Are you parenting a tween who’s about to become a teenager, or already deep in the teenage years? Kate, mum of three including a teen, reviews Dr John Sharry’s book Parenting Teenagers for us.
About the Book
This bestselling book from mental health professional and parenting expert Dr John Sharry sets out a step-by-step guide for staying supportively involved in your teenager’s life while also setting fair rules and teaching responsibility. It’s built around a balanced approach — not overly strict, not overly permissive.
The focus throughout is positive: rather than just listing rules, the book helps you build on your own strengths as a parent so you can reduce conflict and enjoy your relationship with your teenager, not just manage it.
Drawing on Dr Sharry’s parenting columns, the book includes a substantial question-and-answer section covering the issues that come up again and again for parents of teens — study and motivation, technology and cyberbullying, relationships, mental health and wellbeing, and alcohol and other risk-taking behaviours, among many other topics.
About the Author
Dr John Sharry is a mental health professional with over twenty years’ experience, the author of several positive psychology and parenting books, and the developer of the Parents Plus Programmes. He is also a longtime parenting columnist.
Parenting Teenagers is available from bookstores and online retailers.
Here’s What Kate Had to Say About the Book
Oh, how my own teenage years would have gone more smoothly if my parents had read this book first!
The book is a practical toolkit that parents of tweens and teens should keep close by for reminders and quick reference when things get tricky.
The 10 steps to positive parenting in Part 1 make perfect sense — though it takes a bit of practice to put them into action instead of falling back on the usual “fly off the handle” approach.
Part 2 is a genuinely helpful handbook for dealing with the tough stuff — sexuality and dating, technology, friendships and more. I’d recommend it highly.
Rate This Book
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Parenting Teenagers by Dr John Sharry written for?
It’s aimed at parents of tweens and teenagers who want a practical, step-by-step approach to staying connected while keeping fair rules in place at home.
Is the book more about discipline or about connection?
Both. Dr Sharry’s approach is built on positive parenting — the goal is to reduce conflict and improve your relationship with your teen, not just to enforce rules.
Does the book cover specific issues like technology or mental health?
Yes. Part 2 includes a question-and-answer section covering topics parents commonly worry about, including technology, cyberbullying, relationships and mental wellbeing.
Do I need to read it cover to cover?
Not necessarily. Many parents use it as a reference toolkit, dipping into relevant sections as issues come up.
Related Reading
Looking for more support with the teenage years? Browse our family life hub for more parenting tips, or save this article to come back to when you need it.
Don’t Miss Out
Want more practical parenting ideas like this delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for tips, activities and honest reviews to help you through every stage of family life.
