When teen behavior crosses the line, frazzled parents need a reliable source of expert advice to help them take the situation in hand. Now they have one. Russell A. Barkley and Arthur L. Robin-award-winning researchers and coauthors of a leading book on defiant teens for therapists-have created a clinically proven self-help program that parents can use to restore order and rebuild trust. Describing 10 simple steps that lead to better behavior, Your Defiant Teen demonstrates how to establish common ground, encourage mutual respect, and introduce cooperative problem solving-all without escalating the struggle for control. Much more than just a way to keep the peace, Drs. Barkley and Robin offer parents a means to teach their teenagers skills that will serve them well for a lifetime. Includes helpful reproducible checklists and forms.

Reviews

"[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

"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

"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

"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

Contents

Introduction