Even smart kids do stupid things. It's a simple fact of life. No one makes it through the teenage years unscathed -- not the teens, not their parents. But now there's expert help for both generations in this groundbreaking new guide for surviving the drama of adolescence.In "WHY Do They Act That Way?" nationally renowned, award-winning psychologist Dr. David Walsh explains exactly what happens to the human brain on the path from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. Revealing the latest scientific findings in easy-to-understand terms, Dr. Walsh shows why moodiness, quickness to anger and to take risks, miscommunication, fatigue, territoriality, and other familiar teenage behavior problems are so common -- all are linked to physical changes and growth in the adolescent brain.
But "WHY Do They Act That Way?" goes beyond the well-known issues of hormones and peer pressure. It is the first book to explain the changes in teens' brains and to show parents how to use this information to understand, communicate with, and stay connected to their kids. Dr. Walsh actually likes teenagers and has worked with them and their families for more than thirty years as a parent, teacher, psychologist, coach, and trusted expert. Through real-life stories, he makes sense of their many mystifying, annoying, and even outright dangerous behavioral difficulties and provides realistic solutions for dealing with everyday as well as severe challenges. Dr. Walsh's techniques include, among others: sample dialogues that help teens and parents talk civilly and constructively with each other, behavioral contracts, and Parental Survival Kits that provide practical advice for dealing with issues like curfews, disrespectful language and actions, and bullying. In addition, Dr. Walsh explores the short- and long-term effects of drug and alcohol use on adolescent brain development, the effects of computer games and other activities, the brain differences between the sexes, and how to talk to your teen about sex and the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases.
With this arsenal of strategies, parents can help their kids learn to control impulses, manage erratic behavior, cope with their changing bodies, and, in effect, develop a second brain. Dr. Walsh's proven tactics will be extremely welcome to frustrated parents trying to help their children through this confusing time of life.
Review :
Edward Hallowell, M.D.author of "Driven to Distraction, The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness," and "Dare to Forgive"
This superb book combines science, psychology, and direct experience with adolescents to create a warm-hearted, intelligent, and practical guide. Parents will find it immensely informative, reassuring, and useful. I highly recommend it!
Gail Saltz, M.D.Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, The New York Presbyterian Hospital; "Today Show" Mental Health Contributor; author of "Becoming Real"
Dave Walsh's weaving together of current understanding of the teenage brain with years of clinical experience with teens has produced a thoughtful, practical, and down-to-earth guide that enables parents to understand and deal well with their teenagers. If you are struggling with your adolescent, or even anticipating your child's entrance into those crazy years, this book will show you how to help both you and your teen have the healthiest, sanest passage.
Mary Pipher, Ph.D.author of "Reviving Ophelia"
A powerful, practical book on the teenage brain. Walsh is a storyteller with the gifts of simplicity and clarity. This book is an easy read, but its message is fresh, nuanced, and important. I recommend it to all parents who ask themselves, "Why do they act this way?"
Cheryl Dellasega, Ph.D.author of "Surviving Ophelia, Girl Wars" (with Charisse Nixon), and "Stung! Adult Women Who Are Queen Bees, Middle Bees, and Afraid-to-Bees"
"WHY Do They Act That Way?" is a comprehensive guide to the biology behind just about every adolescent behavior a parent or teacher might encounter. Dr. Walsh's gentle humor and friendly exploration of some personal parenting mishaps make this a highly readable and helpful book. You'll finish it feeling as if you've just had coffee with someone who is not only entertaining and enlightening but who knows exactly how it feels to be the mom or dad of a twenty-first century teen.
