The Emotional Lives of Teenagers
by Lisa Damour
Damour's most general book: adolescent emotions are intense by design, feeling bad is not the same as being unwell, and parents should help teens express, regulate and recover rather than eliminate distress. It covers gender, technology and the markers of real trouble. Wise and reassuring.
Read it if…
you have a teenager of either sex and feel out of your depth with their moods.
Skip it if…
you want detailed clinical guidance; it is for parents.
Three things you will actually use
- Intense emotion is normal; dysregulation is the concern.
- Expression and regulation are both skills to teach.
- Know the warning signs and act on them.
Do this first
Listen to the next complaint without solving; say 'that sounds hard' and stop.
Our verdict
Wise and reassuring.
Compare with other Parenting books
The Teenage Brain
Frances E. Jensen with Amy Ellis Nutt · Parenting
Informative and cautionary.
CLICK TO SEE
Parenting with Love and Logic
Foster Cline and Jim Fay · Parenting
Practical and widely used.
CLICK TO SEEBrowse all Parenting book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
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