A Practical Guide to Effective Parenting
This page provides the references and other resources for each chapter in the book Raising Teens in the 21st Century. A concerted effort has been made to identify the references that informed my thinking and writing on each topic.
Because these ideas and strategies have been evolving across decades, it is certain that I have ended up incorporating the wisdom and experiences of other therapists into my own practices. Any awareness of having been directly influenced by them will have drifted back into the mists of time (that are becoming more impenetrable with each passing year).
In addition, books and internet resources have been listed that provide a more in-depth and comprehensive treatment of the topics addressed in each chapter. This is by no means an exhaustive list. These are the resources I have found useful within the scope of my practice. There are many more available. These are just the ones that I (and the parents I know) have found particularly helpful or good. I have received no remuneration or compensation for any of these resources or products.
The decision to list the reference page on this website (rather than in the book itself) was based on a desire to be able to update the resources for readers.
Teens These Days
These weblinks and books are the sources for the facts reported in this chapter. The reference numbers in the text are linked to the corresponding number on this list of references.
2 College Board. Data, Facts and Research.
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adolescent and School Health.
4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adolescent Health.
5 Pew Research Center. Millennials.
6 Smith, Christian & Denton, Melina Lundquist. Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teens. New York: Oxford University Press, USA. 2009
8 Monitoring the Future. Data Tables and Figures
9 Guttmacher Institute. Adolescents.
10 Josephson Institute. The Ethics of American Youth.
11 ACT. Research and Policy Issues.
12 Child Trends Data Bank. Adolescents.
13 Public Agenda. Survey: Sports, Arts, Clubs, Volunteering.
Bradley, Michael J. Yes, Your Teen is Crazy!: Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind. New York: Harbor Press, Inc., 2002.
Covey, Stephen R. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1999.
Ginsburg, Kenneth R. and Jablow, Martha M. But I’m Almost 13! : Raising a Responsible Adolescent. NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001
Gottman, John. Why Marriages Succeed or Fail and How to Make Yours Last. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1995.
Haltzman, Scott. The Secrets of Happy Families: Eight Keys to Building a Lifetime of Connection and Contentment. New York: Jossey-Bass, 2009.
Wolf, A. E. Get Out Of My Life: But First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall? A Parent’s Guide to the New Teenager. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2002.
Talking to Teens about Alcohol and Drugs
Califano, Joseph A., Jr. How to Raise a Drug Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents. New York: Touchstone, 2009.
Schwebel, Robert. Saying No is not enough. Helping Your Kids Make Wise Decisions About Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: A Guide for Parents of Children Ages 3 Through 19. New York: William Morrow Paperbacks, 1999.
The Partnership for a Drug Free America. (sponsored by a group of advertising professionals!) Drug Guide, Time to Act and Time to Talk.
Signs and Symptoms
Kuhn, Cynthia, Swartzwelder, Scott and Wilson, Wilkie. Buzzed: The Straight Facts about the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy. New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 2003.
Kuhn, Cynthia, Swartzwelder, Scott and Wilson, Wilkie. Pumped: Straight Facts For Athletes About Drugs, Supplements and Training. W. W. Norton & Co., 2000.
Milhorn, H. T., Jr. Drug and Alcohol Abuse: The Authoritative Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Counselors. Boston, MA: Da Capo Press, 2003.
National Institute of Drug Abuse. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction.
General
Character is most often talked about as a collection of important personal values kids should have. Here are a couple of books that address character in older kids. Parenting books on teen character development are hard to find.
Borba, Michelle. Building Moral Intelligence. New York: Josey Bass, 2002.
Brown, Nadine. How to Have Kids with Character. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1990
Forni, P. M. Choosing Civility: The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2003.
Josephson, Michael S. Making Ethical Decisions. Los Angeles, CA: Josephson Institute of Ethics, 2002.
Lewis, Barbara A. What Do You Stand For? For Teens: A Guide to Building Character. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Press, 2005.
McGowan, Dale and Shermer, Michael. Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion. New York: AMACOM, 2007.
