What do you think?
Rate this book
The Seven-Year Stretch: Growing Through Adolescence : The Family Process and How It Works
Viewing adolescence in the context of the family, The Seven-Year Stretch is the first book to show parents how and why some teenagers end up well adjusted while others end up in trouble. Why are some teens impulsive rule-breakers, while others seem more mindful of right and wrong? Why do some turn to drugs and alcohol regularly, while others experiment only on occasion? Why are some families constantly battling, while others have only minor conflicts? How can parents distinguish between normal rebellion and deeper problems?
Laura Kastner, Ph.D., and Jennifer Wyatt, Ph.D., introduce us to a range of families - from thriving to struggling - and explain how their behavior patterns, past and present, affect the teenager's development. Garnered from Dr. Kastner's clinical and teaching experience, these true-to-life stories and dialogues illustrate the impact of such factors as clashing parenting styles, the temperaments of parents and children, parents' own unresolved issues, marital dynamics, and circumstances such as divorce, financial stress, and cultural differences.
With optimism and creativity, the authors explain how parents can harness their family strengths to face today's challenges for adolescents. They look beyond the "shoulds," describing what different parenting approaches look like and sound like in action.
Laura Kastner, Ph.D., and Jennifer Wyatt, Ph.D., introduce us to a range of families - from thriving to struggling - and explain how their behavior patterns, past and present, affect the teenager's development. Garnered from Dr. Kastner's clinical and teaching experience, these true-to-life stories and dialogues illustrate the impact of such factors as clashing parenting styles, the temperaments of parents and children, parents' own unresolved issues, marital dynamics, and circumstances such as divorce, financial stress, and cultural differences.
With optimism and creativity, the authors explain how parents can harness their family strengths to face today's challenges for adolescents. They look beyond the "shoulds," describing what different parenting approaches look like and sound like in action.
307 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 1997
14 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 28, 2010
This was a very easy read, with lots of nuggets of good advice. In particular, when she describes what's in the mind of the 14-year-old who is late for the bus, and what the girl is feeling the night before her yearbook picture, were helpful vignettes. The outward expression might not match at all what the kid is feeling inwardly, and it's helpful as a parent to think about what else might be causing some behavior that seems irrational. OK, it might be irrational anyway, because it is a teen, but at least you can understand it better and react accordingly.
January 1, 2010
Lots of scenarios to think about... I appreciated getting a roadmap for the years ahead.
October 15, 2009
Great for parents of Teens
April 25, 2013
A great book for understanding what is actually going on with your tween and teen. Great, practical strategies that are rooted in family theory. Easy to read and remember.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews