The Parents' Guide to Psychological First Aid: Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Predictable Life Crises - Softcover

Koocher, Gerald; La Greca, Annette

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195381912 ISBN 13: 9780195381917

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2010

Synopsis

Does your young daughter talk endlessly about invisible friends, dragons in the basement, and monsters in the closet? Is your teenager about to start high school or being victimized by bullies? Is your son mortally afraid of certain insects or of injections at the doctor's office?
Compiled by two seasoned clinical psychologists, The Parents' Guide to Psychological First Aid brings together articles by recognized experts who provide you with the information you need to help your child navigate the many trying problems that typically afflict young people. Written in an engaging style, this book offers sage advice on a raft of everyday problems that have psychological solutions. The contributors cover such topics as body image and physical appearance; cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol; overeating and obesity; dental visits; the birth of a sibling and sibling rivalries; temper tantrums; fostering self-esteem; shyness and social anxiety; and much more. Each expert article provides an overview of the issues, offers reassurance for minor problems and strategies for crisis management, and discusses the red flags that indicate that professional help is needed. In addition, the book is organized into various categories to make it easier to find information. For instance, the "Family Issues" section includes articles on Blended Families, Divorce, and Traveling; the "Adolescent Issues" section covers such topics as Dating and Driving; and the "Social/Peer Issues" section explores such subjects as "Sportsmanship," "Homesickness," and "Making Friends."
An encyclopedic reference for parents concerned with maintaining the mental health of their children, this indispensable volume will help you help your child to deal effectively with stress and pressure, to cope with everyday challenges, and to rebound from disappointments, mistakes, trauma, and adversity.

About this title

About the Author

Gerald Koocher is Dean of the School for Health Studies, Simmons College. He is a past president of the American Psychological Association and the author of Ethics in Psychology, Psychologists' Desk Reference, and The Clinician's Guide to Evidence-Based Practices.
Annette La Greca is Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. She is editor of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology and author of Helping Children Cope With Disasters and Terrorism.

Reviews

As any parent can attest, every news cycle brings warnings of the newest threats facing children. Bullying remains a constant problem, with a new front: social networks. Substance abuse trickles down to elementary schools. Students choke each other to near-unconsciousness for the high. All parents struggle with helping children grow up the right way, certain that the decisions they make on a day-to-day basis will forever affect the outcome of a child’s life. While there will never be a manual for parents, this guidebook to “psychological first aid” deserves a place on every parent’s bookshelf. The range of issues discussed is remarkably comprehensive and usefully organized by categories: health, family, social/peer, school, anxiety, sexuality, adolescent, and “unique stressors” (which includes a chapter on how to determine whether professional counseling is indicated). All chapters provide clear, constructive information and directions that can help both parents and therapists in family counseling settings. While every single decision won’t make or break children, this excellent resource will help many adults navigate parenting’s difficult decisions. --Matthew Tiffany

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195381912
• ISBN 13: 9780195381917
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 384