Teens in Turmoil: A Path to Change for Parents, Adolescents, and Their Families

Having firsthand experience with a Teen in Turmoil, I can truthfully say that our entire family was floundering. What to do? What to say? I had read many books on the subject of parenting a troubled teen and found conflicting advice. THIS BOOK IS THE ANSWER! Instead of treating the symptoms, this book addresses the problem! We are currently incorporating Dr. Maxym's advice to our problems and we are seeing results! You will, too. I highly recommend this book to ALL parents, whether you have a teen in turmoil or not. It might even prevent you from going through the turmoil and it doesn't get any better than that!

There is no book that I would recommend more highly to families struggling with the teens in their lives. So many of us scratch our heads in dismay at what became of those precious children we raised as they morph into disrespectful, manipulative, defiant members of the household. So many families feel like they are "walking on eggshells" when their teenager is at home and they worry about where they really are and what they are doing when they're not home. I read a number of books that were interesting and gave me a few insights about how to deal with our daughter but they were really only bandaid approaches. I was on the verge of giving up hope until I read this book.Carol provides an uncanny insight into some of the reasons why these behaviors have developed and then, based on the level of difficulty you are experiencing with your child, she offers actual possible courses of action! She describes in depth where to get more information or help depending on what you think will most benefit your own relationships. Finally, at the end she lists her website where you can e-mail her directly for personal help if you are not sure what your child really needs.I almost did not read this book as I had read so many that did not really help. But, I picked it up and leafed through it and immediately knew this was the one we needed. Reading it gave us real direction. Taking the action that we decided on has made a life changing difference in all of our lives. She discusses all the areas of adolescence that are so powerful in the world today including lying, alcohol, drugs, sexual acting out and more. Our daughter is in a program that is transforming her into a strong, confident, responsible person and we are all much closer and communicating on an intimate level I never expected to be able to achieve. There are many more fabulous programs out there that the average family counseling does not know about or understand. Carol is knowledgeable about virtually all of them and, if you choose, as we did, she helped us discern exactly which program would benefit our daughter the most. We are getting our daughter back thanks to this book and the action we took.I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK HIGHLY ENOUGH.

Our son is not our first child. My wife and I had been concerned for some time about aspects of his teenage behavior. However, we weren't sure if that behavior was a real problem or something that would typically pass in the transition to adulthood. Teens in Turmoil was pivotal in coming to our realization that not only was our son was at risk but his behavior required immediate action on our part.At a time when we, as parents, felt alone, confused and desperate for information Teens in Turmoil provided a path to recapture our lives and a future for our son. Through case descriptions of adolescents at risk, insight into the underlying causes of self-defeating behaviors and suggested courses of action, this book helped us act decisively. Teens in Turmoil was instrumental in pushing us to act and take the first steps to reclaim our lives and our son. If you are considering this book, chances are you will find that Dr. Maxym has put her finger squarely on your child's behavior in a concise manner that ties together seemingly chaotic elements of teen conduct. We recommend it enthusiastically and without reservation.

As the parent of a teen who has gone through a couple of very difficult years, I have been on a continual search for some sort of guidance to help us navigate this period. Our bookshelf housing teen and family titles is the most extensive of anyone I know. Finding "Teens in Turmoil" has been a blessing. After having been told to see another therapist, another psychiatrist or to try another medication, what a relief it was to find a perspective which encourages taking ownership of the problem and accepting responsibility to survive (for both the teen and the parents). The case studies, while not exactly like our situation and in many ways much more serious, have proved invaluable. The book has encouraged us both in terms of the way we are handling things, as well as the psychological aspect of not being the only ones with our type of problem. What a helpful guidebook! Anyone who is struggling with serious issues of parenting a teen in turmoil will not find a better book. I could not recommend this book more highly!

Teens in Turmoil is an excellent guide for parents/families with adolescents at risk. As a parent owho survived an out of control teenager, I struggled to find the resources needed to reclaim our lives as a family. The information was not readily accessible. The hunt was extensive. As a result, by the time I found the help we VERY much needed, we were in the throws of extreme chaos and crisis. Our lives ( all family members) were lost in the tailspin of fear. My teen was spinning in circles and we were caught within it. It became difficult to see a way out. Fortunately, I found the help we needed and we all made it successfully to the other side. She's a great adult now. However, a book like the one written by Carol Maxym and Leslie York can only be an asset to every parent and clinician. The concept of the controlling aspects of "crazy making" behaviors, the fears and the resources for change bring a great light to the end of a frightening path for parents. I hope that this book serves as a source for all who participate in the lives of teens. I know that it would have been significantly beneficial for me.