Raising a Thoughtful Teenager: A Book of Answers and Values for Parents

Kamin, a Cleveland rabbi, compassionately discusses many important questions about life and behavior that teens confront as they navigate the difficult path to adulthood. Touching on topics from sex and drugs to interfaith dating, each of the book's 22 chapters begins with a direct question that parents are likely to hear at some point: Why do people kill each other? Do I have to worry about AIDS? How will I know when I am successful in life? Kamin formulates the Three L's of good parent-teen dynamics: Look, Listen and Love, which translate into eye contact, acknowledging the teen's concern and offering unstinting love--a powerful mix that can alleviate the anxiety that often prompts teens' questions. Drawing from his personal experiences in counseling and as a parent, Kamin mixes advice and anecdote in this ecumenical, liberal--though not heavily Jewish--guide. While there's little new here, Kamin offers unbending reinforcement of the belief that parents' loving support is the most important gift they can offer their children. (Jan.)