How can you contribute as much as possible to the lives teens? Connection with teens is the necessary element if we are to make a positive difference in their lives. But connecting with teens can be challenging. We can easily grow discouraged, frustrated, and indifferent. When we distance ourselves from teens, they lose. But teens win if we summon the courage to connect with them. In contrast to what you may believe, teens want to relate with you. This book is for educators, parents, physicians, and others, that want to strengthen their connection with teens. These 40 Reflections explore the conditions necessary for connection to take place. The most important, influential element for connection is you. Though your training, experience, and credentials may help, they are impotent in comparison to you as a unique, gifted individual. Only when we bring the fullness of who we are to our relationships with teens can we hope to make a positive contribution to their lives.

The Destined D.I.V.A. Leader's Guide integrates practical life skills, group accountability, and biblical truths to help young women make positive decisions that are aligned with their identity as children of God. Teen girls are empowered through God's Word to stand out of the crowd, embrace their identity of disciples of Christ, and walk in God's love to let their light shine. The Destined D.I.V.A. lifestyle system teaches practical life skills rooted in God's Word on topics such as self-esteem, healthy relationships, sexuality, anger management, goal setting, leadership, and more This interactive, ready-to-use curriculum is complete with 25 sessions that include scripture references, group discussions prompts, fun activities, and suggested prayers. With this system, leaders will encourage teen girls to grow in their spiritual identity as children of God. Learn more about The Destined D.I.V.A. Lifestyle System at www.thedestineddivas.com.

This book is part of the TREDITION CLASSICS series. The creators of this series are united by passion for literature and driven by the intention of making all public domain books available in printed format again - worldwide. At tredition we believe that a great book never goes out of style. Several mostly non-profit literature projects provide content to tredition. To support their good work, tredition donates a portion of the proceeds from each sold copy. As a reader of a TREDITION CLASSICS book, you support our mission to save many of the amazing works of world literature from oblivion.

As an adult, my desire was to have many children. I was blessed with the birth of only one daughter. Her name was Denise. This entity, my daughter, brought me undiluted happiness for the time that she spent on this earth. She was taken away by an automobile accident at the early age of twelve. I have never stopped searching for her departed soul, hoping to repeat the joy that was once mine. In my travels around the world, I have adopted four children, bringing the added love and affection I once had. The joy of bringing sunshine into a child's life, fulfills my happiness as a father. My son stepping on the threshold of manhood, I found it necessary to advise him of the hills and valleys he may have to climb.

LEGENDARY is Jaiya John's celebration of teachers, social service professionals, advocates, caregivers, counselors, mentors, and the like. Those compassionate souls who honorably serve youth devalued by society due to material poverty, heritage, language, family separation; or challenges with learning, behavior, mental health, or physical ability. Here are poetic stories to awaken your spirit, massage your heart, and remind you of the reasons you do this work. Your service touches lives, and miracles are born. Your grace endures forever. Are you experiencing COMPASSION FATIGUE, VICARIOUS TRAUMA, BURNOUT, DISILLUSIONMENT, DOUBT, LACK OF APPRECIATION AND SUPPORT, LOST DIRECTION, FEAR, EMPTINESS? You deserve relief. LEGENDARY is well water drawn from the very soul of your compassionate endeavor, offered back to you in your own yearning voice. Come here and drink to your replenishment. Regain your spark of purpose. Word by word, renew your wholeness, your humanity, and your vital health. Take a dose daily. Soon, you will be breathing freely again, like the first time you answered your sacred calling.

Did she get off track? Did she forget her spiritual training? What about your relationship with your daughter and with Christ? What do you want her to know about your life? What legacy will you leave her? God has a plan for your life. He is waiting on you.

How does a privileged, eighteen year old end up in prison, convicted of one of the rarest of crimes--matricide? The literary nonfiction Stranger to the Truth explores the fatal intersection in the lives of Noura Jackson, her circle of dissolute Memphis friends, and the death of Noura's mother, Jennifer, on the eve of a popular outdoor festival. The brutal attack seemed to reflect personal and exponential rage. Tragedy stalked Noura. Her father was fatally shot when she was seventeen. A mystery never solved. A year later an auto accident claimed her best friend. Both mother and daughter were reeling from shock, grief, and confusion. The tension between them escalated until Noura's difficult teenage years yielded to something much darker. More than a whodunit, this fact-based account tells a spellbinding tale of impetuous youth and a single parent who too late assumes the role of disciplinarian, saying no to the demands of her daughter who will not listen. Weaving multiple points of view, back stories, and extensive research, Stranger to the Truth corrals a timely, complex story in an absorbing narrative. Praise for Stranger to the Truth "In Stranger to the Truth, Ms. Hickman has taken a local tragedy and, with eloquence and empathy, given it universal application. The reader will find not only a gripping story, but also a moving exploration of the shadows that dwell within us all." --Howard Bahr, author of The Black Flower, The Year of Jubilo, and The Judas Field

This book is based on the idea behind the saying "prevention is better than cure." If all parents give their children (especially those ten to fifteen years old) good moral and practical knowledge, they will help them become good people for the rest of their lives. If parents can't teach these things to their children in time, they can't prevent these young people from developing criminal habits. Throughout this book, I try to warn preteens and young teenagers not to start bad habits.