Popov, Linda. The Family Virtues Guide. New York: Plume, 1997.
Nerburn, Kent. Simple Truths: Clear and Gentle Guidance on the Big Issues in Life. Novato, CA: New World Library, 2005.
Unell, Barbara and Wykoff, Jerry. 20 Teachable Virtues. New York: Perigee Trade, 1995
Attitude
Kastner, Laura S. and Wyatt, Jennifer. Getting to Calm: Cool-headed Strategies for Parenting Tweens and Teens. Seattle, WA: Parent Map, 2009.
Cheating
Weinstein, Bruce and Russell, Harriet. Is it Still Cheating if I Don’t Get Caught? New York: Flash Point, 2009.
The Greater Good. Raising Cheaters. (This website is a wonderful resources on happiness, balance and character.)
Josephson Institute. Center for Youth Ethics.
Gratitude
Emmons, Robert. Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier. New York: Mariner Books, 2008.
Ryan, M. J. The Giving Heart: Unlocking the Transformative Power of Generosity in Your Life. Newburyport, MA: Conari Press, 2000.
A Network for Grateful Living. Index of Gratefulness Topics. (ANG*L is an organization that provides education and support for the practice of grateful living as a global ethic. There are lots of resources for fostering gratitude.)
The Gratitude Challenge. Gratitude Calendar. (This website was created by a group of bloggers who believe that sharing gratitude for everyday experiences can revitalize our commitment to living life. They have a calendar to 21 days of gratitude.)
Gratitude Revealed. A website with resources and brief, beautiful videos on gratitude and other important character traits.
Lying
Kincher, Jonni. The First Honest Book About Lies. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 2000.
McEwan, Elaine K. I Didn’t Do It: Dealing with Dishonesty. Colorado Springs, CO: Shaw Books, 2000.
Respect
Nerburn, Kent. Simple Truths: Clear and Gentle Guidance on the Big Issues in Life. Novato, CA: New World Library, 2005.
Stealing
Josephson Institute. Center for Youth Ethics.
General
Ciavola, Debra Hapenny. 50 Great Tips, Tricks and Techniques to Connect With Your Teen: Fun Simple Tools Any Parent Can Use. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 2003.
Faber, Adele and Mazlish, E. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk (Updated Edition). New York: Scribner, 2012.
Kastner, Laura S. and Wyatt, Jennifer. Getting to Calm: Cool-headed Strategies for Parenting Tweens and Teens. Seattle, WA: Parent Map, 2009.Riera, Michael. Staying Connected to Your Teenager: How to Keep Them Talking to You and How To Hear What They’re Really Saying. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press, 2003.
Schaefer, C. E. and DiGeronimo, T. F. How to Talk to Teens about Really Important Things. Specific Questions and Answers and Useful Things to Say. New York: Josey Bass, 1999.
Van Petten, Vanessa. Do I Get My Allowance Before or After I’m Grounded. New York: Plume, 2011.
Know Your Kid
These questions were based, in part on a list I found many years ago that had been published in Families magazine. I have not been able to locate the original reference (or even find the magazine, if it still exists).
General
Miron, A. G. and Miron, C. D. How to Talk With Teens about Love, Relationships, and Sex: A Guide for Parents. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing Inc., 2002.
The Talk
Basso, M. J. The Underground Guide to Teenage Sexuality. Minneapolis, MN: Fairview Press, 1997
Calderone, Mary S. Talking with Your Child About Sex. New York: Ballantine Books, 1983. (Out of print but good source of developmental differences in talking about sex from childhood through adolescence.)
Roffman, Deborah. Sex & Sensibility: The Thinking Parent’s Guide to Talking Sense About Sex: A new paradigm for talking honestly about sex and sexuality with our children. Boston, MA: De Capo Press, 2001.
Weill, Sabrina. The Real Truth About Teens and Sex: From Hooking Up to Friends with Benefits–What Teens Are Thinking, Doing, and Talking About, and How to Help Them Make Smart Choices. NY: Perigee Trade, 2006.
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States.
