Ever since the killings at Columbine High School created a renewed focus on the problems of adolescent aggression, professionals in education, criminal justice, and social services have been seeking ways to curb its rising tide. This volume examines adolescent aggression from many perspectives--biological, psychological, and social--and analyzes some of the contributing factors to this growing problem. Written by internationally recognized experts in adolescent psychology, this book not only covers the causes of teen violence but, more important, offers solutions. McCarthy, Hutz, and their contributors reveal the precursors to violent behavior, and provide strategies for working with adolescents to prevent future violence. The symptoms and strategies are described clearly in a way that can be understood and adapted by parents, schools, social service agencies, and criminal justice institutions. Topics include: substance abuse; suicide and self-harm; sexual aggression; anger management and impulse control; gang violence; school violence; bullying; resilience; and increasing critical thinking skills. This book is a must-read for anyone who lives, works, or comes in contact with youth.

"There is so much that we can learn from the client/counsellor relationship that would help us understand what it is to be a child in a world full of adults and so enrich our parent/child relationships and all our child/adult relationships. Most importantly the counsellor can provide what was unavailable in early relationships. Key words in the relationship with the counsellor are: trust, closeness, intimacy, flexibility, encouragement, warmth, safety, mutuality, caring, compassion, kindness. These are words parents can incorporate into their relationships with their children as well." Jane Teverson expertly explains how counselling theory can be used by parents throughout the child's life, from infancy to adolescence, and makes a case for compassionate parenting. With helpful summaries at the end of each chapter and an accessible writing style, this book has a wide appeal. With real, usable advice and examples for parents, Born Beautiful is an essential addition to any parent's library.

In his book Daddyhood, Charles Blount, well-known author of Whatever Happened to Charlie Boy continues his journey to break the chain of abuse and neglect, which he vividly describes in the story about Charlie Boy. Mr. Blount poses the question, "What is a Daddy?" and presents in convincing argument that, though any man can become a father, it takes lots of work and something special to become a "Daddy." The author presents his argument through the personal experience of marriage, childbirth and divorce. He also argues that even the break-up of a marriage does not have to mark the end of a family, and for the sake of one's child, should not. In a series of simple rules, Mr. Blount shows the reader how to accomplish this for the good of your child and your own well being; good advice for anyone wanting the best for their family.

Foster parents need wisdom to guide foster children to enable them to have a meaningful experience. This book, written by a pediatrician, with the help of foster parents, provides guidance and suggestions to maximize the experience for foster families and assist them in the process. With the help of many foster parents, this book contains practical suggestions for those who care for foster children. It addresses many of the major and minor problems that may arise. This book contains easily understood discussions of those problems with practical suggestions for resolving them, including when to call in a professional. Although various trends in child welfare are discussed, it is important to note that this book does not aim at criticizing the system, but rather attempts to address the needs of the children going through the system. This book is intended as a resource for anyone involved with the foster care system and particularly families raising foster children.

This positive and insightful guide gives you the tools to build your confidence, eliminate negative feelings and boost happiness in all areas of your life. Being a teenager has its own unique challenges, but it's also the perfect time to shape your own mental wellbeing and happiness. Scientists reckon 40% of your happiness is within your control, that's A LOT of happiness and this book will help you to harness it... There are tons of ideas to try from creating an anxiety toolkit, to planning a digital detox and meditating, plus you'll learn the science behind why they work. Carry out the activities by yourself or with family and friends and take your happiness into your own hands!

Fasten your seat belt as you take a journey with author Gayle Carson Lagman-Creswick, mother of four biological sons, two adopted daughters, and a grandson, as she meets head-on with the challenges put forth by daughter Mary, who unbeknownst to them, was born of a drug-addicted, biological mother. Gayle, a successful executive in the healthcare and retirement industry, becomes a single mom and is faced with the awesome task of dealing with normal child-rearing, plus the special needs of her two adopted daughters . all while pursuing a demanding career. Daughter Mary faces spoiling, sexual abuse, violence, hospitalization, and prison. This roller-coaster family comes face-to-face with stabbing, near explosions, and a point-blank gun event. This mother understands unconditional love, has a forgiving nature, and has a determination not to give up on this daughter, who is finally diagnosed and treated in her thirties for Bipolar Disorder.

