Teens in Turmoil: 2avoiding and Coping with Crisis

Maxym, a psychotherapist who specializes in adolescents, and York, an educational consultant and mother of a formerly troubled teen, pull no punches in this practical yet compassionate handbook. The authors caution that the information may be hard for some readers to take but claim that only by confronting the unvarnished truth will one be able to effect change in oneself and, ultimately, the teen who is causing familial anguish. First arguing that ""changing who is in control in the family is one of the crucial issues parents need to deal with,"" the authors then offer tools for making such a change. The headings are indicative of the authors' clear and forthright approach (the first part, ""Understanding Where You Are Now,"" has chapters titled ""What's Happening All Around Us: The High Stakes of Teen Culture,"" ""What's Happening in Your Family: Beginning to See with Clarity"" and ""Taking Stock: The Big Five of Acting Out""). Lists, quizzes, sidebars, scenarios and action plans round out this exhaustive and timely treatise. The thoughtful assessment of positive and negative aspects of each school and treatment program listed in the resource guide is an extra boon. (Feb.)