Abstinence
Pogany, Susan Browning. Sex Smart: 501 Reasons to Hold Off on Sex. Minneapolis, MN: Fairview Press,1998
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.
Gay Relationships
Though relationships that include a kid who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex were not covered in this book, here are some good resources for you to help your kid.
Bernstein, R. A. Straight Parents Gay Children: Keeping Families Together (revised edition). New York: Thunder’s Mouth Press, 2007.
DeGeneres, B. Love Ellen, A Mother Daughter Journey. New York: Ross Weisbach Books, 1999.
Griffin, C. W., Wirth, M. J. and Wirth, A. G. Beyond Acceptance: Parents of Lesbians, and Gays Talk About Their Experiences (updated edition). New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1996.
Herdt, G. and Koff, B. Something to Tell you: The Road Families Travel when a Child is Gay. New York: Columbia University Press, 2000.
Jennings, Kevin and Gottlieb, Patricia. Always my child: a parent’s guide to understanding your gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or questioning son or daughter. New York: Touchstone, 2002.
LaSala, M. C. Coming Out, Coming Home: Helping Families Adjust to a Gay or Lesbian Child. New York: Columbia University Press, 2010.
Lopata, M. E. Fortunate families: Catholic families with lesbian daughters and gay sons. Victoria, B.C., Canada: Trafford, 2003.
Savin-Williams, R. C. Mom, Dad, I’m Gay: How Families Negotiate Coming Out. Washington DC: American Psychological Association, 2001.
General
Nelsen, Jane and Lott, Lynn. Positive Discipline for Teenagers. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2000.
Riera, Michael. Staying Connected to Your Teenager: How to Keep Them Talking to You and How To Hear What They’re Really Saying. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press, 2003.
Correction & Criticism
Gootman, M. E. The Loving Parents Guide to Discipline: How to Teach Your Child to Behave – With Kindness, Understanding, and Respect. New York: Berkley Books, 2000.
Gordon, T. Discipline That Works: Promoting Self-discipline in Children. New York: Plume Books, 1991.
Praising Teens
Arnall, Judy. Discipline Without Distress: 135 tools for raising caring, responsible children without time-out, spanking, punishment or bribery. Calgary, AB, Canada: Professional Parenting Canada, 2007.
Brady, Mark. A Little Book of Parenting Skills: 52 Vital Practices to Help With the Most Important Job on the Planet. St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada: Paideia Press, 2006.
Elias, Zack and Goldman, Travis. How Not to Embarrass Your Kids: 250 Don’ts for Parents of Teens. New York: Grand Central Publishing, 1999. (Funny and thought provoking but take it with a grain of salt as it was written by two teenage boys.)
Nelsen, Jane and Lott, Lynn. Positive Discipline for Teenagers. New York: Prima Publishing, 2000.
Punishment
Nelsen, Jane, Lott, Lynn and Glenn, H. Steven. Positive Discipline from A-Z: 1001 Solutions to Everyday Parenting Problems. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2007.
Schein, Michael. Teenage Road Hogs. BookSurge Publishing, 2006.
Gravelle, Karen. The Driving Book: Everything New Drivers Need to Know But Don’t Know To Ask. New York: Walker Publishing Company, Inc., 2005.
Hayes, Anne Marie. 3 Keys to Keeping Your Teen Alive: Lessons for Surviving the First Year of Driving. New York: Morgan James Publishing, 2011.
Smith, Timothy C. Crash Proof Your Kid: Make Your Teen A Safer, Smarter Driver. New York: Touchstone, 2006.
General
Dinkmeyer, Don C, Sr. and McKay, Gary D. Parenting Teenagers: Systematic Training for Effective Parenting of Teens. Step Publishers, 2007.
Forgatch, Marion S. and Patterson, Gerald R. Parents And Adolescents Living Together: Part 2, Family Problem Solving. Champaign, IL: Research Press, 2005.
Howard, Rennie. Parenting at the Speed of Teens: Positive Tips on Everyday Issues. Minneapolis, MN: The Search Institute, 2004.
