup line, or during kids’ activities. Establish a wind-down routine – Dedicate a few minutes before bed to reading instead of scrolling. Try speed controls – Most audiobook apps let you adjust playback speed—faster listening can help you get through books more quickly. |
| WANT MORE? If you think it might be time to set an appointment for yourself or your teen, please contact me, I’d love to hear from you. I have an office in Sacramento, an office in El Dorado Hills, and I also provide tele-health (video or phone appointments) through a secured platform. In addition to talk therapy, I also am trained in and have been practicing EMDR for 15 years. Find out more and contact me through my website at www.hopeintherapy.com or call or text my business cell at (916) 764-8360. |
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