Taking care of other people's children is a job many young people enjoy doing and do well. It's a big responsibility, too. Today's babysitters need skills and awareness that past generations didn't dream of. This comprehensive handbook offers sensible, timely, upbeat advice on practical matters from changing a diaper to answering the phone, and on such sensitive issues as dealing with a parent who may be intoxicated and babysitting for children with chronic illnesses. Suggestions for games and activities indoors and out, meals, bathtime, and bedtime address the specific needs of infants, toddlers, and older children. Appendixes discuss minor mishaps and emergencies, how to tell which is which, and what to do in every case. All health and safety information has been reviewed by health-care professionals. Designed to go along in pocket or purse, with checklists for at-a-glance reference, "The New Complete Babysitter's Handbook" contains everything a great babysitter needs to know in a handy take-along size. Every babysitter and parent should have this book as a constant companion.

As the need for child care services in the United States continues to grow, so does the debate about how effective child care policies should be shaped. It is more important than ever for legislators, public officials, advocacy groups, and concerned parents and citizens to focus on that debate and on the need to change policies and attitudes--changes that must take place if children and families are to have sufficient, affordable, and quality child care services.

This volume provides a balanced and thorough assessment of the child care field and a thought-provoking guide to the difficult choices that lie ahead. The authors, experts in child and family policy, examine important facts about major demographic and social developments, describe the effects of the Reagan administration's emphasis on privatization and deregulation, and analyze the contributions and limitations of several local and state initiatives. An invaluable source for everyone concerned with child care issues, this volume makes solid recommendations for shaping a much-needed child care policy that is responsive to the circumstances and needs of families and their children.

Hands-on strategies for teaching your disorganized child how to organize for school success!

The overstuffed backpack, the missing homework, the unused planner, the test he didn't know about. Sound familiar? When the disorganized child meets the departmentalized structure of middle school, everything can fall apart. Even the academically successful child will start to falter if she misses deadlines, loses textbooks, or can't get to class on time.

This practical book is full of hands-on strategies for helping parents identify and teach organizational skills. Educational consultant Donna Goldberg has developed these methods by working with hundreds of students and in this book she provides:

• Assessments to gather information about your child's learning style, study habits, and school requirements

• Guidelines for taming that overstuffed binder and keeping it under control

• PACK -- a four-step plan for purging and reassembling a backpack or locker

• Instructions for organizing an at-home work space for the child who studies at a desk or the child who studies all over the house

• Ways to help your child graduate from telling time to managing time

• Special tips for kids with learning disabilities and kids who have two homes...and more

"The Organized Student" is a must for any parent who has heard the words, "I can't find my homework!"

Is it our darkness or light that scares us most? The acceptance that things don't always turn out the way we imagine they would can make all the difference between giving permission to experience something better or living stagnant. Anyone who has experienced a blackout can relate to the initial lost feeling of being stripped of the things we tell ourselves we couldn't live without. When we are placed into that position, we realize the actual aspects that matter most to us. The stories are sincere accounts of fears and hopes that unfold in the wake of a power outage. Learn how good it feels to be honest, judge less, and appreciate more.

"Tyler's Pain" is the true story of racism-how, even though we have come a long way in this world, it is still a current and relevant problem. Janette Rusher's daughter, Tyler is now eighteen years old. When she was ten, she had to endure the taunts of children who insulted her because she was black-different from them. They had been taught that it was acceptable to treat others who are different in a disparaging manner.It is hard to imagine that a child of ten might be considering her own death in order to avoid the daily pain of being targeted just for being a different race. "Tyler's Pain" is the story of a mother's journey guiding her daughter through such events to insure that she survived. She wanted her daughter to understand that the world is good and that the actions of a few ignorant people should not change a happy life. Above all, Rusher wanted her to know how important it is to must stand tall and always fight for what you believe in. "Tyler's Pain" does not favor one race or another. The message that resonates through it is that, through patience, love, and faith, it is possible to make a difference in the life and perceptions of a child.

72 per cent of children show behaviours linked to stress Small amounts of stress are normal, but it can be difficult to know how best to support a child when they feel overwhelmed with worry. This practical guide offers strategies to help alleviate the physical symptoms and emotional signs of stress. By adopting simple tips, lifestyle changes and mood-boosting activities, you can help your child overcome challenging situations and live a happier and more carefree life. Identify the source(s) of your child's stress Tackle challenging moments together Establish positive daily habits and routines Develop skills for communicating emotions Know when to seek support