Packed with theory, exercises, real-world examples, and workable strategies, this invaluable parenting reference teaches parents to identify and respond to the psychological needs of their adolescent children. Starting from a foundation of self-awareness, parents can learn to re-open the channels of communication with their teenage children, and discover the optimal solutions for their families.
Falling grades, internet addiction, telling lies, a stand-offish attitude… the list of adolescent affronts to parents’ sensibilities goes on and on. But how often do we pause to wonder whether these problematic behaviors of adolescence might actually be important survival strategies? Are teenagers really that hard to talk to, or do parents simply not understand how to communicate with them?
As a professional counselling psychologist and mother, author Tsai Yi-Fang understands the difficult problems that concern parents. With this book, she discusses a variety of situations and issues, and supplies practical exercises (such as listing the phrases they most often repeat to their children, then rewriting them as “I” statements) to help them strengthen their rapport with their children.
The first part of the book is dedicated to commonly encountered academic issues. The second part teaches parents how to listen to the language of their children. In the third part, the author addresses problem behaviors like rule-breaking and lying, explaining the thinking that motivates these behaviors. The fourth part advises parents on how to weather their children’s outbursts and other emotional issues, including depression. The fifth part explores attachment theory, reflecting on the significance of the parent-child relationship, and the lifelong impact it has on the child’s later relationships. The sixth part brings the discussion back to the parents themselves, focusing on the necessity for self-care and grounding as part of the journey of mutual growth they share with their child.
More than just a guidebook to parenting adolescents, Listen Before You Lecture is a lifeline for parents in difficult seas. From a foundation of extensive professional and personal experience, the author advocates a deeper understanding of adolescence, helping confused and disappointed parents find the healing, affirmation, and renewed energy and direction they need for raising their children.