Running The Rapids

Ever been whitewater rafting, that sudden rush of adrenaline, exhilaration, and white-knuckle terror all underscored by an omnipresent wave of nausea and overwhelming sense of foreboding, leaving you gasping for breath and hoping against all hope that you'll live to see another day? If so, then you know the thrill, the terror, the risks and, yes, the rewards of raising teenagers! So, strap on your life preserver and join Dr. Kevin Leman as he guides you through the turbulent waters of adolescence. Peer pressure, self-image, dating, sex, Leman covers them all in his trademark "no-holds-barred" style that will bring a smile to the faces and hope to the hearts of even the most beleaguered parents. Are you the parent of a teenager? Then you're embarking an an exciting journey. There will be risks, danger, unexpected twists and turns, and an occasional spill. But if you are prepared, you and your kids can emerge from the experience with a strong, loving relationship that will last a lifetime. In his trademark "no holds barred" style, Dr. Kevin Leman, parenting expert and father of five, offers practical guidance and insight on important topics such as What's "normal" adolescent behavior? Is peer pressure all bad? How can you see trouble ahead? What about dating and sex? Contents include: Acknowledgments and Intro - Hold on for the Ride of Your Life Know the River - What kind of place is adolescence anyway?; Diverging Forks Strengthen Your Raft - How strong is your raft?; Values are caught; The great transfer Keep an eye on the rocks - What's Normal, What's not; A Trial run at the Rapids; Peer Pressure, Bad, Good, or Both? Know the Riders - Focus Time; Be Real; Smart Strategies for Life Be Aware of the Risks - When is Sex, Sex? Blunt Questions, Blunt Answers; A Stand for Purity; Establish the Rules - Falling in Love or Falling in Need; 12 Guidelines for Surviving the Trip Together; 8 Parent Don'ts for Healthier Kids Know the Realities - Are You Toxic to Your Kids; Navigating Troubled Waters; Risky Business Enjoy the Rewards - Surprises Lie Around the Bend A Parting Word: A Teenager's Ten Commandments to Parents Notes; About Kevin Leman; Resources by Kevin Leman