The Angst of Adolescence

July 20, 2015
Villanueva, a developmental psychologist, uses an informal, conversational style in this helpful parenting book, sharing anecdotes from her own experiences as a mother of four who is currently raising two teens, as well as up-to-date information on brain development. Describing her realization that she has fallen off a “colossal, golden pedestal” in her kids’ eyes as they’ve grown up, she explores changing roles and family dynamics, assuring parents that physical and emotional distancing is normal and part of the teen’s journey to independence. Villanueva reminds readers that risky behaviors by teens reflect the fact that their brains are not yet fully developed. She also warns against “drawing a line in the sand” as teens are likely to respond to “forbidden fruits” with rebellion. In a clear-eyed chapter on teens and sex, the author urges parents to communicate honestly and often; even college-aged youths, she reveals, may be misinformed about pregnancy, STDs, and other issues. With its encouraging tone, Villanueva’s friendly primer will help parents learn to appreciate, enjoy, and accept their teens as they are, while patiently negotiating the challenges and changes inherent in adolescence. Agent: Leticia Gomez, Savvy Literary Services.

August 1, 2015

Developmental psychologist Villanueva renders perspective and support for parenting through the turbulent teen years, outlining the three distinct domains (biological, cognitive, and social) of adolescent development. Covering expected topics such as risk-taking behaviors, family conflict (thankfully it is "generally not indicative of major problems for either the individuals or the family"), and puberty and sex, the author reminds us what is normal behavior and what teens really need from parents. While Villanueva briefly addresses problems that can crop up during the teen years (depression, eating disorders), she mostly concentrates on the normalcy of teen angst and encourages focusing on the positive, reaffirming the belief that a deeper bond awaits us after the clouds clear. VERDICT Even though the content doesn't offer anything new to the literature, this engaging book would be a fine acquisition for libraries needing a subject update.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.