by Kimberly Abraham, MSW, CSW; Marney Studaker-Cordner, MSW, CSW; with Kathryn O'Dea.
$14.95. Softcover.

Practical, realistic and easy-to-understand resource to help parents deal with out-of-control adolescednts' frustrating behaviors--behaviors that can leave even the most experienced parents "whipped." It is written in everydaylanguage, with humor and hope, and it provides answers to help parents meet the challenge of raising an out-of-control teen.

FROM THE BOOK:

Out-of-control teens includes those who are described by mental health professionals as being "oppositional-defiant" and "conduct disordered."

Oppositional-defiant kids are negative, defiant, disobedient and hostile toward authority figures. They lose their tempers, argue and refuse to comply with the requests of parents, teachers, therapists, even the local librarian. Any adult who tries to set a limit is fair game. This type of adolescent is often angry, resentful, spiteful and vindictive. They deliberately annoy people and blame others for their poor choices and negative behavior.

Conduct disordered kids are all of the above and then some. They engage in severely dangerous and illegal behaviors. They are often the school bullies, threatening peers and adults. They fight, carry weapons and do drugs. They lie, steal, set fires and deliberately destroy other people's property. They are often truant from school, stay out past curfew and run away from home, despite their parents' efforts to stop them. These teens consistently and seriously violate the rules and laws of society.

The Whipped Parent can help parents of oppositional-defiant and conduct disordered adolescents find ways to stay centered while dealing correctly with school and court autorities. The authors do not believe in using boot camps as a tool to "control" bad behavior.

The book includes appendices, worksheets for parents, suggested reading and an index.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Kimberly Abraham is a certified social worker and private therapist who lives in Flushing, MI. She received her MSW from Wayne State University and has been in the mental health field nearly a decade. She specializes in adolescent and famikly therapy. Her work with inner-city youth in Flint, MI, resulted in the Genesee County Juvenile Court System ordering many juvenile delinquents and their parents to attend groups developed by Ms. Abraham. She has survived raising her own oppositional-defiant adolescent.

Marney Studaker-Cordner is a private clinician and makes her home in Lapeer, MI. She received her MSW from Michigan State University and is a certified social worker in Michigan. She specializes in child and adolescent therapy and has spent years working with clients in the foster care and community mental health systems in an urban setting.

Kathryn O'Dea lives with her family in Burton, MI. An ordained minister since 1997, she is an experienced parent who has developed unique parenting skills to handle oppositional-defiant behaviors. She has a bachelor's degree in English and writing is both her hobby and her passion.