WHAT'S MY TEENAGER THINKING? is written by Tanith Carey, a journalist who has consulted with clinical psychologists in developing this guide. One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the colorful layout on each page (sample image in blog post). Writing to parents, there often are boxes which highlight "what you might be thinking," "what she or he might be thinking," and "how you might respond." Separate chapters for the ages of 13 and 14, 15 and 16, or 17 and 18 incorporate developmental differences. A wide range of topics are covered; here are just a very few examples: "You're so embarrassing;" "I’m gay;" "Social media;" and "Sex and Contraception."

WHAT'S MY TEENAGER THINKING? is subtitled "practical child psychology for modern parents," but it also definitely feels as though there are aspects of this book which would be helpful to middle and high school teachers, at least in terms of better appreciating students' perspective on test-taking and study supports, friendship issues, and worries about the future. Some topics could possibly even be modified to share with students themselves – either during a health class or in an advisory or homeroom setting. Raising these issues seems especially important as we continue to cope with COVID-19 and the added pressures the pandemic is causing for family dynamics and for adolescents themselves.

Just finished this guy. Lots of helpful info in here for any parent. While its not a book I'd normally choose, I am glad I read it.

While I am raising two teenage boys, the bits on the girls hit home for me. Oh, to be young again

Thank you netgalley for the arc!
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This book is actually one that many parents of teens MIGHT ACTUALLY HELP them through “the lost years” of parenting. I’m not doom and gloom, I just have currently a 13yo daughter 15yo son and guess what else? A 9yo daughter and 8yo son! Yes, please pray for me and my husband. Hopefully, thanks to this book, long and hard prayer sessions will be few. The book gives you real life situations with direct and clear answers and suggestions backed by psych research and knowledge that is written in a way to actually make life seem easier, not harder by hiding wishy washy answers and solutions in a bunch of garbled psychobabble. I’m very grateful.

What a great concept! My son is only 6 so I won’t need to use it for a while, but I’m expecting it will be very useful in the future!