Patterson, Gerald R. and Forgatch, Marion S. Parents And Adolescents Living Together: Part 1, The Basics. Champaign, IL: Research Press, 2005.
Allowance and Money
Butler, Tamsen. The Complete Guide to Personal Finance: For Teenagers. New York: Atlantic Publishing Group Inc., 2010.
Godfrey, Neale S., Edwards, Carolina and Richards, Tad. Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Financially Responsible Children. New York: Touchstone, 2006.
Whitcomb, John E. Capitate Your Kids: Teaching Your Teens Financial Independence. Madison Heights, MI: Popcorn Press, 2001.
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse VIII: Teens and Parents. August, 2003.
Statistic Brain. Teenage Consumer Spending Statistics. 2012. (Note to reader: I lost the reference for the Rand Youth Poll statistics on adolescent spending originally quoted in this chapter. Here are more recent statistics on the even larger boatload of discretionary and directly influenced money spent by teenagers.)
Jobs and Employment
Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly and Schneider, Barbara. Becoming Adult: How Teenagers Prepare for the World of Work. New York: Basic Books, 2001.
Ireland, Susan. Complete Idiot’s Guide to Cool Jobs for Teens. New York: Alpha, 2000.
Vernon, Naomi. A Teen’s Guide to Finding a Job. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse, 2003.
Teenage Privacy
Giannetti, Charlene C. and Sagarese, Margaret. What Are You Doing In There? Balancing Your Need to Know with Your Child’s Need to Grow. New York: Broadway Books, 2003.
Armstrong, W. & Lampe, M. W. II. Pocket Guide to Study Tips: How To Study Effectively and Get Better Grades. NY: Barron’s Educational Series, Inc., 1990.
Craig, J. What Happened at School Today? Helping Your Child Handle Everyday School Problems. NY: Skylight Press, 1994.
Goldstein, Sam & Mather, Nancy. Overcoming Underachieving: An Action Guide to Helping Your Child Succeed in School. NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998.
Hahn, J. Have You Done Your Homework? A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers Succeed in School. NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1985.
Spevak, Peter and Karinch, Maryann. Empowering Underachievers: New Strategies to Guide Kids (8-18) to Personal Excellence. NY: New Horizon Press, 2006.
Woodcock, Susan Kruger. SOAR Study Skills. Grand Blanc, MI: Grand Lighthouse Publishers, 2006.
Bordon, David and Winters, Tom. 101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home. Denver, CO: Faithworks, 2007.
FamilyTravelForum.com and McCarthy, Kyle. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Best Family Destinations. NY: Alpha, 2011.
Lieberman, Susan Abel. New Traditions: Redefining Celebrations for Today’s Family. NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1991.
Anger Management
Crist, James J. Mad: How To Deal With Your Anger And Get Respect. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 2007.
Barkley, Russel A. and Robin, Arthur L. Your Defiant Teen: 10 Steps to Resolve Conflict and Rebuild Your Relationship. NY: The Guilford Press, 2008.
Tafrate, Raymond Chip and Kassinove, Howard. Anger Management for Everyone: Seven Proven Ways to Control Anger and Live a Happier Life. Atascadero, CA: Impact Publishers, 2009.
Assertiveness
Alberti, Robert E. and Emmons, Michael L. Your Perfect Right. Atascadero, CA: Impact Publishers, 2008.
Apologizing
Chapman, Gary D. and Thomas, Jennifer. The Five Languages of Apology: How to Experience Healing in all Your Relationships. Chicago, IL: Northfield Publishing, 2008.
Defiance
Divinyi, Joyce. Good Kids, Difficult Behavior. Peachtree City, GA: The Wellness Connection, 1997.
Sells, Scott P. Parenting Your Out-Of-Control Teenager: 7 Steps to Reestablish Authority and Reclaim Love. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2001.
Seita, John R. and Brendtro, Larry K. Kids Who Outwit Adults. Longmont, CO: Sopris West, 2002.
Goal Setting
Bachel, Beverly K. What Do You Really Want? How to Set a Goal and Go for It! A Guide for Teens. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Press, 2001.