This book is an expression of our gratitude to Bernadette Carvalho. She has been an outstanding role model as a wife and mother.

"Sketched by Design" will teach you critical principles and philosophies on how to discover your unique design in the 21st century marketplace. In this book, parents and educators will be empowered to develop their unique design, while pursuing a unified effort in shaping their children's future. "Sketched by Design" illustrates how to: Gain insight into the 21st century marketplace, Turn your pain into purpose, Effectively communicate with Generation Y, Create an environment where imagination can flourish, Cultivate your student's unique design, as well as how to leave a legacy that will impact generations to come. Author Profile: Lon Jordan is the CEO of Sketched Publishing, Inc. An organization dedicated to cultivating the unique design of every individual. Lon has appeared on ABC NEWS, created, and hosted a professional TV talk show for youth, and has written numerous articles for educational publications around the U.S., such as the National PTA magazine, "Our Children." Lon is a highly acclaimed speaker for students, parents, and educators. For more information visit www.LonJordan.net.

In a world fraught with diet-culture and weight stigma, many parents worry about their child's relationship with their body and food. This down-to-earth guide is an invaluable resource allowing parents to take proactive actions in promoting a friendship with food, and preventative actions to minimize the risk factors for the development of eating disorders, particularly when early signs of disordered eating, excessive exercise, or body dissatisfaction have been noticed. It provides clear strategies and tools with a practical focus to gently encourage parents and teens to have a healthy relationship with food and exercise by centralizing joy and health. Coming from a therapist, a dietician, and an adolescent medicine physician, with insightful case studies from an array of young people from different backgrounds, this multidisciplinary author team delivers friendly, strategic guidance based in a wealth of expertise.

Lonely, afraid and lacking confidence, I was on my knees praying for my son Grant every night. He was drinking, smoking pot, and getting in trouble at school and with the police for years. Did God answer my prayers? What did He teach me about my son, myself, and how God works in our lives? Why did I sometimes feel that God was sending me "stones" instead of "bread"? "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?" (Matthew 7:9 NIV) This true life story affirms that the love of God is always available, even, and maybe especially, for those who doubt. It is a story of challenging answers to prayer that led to healing and rebirth for both Grant and me. Though full of apparent failures and disappointments, it will ultimately encourage parents of difficult teenagers and hopefully prevent them from getting lost, as I did, in the shame, fear, hopelessness, and debilitating anger that often come with parenting a troubled teenager. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 NIV

Sex, pregnancy & healing: A teen mom's story of life turned upside down.
Have you ever felt like you didn't't fit in? Even if it was just for a moment, can you remember how uncomfortable it felt? Or maybe you've felt like an outcast for a long time. Whatever your circumstances, most girls at some point, fear that they aren't fitting in.
Now for the big questions: How do you deal with those uncomfortable feelings? What are you willing to do to fit in? What do you do when you feel like you're riding an emotional roller coaster? Do you ever do or say things you later regret?
"In the Back Seat with Prince Charming" shares the emotional and moving story of DeeDee Gooding, whose youth was taken away from her at the age of 17. Drugs, popularity, guys, abuse and sex were all part of her life style then. These behaviors were a desperate attempt to fit in and deal with low self-esteem which led to becoming pregnant, dropping out of school, and a number of failed marriages.
"In the Back Seat with Prince Charming" is a collection of her life events, consequences and important lessons. Through her story many issues teen girls face are explored such as self-esteem, fitting-in, boys and sex.
A special journaling section helps identify some questions about life as a teen, tips for leading a healthy lifestyle, what to do if you get pregnant and your options, how to improve your self-esteem and many more valuable lessons on living a happy and fulfilling life.
A personal note from the author:
"It is my hope that all young girls can learn from my story, discover how to face and overcome their personal challenges, and are inspired to reach their highest potential after reading this book."
Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Youth today need refuge, some sort of safe place. This book gives them a place to turn when they have problems to solve. With Biblical guidance and a bit of conventional wisdom, the reader will be challenged to consider the options they have in life; learning that it is not always easy to take the easy way out. After making the biggest mistake of his life, David doesn't know if he'll ever be in his parent's good graces again...Jamal wanders the streets alone as he tries to figure out how to survive as a homeless teen ...Laura needs to escape from her abusive boyfriend, but needs someone else's help to do it...Amanda may be able to help her brother find their long-lost mother... This book is a compilation of short stories and poems for multicultural youth of today. Teens will find stories that represent situations that they or their friends are going through. As they deal with their issues they may face concerns that this book addresses. They may wonder where they should turn, or who they should turn to. This book a great gift for any teen who ever goes through something in life. In addition, it's perfect for camps, schools, and special programs.

