Last summer I found this book on my younger brother's desk--a gift to him from our mother. As an eighteen-year-old college student, I thought the writing would be "too young" for me. NOPE! I read the book and it has significantly changed my views of myself, others, and the world. On another note, I liked the book so much that I decided to check out 'the original,' Sean's father's book (7 Habits of ... *people*): the verdict: I personally found the book for Teens a MUCH better read. Sean's writing style is concise and very visual, making it easy to understand, enjoyable, and fun. The anecdotes and stories are universally applicable--despite racial, economic, etc. backgrounds (or even age!). He doesn't waste time getting to the point, taking a single paragraph to introduce a new concept, and then supporting it with two or three stories, anecdotes, or quotations; and yes, there are even pictures too! The end product is something that is VERY enjoyable, practicable, and has helpful. If you have ANY doubts about whether or not to read this book, I would say that if you are even looking into it enough to read this review, you and someone you know can greatly benefit from the ideas in this book. Of course self-change is scary and difficult, but this book makes it fun and easy. It's helped me to not only improve my own life, but also that of my younger brother, guiding me to be a better role model for him. When I first found this book I had made fun of it, but as soon as I had begun reading, I was hooked [or as the book would have me say, "I hooked myself..."]
"Your Child in the Balance" is a highly readable and easily digested source of information for parents who are faced with the daunting task of obtaining the best help for their children who struggle with emotional and behavioral problems. In an age where so many practioners in child psychiatry seem to have become almost single mindedly focused on the use of pharmacologic agents to treat, if not "cure", our children, using medicines which often do offer both the potential for relief for so many problems as well as risks, and with a media which often fails to provide an appropriate perspective on the complex issues involved in such forms of treatment, it has become increasingly difficult for parents to know who to turn to and who to trust when a child is troubled and in need of "professional help". Knowing when medicine is appropriate and when not, as well as what other therapeutic modalities a parent can expect from child psychiatrists and other "mental health" providers, are examples of the information one can expect to find in this book. He handles these and a host of other related issues in a clear, thoughtful and sensitive, yet straightforward, manner.
Helping the Struggling Adolescent
is your first resource to turn to when a teen you know is in trouble. Whether you're a youth worker, counselor, pastor, or teacher, this fast, ready reference is a compendium of insight on teen problems from abuse to violence and everything between. Help starts here for thirty-six common, critical concerns. Topics are arranged in alphabetical order. Each chapter gives you essential information for several vital questions: What does the specific struggle look like? Why did it happen? How can you help? When should you refer to another expert? Where can you find additional resources? Arranged in three sections, this book first gives you the basics of being an effective helper, Then it informs you on the different struggles of adolescents. The final section--a key component of this book--supplies more thanforty rapid assessment tools for use with specific problems. Helping the Struggling Adolescent organizes and condenses biblical counseling issues for teens into one extremely useful volume. Keep it in arm's reach for the answers you need, right when you need them.
If you would like advice or counseling from Patricia Jones there are three methods that you may choose from:
1.) Long Question For a fee of $45.00.
A long question should contain background information and list any concerns or questions that you have about a particular issue or issues. It may be as long as
you wish. I will reply back to you via email with an extensive response ( several pages in length ) within 24 to 48 hours. See an example of a Long Question here.
2.) A Short Question: For a fee of $25.00. A short question should give some background information and ask one question about one particular issue that you may have. I will reply back to you via email within 24 to 48 hours.
3.) Telephone counseling sessions. Please read here for instructions on receiving Telephone Counseling Telephone Counseling Instructions.
Adolescence
Adolescence can be a very trying time for both the adolescent and the parents. But just like a baby bird in the nest, who needs to learn how to fly and jumps out of the nest, so does your teenager need to take some risks in order to grow and become independent of you. This is all very normal and necessary.
However, there are some risks that are not good and can lead to all kinds of trouble.
Please check the correct check box next to the statements that apply to your teen's current behavior.
It is noteworthy to realize that all of the following behaviors are cause for parental intervention.
Low Self Esteem
Lack of motivation & direction
Defiance / Disrespect
Manipulation / Lying / Stealing
Poor choice of friends
Anger or temper outbursts
Academic under-achievement
Truancy / school suspension
Drug or alcohol experimentation
Running away
Trouble with the law
Sexual promiscuity
If your child demonstrates one or several of the behaviors listed above, he or she will infallibly continue their current inconsiderate, destructive behavior. Not only can it be self limiting, but it can cause harm to you as a parent, and to everyone around your teenager. At the same time your child reaches the teenage years, usually you, the parent, begin your second adolescence. Men and women in their forties are questioning everything. Their marriage, their choice of career, or lack of career, or wanting to change careers. So at the same time your teen is changing, so are you. It is a difficult time for many families and tempers run short.
If you need help with your Adolescent, please do not hesitate to contact me for Online Counseling via the Long Question Option, the Short Question Method, or you may also contact me for Telephone Counseling Sessions. Please see below for instructions on how to contact me.