Manners
Packer, Alex J. How Rude!: The Teenager’s Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior and Not Grossing People Out. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 1997.
Forni, P. M. Choosing Civility: The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2003.
Negotiating
Cohen, Herb. You Can Negotiate Anything. NY: Bantam, 1982.
Ury, William. Getting Past No: Negotiating with Difficult People. NY: Bantam, 1993.
Self-confidence
Ginsburg, Kenneth R. Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings. NY: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2011.
Self-control
McGonigal, Kelly. The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do To Get More of It. NY: Avery, 2011.
Muraven, Mark. (2010) Practicing Self Control Lowers the Risk of Smoking Lapse. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2010, Vol. 24, No. 3, 446–452.
Shyness
Gillet, Catherine. The Shyness Solution: How to Gauge Your Level of Shyness and Turn It Into an Advantage. Avon, MA: Adams Media, 2011.
Hilliard, Erika B. Living Fully with Shyness and Social Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide to Gaining Social Confidence. Boston, MA: De Capo Press, 2005.
Suicide Warning Signs
Cobain, Bev. When nothing matters any more: A survival guide for depressed teens. Minneapolis, MH: Free Spirit Publishing, 2007.
Coloroso, B. Parenting through crisis: Helping kids through times of loss, grief and change. NY: Harper Paperbacks, 2001.
The Center for Suicide Prevention (Calgary, Canada). Youth At Risk for Suicide.
Diet
Lopez, Ralph I. The Teen Health Book: a Parents’ Guide to Adolescent Health and Well-Being. NY: W. W. Norton & Co., Inc., 2003.
Shanley, Ellen and Thompson, Colleen. Fueling the Teen Machine. Bull Publishing Company, 2010.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BMI Percentile Calculator for Child and Teen.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition for Kids and Teens.
Exercise
Doyle, Dan and Burch, Deborah. Encyclopedia of Sports Parenting: Everything You Need to Guide Your Young Athlete. Hall of Fame Press, 2008.
Otto, Michael and Smits, Jasper A. J. Exercise for Mood and Anxiety: Proven Strategies for Overcoming Depression and Enhancing Well-Being. NY: Oxford University Press, 2011.
Stricker PR. Sports Success RX!: Your Child’s Prescription for the Best Experience: How to Maximize Potential and Minimize Pressure. Elk Grove, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2006.
Play
Brown, S. Play: How it shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. New York, NY: Avery Press, Penguin Group; 2009.
Elkind D. The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally. Berkeley, CA: Da Capo Press; 2007.
Hallowell EM. The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness: Five Steps to Help Kids Create and Sustain Lifelong Joy. New York, NY: Ballantine Books, 2003.
Hirsh-Pasek K, Golinkoff RM, Eyer DE. Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn—and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Books; 2003.
Self-expression (piercings, tattoos and appearance)
Fuller, Doris A. and Fuller, Natalie. Promise You Won’t Freak Out: A Teenager Tells Her Mom the Truth About Boys, Booze, Body Piercing and Other Touchy Topics. New York: Berkley Trade, 2004.
Sleep
Emsellem, Helene A. and Whiteley, Carol. Snooze… or Lose!: 10 “No-War” Ways to Improve Your Teen’s Sleep Habits. Washington, DC: Joseph Henry Press, 2006.
Krakow, Barry. Insomnia Cures: Sleep Hygiene Practice Makes Perfect. The New Sleepy Times, 2002.
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Your Guide to Healthy Sleep.
Stress Management
Biegel, Gina. The Stress Reduction Workbook for Teens: Mindfulness Skills to Help You Deal With Stress. Oakland, CA: Instant Help, 2010.
Carlson, Richard. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens: Simple Ways to Keep Your Cool in Stressful Times. NY: Hyperion, 2000.
Elkind, David. The Hurried Child: Growing Up Too Fast Too Soon. Boston, MA: De Capo Press, 2006.
Fox, Annie and Kirschner, Ruty. Too Stressed To Think: A Teen Guide to Staying Sane When Life Makes You Crazy. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 2005. (Better for younger teens due to writing style.)
