The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents

In this enlightening manual, psychologist Damour (Under Pressure) advises parents on how they can help their children navigate the emotional turmoil of their teenage years. Drawing on neuroscience and client stories from her practice, Damour provides psychological background on the changes that teens go through while dispensing guidance on how parents can best support them. She explains that during adolescence, the brain undergoes a “physiological renovation” that only reaches the prefrontal cortex—responsible for higher-order thinking—late in the process, meaning teenagers often struggle to “maintain a sense of perspective.” Her sensitive approach for supporting teens who question their gender identity urges parents to “treat your teenager as the driver of their own gender car” and refrain from patronizing them or suggesting they’re just “going through a phase.” Client stories illuminate the advice, as when Damour recounts a session with parents concerned about their daughter’s fixation on her fear that they might die early and suggests that for teens struggling to control their emotions, thinking about plans or playing a game can help get their mind off the subject. Damour’s down-to-earth tone gives this the feel of a conversation with a friend, while the psychology offers valuable perspective into the scientific underpinnings of adolescence. Parents of teens will want to check this out. (Feb.)