Teen-Proofing

September 28, 1998
Rosemond--syndicated newspaper columnist, family psychologist and author of numerous child-rearing titles (Because I Said So!)--writes about the angst-ridden teen years with a keen sense of humor. Rosemond's message that teens need to be "mentored" rather than "micro-managed" by their parents is clear and quite reasonable, but readers unfamiliar with his often unconventional attitude may be put off when he turns his acerbic wit toward mental-health professionals, including Selma Fraiberg, who he says promote "parentbabble." The book clearly outlines what to expect of teens and how to deal with peer groups; gives solid advice on how to set limits and communicate with adolescents; and covers more troubling subjects such as drugs and depression. The author slips too often into a q&a format that seems better suited to a newspaper column, and offers only scant information on school problems and how to approach the subject of college. Fortunately, Rosemond's main text is peppered with entertaining anecdotes from his family and amusing tit-for-tat tales of raising his own son and daughter. Rosemond followers will no doubt be delighted to add this book on teens to their parenting libraries, but newcomers may have to adjust to the author's unsentimental attitude toward kids and may find his advice to let the teen "stew in his own juices" just a bit tough to swallow.