Recognizing that parents and families can greatly influence the development of their 10- through 14-year-olds, this booklet is part of a national effort to provide parents with the latest research and practical information to help them support their children both at home and in school. The booklet is organized into 13 sections around the following concerns often raised by parents of young teens: (1) changes between the ages of 10 and 14; (2) being an effective parent; (3) enhancing communication; (4) managing independence; (5) building confidence; (6) forming good friendships and resisting harmful peer pressure; (7) preventing negative media influence; (8) what school is like for adolescents; (9) staying involved in child’s school and in other activities; (10) promoting successful reading; (11) enhancing motivation to learn and do well; (12) developing good values and learning right from wrong; and (13) how to tell and what to do if a child is having a serious problem. The booklet concludes by asserting that although there are no guarantees that young adolescents will grow into responsible and competent adults, it is critical that parents remain involved in their children’s development and that learning as much as possible about the world of early adolescents is an important step in help their children. (Contains 44 references and resources of interest to parents, as well as a list of organizations and Web sites providing information for parents of young adolescents.) (KB)
