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

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.

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.