American Academy of Pediatrics Caring for Your Teenager

Both an in-depth medical guide and an invaluable resource for advice on the physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychological growth of teenagers, this book counsels parents on a wide range of issues.Expert, authoritative guidance you can trust on helping your teenager cope with the changes and challenges of adolescence, from The American Academy of Pediatrics.brThe critical, life-shaping years between twelve and twenty-one have been called the turbulent teens. But adolescence doesn't have to be a time of anxiety and upheaval--for either teenagers or their parents. In this comprehensive, down-to-earth guide, the nation's leading authority on the care of children helps parents and caregivers guide teenagers through the successful transition into young adulthood. Combining practical parenting advice with the latest medical, psychological, and scientific research, and covering every aspect of a teenager's growth and development, the American Academy of Pediatrics' Caring for Your Teenager offers indispensable information on:br- The stages of adolescence--what defines normal physical, emotional, social, and intellectual developmentbr- Setting rules and limits--helping teenagers grow into responsible adultsbr- The twelve building blocks of self-esteem--from feelings of security and belonging to decision making, pride, and trustbr- Instilling values and strengthening family tiesbr- The problem of peer pressure: giving your child the confidence to handle itbr- Hormones--easing teenagers' anxieties about their changing bodiesbr- Safeguarding your teenager from sexually transmitted diseasesbr- Adapting to different family types--from single-parent to adoptive to blendedbr- Helping your teenager cope with serious illness or death in the family, sibling rivalry, separation, or divorcebrPlusbr- Helping your teenager find the right college--or make an alternativechoicebr- Teens, the Internet, and the lawbr- A comprehensive medical guide to common ai