FREE ESSAY ON ADOLESCENCE - THE SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND TEENAGERS

ADOLESCENCE - THE SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND TEENAGERS

Brian Sabourin
EDUC 536M
Adolescent Literature
Adolescent Psychology Book Review
Book Title: Adolescence - The Survival Guide for Parents And Teenagers
Authors: Elizabeth Fenwick and Dr. Tony Smith
Date Published: 1996
Publisher: DK Publishing, Inc.
This book is exactly what it says it is - a Guidebook or Manual for both parents and
teens that offers insight and advice on a wide range of adolescent developmental
concerns. Organized into convenient topical sections for both parent and teen readers,
the text can be easily consulted when seeking advice on a particular issue, or simply
read cover to cover. Either way, the reader will find a wealth of practical advice for
both parent and teen.
The authors approach their subject in a sympathetic and sensitive manner in an effort to
ameliorate typical parent/teen confrontations. Sections intended for teen readers are
highlighted in blue and written in a conversational style where the author is talking to
the teen reader. Numerous quotes from other teens are interspersed within these sections
to give the material a very user-friendly feel. Parents will find these sections very
useful in that they provide a supportive and understanding perspective. They give teens a
chance to step into the shoes of their parents and ponder their situation within a wide
range of potential parental concerns.
The primary content of the book is intended for parents and goes into more depth than a
typical teen section. Illustrated with easy to follow graphic organizers, the section
intended for parents is packed with numerous case histories, tables and charts,
questionnaires, dialogues, and issues common to families with teenagers. Of particular
importance are the case histories, dialogue, and issue boxes. 
The case histories are taken from real-life situations and present both problem and
solution for a wide range of situations. These stories present the point of view of both
parent and teen, which the reader can compare and contrast to his or her own situation.
They also provide insight into the probable cause of the conflict as well as explaining
how the problem was actually resolved. 
The issues sections present problems that parents and teens tend to argue about. Issues
such as style of dress and friendships are written is such a way as to provide a helpful
"middle ground" position for parents to take while struggling with a recalcitrant teen. 
The dialogue boxes present scenarios common to families dealing with teenagers. In
addition to presenting a typical parent/teen conversation (such as playing music too loud
or talks about drugs) these sections offer insight on how to discuss certain issues with
your teens. Having such models to follow can be very helpful to a parent or teacher
searching for the right words or ways in which to approach a controversial subject. In
addition to the dialogue, the authors have also included advice at the end of dialogue
sections that suggest several ways in which the stated problem might be reconciled.
The numerous tables found throughout the text provide convenient, up-to-date data on a
wide variety of issues. Parents and teachers alike can make good use of these tables, in
particular, the section in the first chapter dealing with physical development. Entitled
"Milestones of Early (ages 11 to 14), Middle (ages 15 to 16), and Late Adolescence (ages
17 to 18)", this section presents various developmental milestones in the context of the
consequence for the child as well as the potential effect on the family.
Of all the issues and concerns expressed in this book, the only section which parents may
find objectionable concerns chapter eleven - sexuality in adolescence. The authors
seemingly approach this subject with a no-holds-barred policy. They discuss all possible
sexual issues, from the more innocuous dating and foreplay concerns to controversial
issues such as homosexuality, masturbation and pre-marital sex. Parents with strong
religious convictions may take issue with a number of the authors' perspectives and
recommendations. For instance, concerning the issue of early sexual experimentation the
authors say:
"...in itself early...sexual experience is not necessarily either abnormal or deviant...
early sexual behavior - although it may shock or disappoint you - should not be regarded
as a major catastrophe." Pg. 127
Concerning homosexuality the authors say:
"...you have no choice but to accept that this (homosexuality) is the way things are.
They cannot help being gay and they cannot change - even if they want to." (Pg. 131)
On the issue of deciding to become sexually active the authors say:
"You (the teenager) are the only person who can make decisions about your body, your
feelings, and your life." (Pg 132 in a section intended for teen readers)
On the issue of "safe sex" the authors say:
"Probably the most important thing to consider before you start having sex is how to
avoid unwanted pregnancy." (Pg. 135 in a section intended for teen readers)
On the issue of parental authority in relation to minors engaging in premarital sex the
authors say:
"Your sex life is your own affair, but there is just a chance your parents may think it's
theirs...For example, if you know it would upset your parents to have you sleeping under
their roof with a boyfriend or girlfriend who's coming to stay... make it clear you'll
have separate bedrooms." (Pg. 145 in a section intended for teen readers)
While religious families may take issue with these perspectives, it is important to
remember that the authors have presented information based upon what current society is,
and not on what it should be. Nonetheless, being both a parent and strongly religious
myself, this writer finds it extremely discouraging to see no mention of planning for
marriage in this book. While there are significant chapters on such mundane subjects such
as "Money Matters", there is not even one chapter devoted to marriage and family life.
This is very disconcerting to see in a book that proposes to be parent-friendly. This
writer suspects that many parents, strongly religious or otherwise, may question whether
the primary concern of a young teen considering whether to engage in sexual activity
ought to be how not to get pregnant. This is like telling a thief that the only concern
he or she should have is how not to get caught! It would seem to this parent that a
chapter on How to prepare for committed love in marriage and/or The family's role in
establishing a healthy and successful society would be equally appropriate.
Given the seriousness of the potential outcomes of sexually promiscuous teen behavior,
this writer cannot recommend this book as a manual or resource for parents. On the other
hand, there is a wealth of useful information in other chapters. Those who value the
integrity of the family would do better to simply tear out chapter eleven and use the
rest of the text.
Bibliography
Book Title: Adolescence - The Survival Guide for Parents And Teenagers
Authors: Elizabeth Fenwick and Dr. Tony Smith
Date Published: 1996
Publisher: DK Publishing, Inc.