“Few challenges of parenting are more daunting than dealing with an angry teen. Having experienced moments like the ones that Mitch Abblett describes here, I can relate to the periodic clouds of utter hopelessness, despair, and frustration that arise when our deep love and devotion to our children is challenged by their behavior and their emotions. This book not only provides a rational and scientifically grounded framework for understanding the often mystifying and bewildering expression of teen anger, but it pairs that understanding with the deep and timeless wisdom of mindfulness practice that can allow us to step outside the anger cloud and maintain some presence to reconnect with ourselves. By practicing mindfulness, we can reclaim our compassion, our inner wisdom, and the practical skills that Abblett teaches here.”
—Steven D. Hickman, PsyD, executive director of the University of California, San Diego’s Center for Mindfulness; executive director of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion; clinical psychologist; and associate clinical professor at the UC San Diego School of Medicine
“This gem of wisdom from Mitch Abblett is about way more than teen anger. Mitch wisely recognizes that the openhearted quality of your own unconditionally loving presence is the greatest gift that you can offer your teen. By starting with cultivating your own embodied mindfulness, this book guides you toward the kind of authentic and transformative relationship with your teen that every parent aspires to.”
—Dzung X. Vo, MD, pediatrician, adolescent medicine specialist, and author of The Mindful Teen
“A compassionate, easy-to-read book providing practical guidance while supporting parents who are almost certainly suffering along with their struggling teens.”
—Mark Bertin, MD, developmental pediatrics; author of Mindful Parenting for ADHD
“Helping Your Angry Teen offers clear, useful tools for parents, therapists, and other caregivers to help the angry teenagers in their lives. Adults new to mindfulness might find the tools developed by Mitch Ablett to help angry teens feel better will help them feel better, too.”
—Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of Mindful Games and The Mindful Child
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.
Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books
Copyright © 2017 by Mitch R. Abblett
New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
5674 Shattuck Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
www.newharbinger.com
Giving Effective Instructions Therapy Module adapted from Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems by Bruce F. Chorpita and John R. Weisz, copyright © 2009 by PracticeWise, LLC. Used by permission.
Problem-Solving Therapy Module adapted from Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems by Bruce F. Chorpita and John R. Weisz, copyright © 2009 by PracticeWise, LLC. Used by permission.
Cover design by Amy Shoup
Acquired by Jess O’Brien
Edited by Amy Johnson
All Rights Reserved
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data on file
To my father, a patient worker of wood and an example of craftsmanship in parenting, an ability we need as we help our children toward their potential.
To my mother, a lover of dancing and a reminder of the grace required to weave love and compassion into the many moments of raising children.