"My story is an example of the impact of trauma on mental and emotional well-being," Raphael writes. Attempting to cope with the loss of her mother at the tender age of 13, and later being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, Raphael found herself escaping her problems and pain with alcohol and drugs. From her own recollections, she counsels parents that it’s not just obvious, life-altering events that push teens into addiction; small, everyday stresses play a role as well. Raphael encourages parents to expend their energy on listening and understanding the “whys” behind their teen’s behavior, and to "refrain from blaming, shaming or judging.” To help parents get to the root of the problem, she provides case studies, scientific background on teen brain development, warning signs of abuse, and more.
Interactive exercises scattered throughout Raphael’s guidance will help parents implement her advice, and she ends chapters with review summaries as well as journaling exercises for parents to organize their thoughts and emotions. From moments of crisis to everyday ups and downs, Raphael’s guidance covers all the necessary bases to help parents open healthy lines of communication, set clear boundaries, and create a safe space for teens as they navigate into adulthood.
Takeaway: Step-by-step guide for parents of teens struggling with mental health and addiction.
Comparable Titles: Joani Geltman's A Survival Guide to Parenting Teens, Frances E. Jensen's The Teenage Brain.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