Hipp, Earl. Fighting Invisible Tigers: A Stress Management Guide for Teens. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 2008.
Reivich K and Shatté A. The Resilience Factor: 7 Essential Skills for Overcoming Life’s Inevitable Obstacles. New York, NY: Broadway Books, 2002.
Witkins, Georgia. Kid Stress: What it is, how it feels, and how to help. NY: Penguin Group, 1999.
Bryant, Fred B. and Veroff, Joseph. On Savoring: A New Model of Positive Experience. NY: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2006.
Walsh, Roger. (2010). Lifestyle and Mental Health. American Psychologist. 66, 7, 579-592.
Benson PL. Sparks: How Parents Can Help Ignite the Hidden Strengths of Teenagers, San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass; 2008.
Caffrey, Janine Walker. Drive: 9 Ways to Motivation Your Child to Succeed. New York: De Capo Press, 2008.
Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly. Beyond Boredom and Anxiety: Experiencing Flow in Work and Play. New York: Josey-Bass, 2000.
Karinch, Maryann. Empowering Underachievers: New Strategies to Guide Kids (8-18) to Personal Excellence. New York: New Horizon Press, 2006.
Medhus, Eliza. Raising Everyday Heroes: Parenting Children To Be Self-Reliant. NY: Atria Books, 2003.
Taylor, James. Positive Pushing: How to Raise a Successful Happy Child. New York: Hyperion, 2003.
Wiltens, J. No More Nagging, Nit-picking, & Nudging: A Guide to Motivating, Inspiring, and Influencing Kids Aged 10-18. Deer Crossing Press, 1991.
With the remarkable diversity of faith and spiritual traditions, this topic was just too large to provide even a general list of resources. The best coverage of influencing adolescent faith beliefs (from all traditions) I have found is in the last chapter of this book. The insights about adolescent faith beliefs were the foundation for this chapter.
Smith, Christian and Denton, Melina Lundquist. Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teens. New York: Oxford University Press, USA. 2009.
Faber, Adele and Mazlish, Elaine. Siblings Without Rivalry: How To Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too. NY: W. W. Norton & Company, 2005.
American Red Cross. American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Handbook.
General
Edgington, Shawn Marie. The Parent’s Guide to Texting, Facebook, and Social Media: Understanding the Benefits and Dangers of Parenting in a Digital World. Dallas, TX: Brown Books Publishing Group, 2011.
Rheingold, Howard and Weeks, Anthony. Net Smart: How to Thrive Online. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2012.
Steyer, James P. Talking Back to Facebook: The Common Sense Guide to Raising Kids in the Digital Age. NY: Scribner, 2012.
Social Media
Rose, Kathryn and Pearlman, Pam Frame. The Parent’s Guide to Facebook: Tips and Strategies to Protect Your Children on the World’s Largest Social Network. Createspace, 2011.
Connect Safely is a website dedicated to making the web a safe place for kids. They have lots of information like:
- Collier, Ann and Magid, Larry. A Parent’s Guide To Facebook.
- Online Safety Resources for Parents
Common Sense Media has a wealth of information for parents addressing all aspects of media use by kids. Like these:
PC Magazine. Keep Your Child Safe Online. This article has a wealth of information on monitoring and filtering online access to information.
True Care Awareness Online. Middle-school age Media Agreement and High-school Age Media Agreement.
Examples of internet content monitoring products (include cell phones): Covenant Eyes and X3 watch. Note: Mentioning these products does not constitute an endorsement nor have they provided any remuneration or compensation for being included here. They have been rated at the time of this posting as good at what they do.
Video Gaming
American Psychological Association. Violent Video Games: Myths, Facts and Unanswered Questions.
Public Broadcasting System. Reality Bytes: Eight Myths About Video Games Debunked
Entertainment Software Rating Board (Organization representing the video gaming industry). A Parent’s Guide to Video Games, Parental Controls and Online Safety
Mercator. Games Egomaniacs Play. “Why are teenage boys spending 18 hours a week playing video games? The inventor of the hit game Civilization reveals the secret.”