Synopses & Reviews
Review
"[This] comprehensive defiance-busting system helps parents define and assess the problem....Without placing blame, the authors reveal that parents often unwittingly make a bad situation worse; the text gives solid tips on how to work toward a positive outcome and offers a variety of scenarios, demonstrating precisely how a parent's words and actions can be the source of a teen's compliant or defiant response. In the end, the authors offer a useful and detailed approach that respects the rights and expectations of parents and teens."--Publishers Weekly (on the first edition)
Review
"Extremely thorough and readable....Much more detailed and parent-oriented than [others], this will be...much in demand. This book is written for parents seeking relief from the stress of living with an arrogant, aggressive, or noncompliant son or daughter....Parents learn how to insist that their kids exhibit appropriate behavior for family life, school, and work."--Library Journal (on the first edition)
Review
"A practical missive to parents confronting defiance....Your Defiant Teen delivers on its promise. It is a directive book that encourages parents to take back authority while simultaneously respecting the magic process of burgeoning independence....The examples are diverse and inclusive as they span the teen years. The problem behaviors vary from sneaking time on the Internet to covert midday romantic encounters at the expense of regular school attendance. These descriptions seem empowering for parents because they help define the problem and help parents feel less isolated in dealing with the difficult teen....Your Defiant Teen is an empathy-building, empowering, and practical book. It is a wonderful tool for highly motivated parents looking to master techniques for dealing with defiance....The sections of the book that help build insight into defiance as the task of adolescence and frame general healthy interactions could be helpful to all types of parents dealing with defiance. Defiance is a tough foe, and this book should be a real help to parents struggling to put defiance in its place."--Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (on the first edition)
Review
"This practical guide provides a tool for parents to nurture teens through this difficult stage of development with compassion, consistency, and structure....The book's style is consistently instructive, and as a parent of a teenager, I was able to relate to the realistic examples presented....As both a parent of a teenaged child and an advocate of positive behavior management, I find this book to be an invaluable resource by which parents can resolve and work through the difficult and often devastating issue of teen defiance. The book and its program offer the possibility of change for both parents and teens, as well as hope for families in distress. The book is not only informative but enjoyable, and I believe that any family with a teenaged child would benefit from reading and applying the ideas it promotes."--
Journal of Child and Family Studies (on the first edition)
Review
"The authors have much experience in dealing with oppositional and defiant teens. They have included in this self-help book many practical and useful hints, ideas, and strategies that many parents may find helpful. Their trying to discriminate which level and sort of problems may need professional help and which can be tackled by simply using this book is a plus....It can be a positive adjunct to therapists working with this population by providing parents an additional resource to consult between therapy sessions. It is a good example of a targeted book that can be recommended."--Child and Family Behavior Therapy (on the first edition)
Review
"Barkley and Robin provide a systematic and well-organized approach for caregivers to develop the tools and techniques with which to manage defiant behavior in teenagers by first understanding what it is and realizing some of the contributing factors resulting in maladaptive negative behavior patterns. The ultimate payoff after immersing oneself in their 10-step program is living more harmoniously with your teenager as they assert their growing independence."--Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (on the first edition)
Review
"The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be tough as teens attempt to assert their independence. Now in an updated second edition, this is a very welcome, current resource that helps you guide your teen through difficult times.
Your Defiant Teen has been--and will continue to be--the first book I recommend to parents struggling with challenging teens."--Sam Goldstein, PhD, coauthor of
Angry Children, Worried Parents
"Since the first edition of this book was published, growing evidence shows that the authors' program works. The second edition incorporates lessons learned from continuing research while maintaining the practical, warm, and supportive approach. Without placing blame, the authors help you understand your teen's behavior and explain 10 clear steps for creating positive change by improving the ways you interact."--Torrey A. Creed, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania
"Here it is--a book that provides insights into your teen's behavior and a game plan for addressing it! This step-by-step guide can produce a stunning turnaround by helping you focus on the positive and strike that necessary balance between monitoring your teen and fostering independence."--Sharon K. Weiss, MEd, coauthor of From Chaos to Calm: Effective Parenting of Challenging Children with ADHD and Other Behavioral Problems
Review
"The very best book of its kind for parents dealing with behaviorally difficult teens. Valuable real-life examples illuminate not just what defiance looks like, but why it happens, and how to bring about change while strengthening family relationships. This will be the first book I recommend to the families I work with."--Sam Goldstein, PhD, Department of Psychology, George Mason University"Drs. Barkley and Robin have hit gold--this book is a real treasure! The book provides very practical strategies for managing teenagers' behavior and enhancing family relationships. It is written specifically for parents, but professionals and students also will find it a 'must read.' The authors should be congratulated for this brilliant work that will be of value to so many families in the years to come."--Ronald T. Brown, PhD, Dean, Temple University College of Health Professions; Editor, Journal of Pediatric Psychology "Drs. Barkley and Robin have blended their talents and years of clinical experience in putting together this 'must-read' book for all parents struggling with a teenager's vexing, challenging, and frustrating behavior. The book delivers tried-and-true techniques for resolving conflict in parent-teen relationships, together with wonderful practical tips and FAQs."--Gerald J. August, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School "This practical book shows how real change starts with you, the parent, and provides empowering tools and step-by-step guidance for making a positive difference in teen behavior. It is an excellent resource that will help you become a stronger positive influence in your teen's life."--Sharon K. Weiss, MEd, coauthor of From Chaos to Calm and Angry Children, Worried Parents