Heather Kirby's insightful, groundbreaking guide for better understanding the dynamics behind the often mystifying behavior of adolescents. By highlighting similarities between horses and teens, Heather presents a unique perspective on both and challenges us to better appreciate the forces at play during the tumultuous stage of adolescence. Drawing on discoveries from her lifelong passion for horses and more than two decades of professional work with teens, Heather offers practical and thought-provoking information that can be readily applied by parents, teachers, coaches and counselors. Heather's sensitivity and humor come through as she describes her innovative approach to working successfully with teens by applying strategies and principles effective with horses. In Wild at Heart, Heather demonstrates that it is possible for adults to have meaningful, collaborative relationships with the teens in their lives.

Jeffery W. Turner turns his attention now to his two children. This book is filled with stories about their childhood lives and experiences. The notes cover things that involve all children: their birth, when they were sick, how they started walking, times with their grandparents, special holiday times, the houses that were home, beloved pets lost, and leaving the nest. If you are a parent with grown up children you will identify with these tales. They tell the story of the lives of two children as seen through the eyes of their father as they grew up. And paint a picture we have lived as parents, one our own children will see when they too have kids one day.

BRAGN - Be Real And Great Now's Rhymes and Reasons to Inspire Positive and Proactive Communicating Young Adults acknowledges and supports tween and teen feelings on matters that they face daily, as they try to find their way and develop their roles in this wonderful thing-we call life. The big take away is to inspire, encourage and promote a way of life on being constructive, proactive and living with purpose and intent to increase life's positive results. There is no better time than to Be Real And Great Now, as young adults. BRAGN has rhymes and reasons to inspire without lecturing. There are also creative journaling and activities that promote tween and teen ownership on the life lessons learned and action steps to take next. Parents, guardians and other adults that have tweens or teens in their lives can trust BRAGN as a brand that teaches and cultivates a way of living life from the heart. This is a 'must have' book in any home, school or public libraries. BRAGN will inspire change, while capturing the heart and soul of each and every reader

About the Book: This book is intended as a guide to parents of teens and preteens who wish to create a strong and lifelong bond with their children that will grow in tandem with the parent-child relationship. Where's the Line: a Parent's Guide to Teen Transitions without Trauma gives parents a unique perspective about what it means to be a teenager today. It includes strategies to strengthen the bond that parents wish to create with their teen during this sometimes tumultuous time, while simultaneously providing their children with safe and fair boundaries. Inside you will find some practical ideas about how to guide your teen through the new and unfamiliar areas they are about to traverse. Presented here are new ways to think about topics like school, electronics, sexuality, and even the teen brain -which is changing while you read this. This book in no way attempts to tell you how you should live your life or parent your teen. It is designed to assist you in identifying and evaluating your own personal parenting strategies based on your own family values. By becoming conscious of what you stand for and what you would like your child to take into the world, you are able to be a parent who is present and thoughtful in what you present to your child as you show them where the line is. Occasionally, some people look back on this time and have misgivings about how they could have made this transition a happier and healthier time for themselves and their child - with fewer lows and more highs. These people wonder if there is something that they could have done to assist their child in a more resourceful manner. There are ideas that can be put into place, and it is not too late. It is possible to begin to gently make this shift gently, and this more proactive strategy can start today. The fact is, you are the resource, and this book will help you get in touch with that resourcefulness. While reading this book you will be presented with a number of ideas and

Winston B. Stanley, PhD, has spent many years serving as a pastor to adolescents. At youth conferences, retreats, and other events, he has always sought out to provide wisdom and guidance.

This guidebook for parents and youngsters alike is his way of sharing how to steer the lives of young people in a positive direction. You'll learn. how adolescents think differently than adults; how examples of adolescents in biblical times provide lessons for today; how guidance from God can be applied to help young people; and how modeling, nurturing, and teaching can aid adolescents.

Stanley also offers guidance on promoting healthy essentials for physical development, tips on discipline, and ways to help young people take responsibility for their actions. It's important to get the knowledge you need to confront the tough issues of being a parent and of becoming an adult.

As a parent or young person, you need to understand the psychology and dynamics that define adolescence. You'll find the answers you need from a longtime pastor who has spent long hours listening, encouraging and counseling young people in Parents: Adolescents are Adults-with-Less Sense.

In the same tradition as "Raising a Modern-Day Knight," this book is designed to equip parents to cultivate strong relationships with their adolescents. "Raising a Modern-Day Princess" stresses the importance of creating a rite of passage for teen girls--a defining moment in which girls can be blessed by significant adults in their lives, and a call for their families and communities to celebrate and support them as they enter womanhood. This book offers practical help in raising a generation of women to see themselves as God sees them--as daughters of the King.