Thriving the Teen Years: beyond surviving

By Julie Messner

It is hard to be a teen in today's world and it is hard to be a parent of a teen. This book helps align parents and teens to meet in the middle and form a strong and supportive relationship that can not only survive the teen years but thrive. It helps parents and teens to meet in the middle and bridge the teen years together. The bulk of the book is written for parents, with parenting tips and need-to-know information on current key topics. There is also a smaller section of the book for the teen, encouraging them to be their very best and meet their parent's efforts to support them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798350929515

Book preview

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Copyright © 2023 by Dr. Julie Messner

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Edited by Patricia Ogilvie, Pro Risk Enterprises Ltd.

ISBN: 979-8-35092-950-8

eBook ISBN: 979-8-35092-951-5

Praise For

Thriving the Teen Years

"Such great insight … Loved all the techniques on how

to relate and strengthen my relationship with my teen.

A definite read for all parents with tween to teenage children.

Jennifer, Mother of two

"It is a great guide to help foster respectful

dialogue between teens and parents."

Dr. Sandra Peak, Pediatrician

"There is an overwhelming amount of parenting advice these days, and it is hard to decide whom to listen to. I appreciate

Dr. Messner’s clear and concise message. It was reassuring

to know I am on the right track but adding easy to implement

strategies has strengthened our relationships."

Paige, Mother of three

"Dr. Messner’s passion for building healthy families is

evident in her wise and practical book which guides

readers to more intentional parenting."

Jacquelyn Muniz, PsyD

About the Author

Dr. Julie Messner is passionate about helping kids of all ages while supporting and encouraging parents and caregivers. She is a mom of four very wonderful and quite different children. Two have recently graduated from the teen years, the third is about to exit teen years and the fourth is just getting started. Her kiddos have taught her so much and helped her grow as a mother, pediatrician, and person.

She also has an over fifteen-year relationship with an orphanage in Honduras. She loves these children as her own. Over the years, she has seen babies and toddlers grow into teens and young adults who need to find their place in a challenging world. She strives to educate and prepare these fragile kiddos for life outside the orphanage.

In addition, Dr. Messner enjoys educating, advising, and supporting her patients within her pediatric practice. She has learned so much from listening to her teen patients through the years and hearing of their struggles and concerns. She cherishes the trust they place in her to guide them. In her over twenty-five years of practice, she has delighted in helping teens and parents unite to form a greater understanding and support of one another. She wants each of her patients to live their absolute best lives.

It is from these passions and experiences that Dr. Messner decided to author this book and share her experiences with the sincere hope of strengthening more families and making the teen years much more rewarding and successful for both parents and teens.

A part of the proceeds from this book will go to fund the orphanage that Dr. Messner supports.

Dedication

I am indebted to many who have blessed my life:

I am immensely grateful to my incredible parents who have shown me unconditional love and given me such a solid foundation.

My four children have made my life so complete and wonderful while teaching me so much. I love all of you more than you will ever know and am so thankful you call me Mom.

Dan, your love and encouragement give

me the confidence to be more.

I have learned from many colleagues through the years and owe them my sincere gratitude.

I so appreciate all the patients and their families

who have trusted me with their care.

Many family members and friends have adamantly supported me and my children through the most difficult times and celebrated with us in the joyful times. Thank you for being with us!

Contents

Praise For Thriving the Teen Years

About the Author

Dedication

Part I – Parents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Relationship

Chapter 2: Resist Comparing

Chapter 3: Communication

Chapter 4: Family and Support

Chapter 5: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Chapter 6: Social Media

Chapter 7: Mental Health

Chapter 8: Drugs

Chapter 9: Sex

Chapter 10: Advocation

Chapter 11: Faith

Chapter 12: Conclusion

Chapter 13: Parental Discussion or Reflection Questions

Bibliography

Part II – Teens

Introduction

Chapter 14: Trust

Chapter 15: Friendships

Chapter 16: Mental Health

Chapter 17: Drugs

Chapter 18: Sex

Chapter 19: Social Media

Chapter 20: Self-Care

Chapter 21: Family

Chapter 22: Faith

Chapter 23: Conclusion

Chapter 24: Teen Reflection Questions

Bibliography

About the Author

Part 1 –

Parents

Introduction

Parenting a teen can be exhausting and challenging, but it can also be