"As my son enters his adolescent years, I am thrilled to have this book! It is an easy read with many practical, commonsense ideas to try. The checklists and step-by-step approaches are very inviting. With all the pages to personalize our specific problem areas, it felt as though this book were truly written for my family. I am thrilled to be able to implement positive practices instead of always dwelling on the negative. I have already told many fellow parents and teachers about this book."--Lisa Boyadjian, elementary school teacher and parent of a 12-year-old
"Another essential work from Drs. Barkley and Robin. With most books in this area focused on children, there is a great need for practical, evidence-based information related to adolescents and their conflicts with family members. A 'must read' for parents, clinicians, and all those interested in the often-trying area of teen/n-/family interactions."--Stephen P. Hinshaw, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley
Synopsis
Many tens of thousands of parents have turned to this book for guidance, support, concrete strategies, and practical tools for addressing serious teen behavior problems. By following the authors' clinically proven 10-step program, parents can reestablish their authority and end the perpetual battle of wills/m-/while also promoting teens' growing independence. Numerous realistic examples illustrate how to identify and enforce nonnegotiable rules; use rewards and incentives that work; build trust; and communicate and problem-solve effectively, even in the heat of the moment. The updated second edition incorporates new scientific research on why some teens have more problems with self-control than others. Parents will appreciate the upbeat, empathic tone. Helpful forms and worksheets are included; purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print these materials in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.
Synopsis
If life with your teen has become a battleground, it's time to take action. This empathic book shows how. Trusted psychologists who have worked with thousands of families give you the tools you need to overcome defiance and get teen behavior back on track. By following the authors' clinically proven 10-step program, learn how you can:
*Reestablish your authority while building trust.
*Identify and enforce nonnegotiable rules.
*Use rewards and incentives that work.
*Communicate and problem-solve effectively--even in the heat of the moment.
*Restore positive feelings in your relationship.
*Develop your teen's skills for becoming a successful adult.
Vivid stories and answers to frequently asked questions help you put the techniques into action. The updated second edition incorporates new scientific research on why some teens have more problems with self-control than others. Practical forms and worksheets can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.
Mental health professionals, see also the authors' Defiant Teens, Second Edition: A Clinician's Manual for Assessment and Family Intervention. For a focus on younger children, see also Dr. Barkley's Defiant Children, Third Edition (for professionals), and Your Defiant Child, Second Edition (for parents).
Synopsis
When your teens rebellious behavior crosses the line,” how can you reestablish your authority without getting caught in a power struggle? Bestselling authors and distinguished psychologists Russell Barkley and Arthur Robin have each spent decades helping parents and kids resolve standoffs and repair their relationships. Now theyve distilled their approach into a clinically proven self-help program that can help you break through to your teen and rebuild trust. Centered around 10 simple steps that lead to better behavior, Your Defiant Teen provides practical guidelines for putting an end to the hostilities. Youll learn realistic ways to foster mutual respect, introduce cooperative problem solving, and strengthen family relationships--while giving your teen vital skills for becoming a mature, independent adult.
About the Author
Russell A. Barkley, PhD, ABPP, ABCN, is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Barkley has published numerous books and five assessment scales, plus more than 260 scientific articles and book chapters on ADHD, executive functioning, and childhood defiance. He is also the editor of the newsletter The ADHD Report. A frequent conference presenter and speaker who is widely cited in the national media, he is past president of the Section on Clinical Child Psychology (the former Division 12) of the American Psychological Association, and of the International Society for Research in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. His website is www.russellbarkley.org.
Arthur L. Robin, PhD, is Director of Psychology Training at Children's Hospital of Michigan and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University. Dr. Robin is a practicing psychologist with more than 40 years of clinical experience.
Christine M. Benton is a Chicago-based writer and editor.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I. You and Your Defiant Teen
1. What Defiance Is--and What You Should Do about It
2. How Defiance Develops
3. What Does Adolescence Have to Do with It?
4. Is It Just Your Teen's Personality?
5. Where Do You Come In?
6. How to Find a Way Out
II. 10 Steps to a Better Relationship with Your Teen--and a Better Future for Your Teen
7. Getting Ready
8. Step 1. Making Positive One-on-One Time a Habit
9. Step 2. A New Way to Manage Behavior
10. Step 3. Contracts and Point Systems: How Teens Can Earn Privileges
11. Step 4. Making the Punishment Really Fit the Crime
12. Step 5. Tackling Additional Issues with Rewards and Penalties
13. Step 6. Addressing Defiant Behavior in School and Conflicts over Homework
14. Step 7. Using Problem-Solving Skills
15. Step 8. Learning and Practicing Communication Skills
16. Step 9. Dealing with Unreasonable Beliefs and Expectations
17. Step 10. Keeping It Together
Appendix A. Sample Problem-Solving Worksheets
Appendix B. How to Find a Therapist
Resources