Parenting Through Puberty: Mood Swings, Acne, and Growing Pains

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long been a source for parents on all things related to children's health and well-being, with Kowal-Connelly's guide fitting that mission nicely to address the physical and emotional changes of adolescence. A pediatrician and mother of three, the author has worked in a variety of roles for more than three decades: in private practice, in underserved communities, as a school physician, and as a state trainer for child abuse and neglect. Among the major topics discussed here are body image, performance-enhancing substances, weight issues, sexual health, gender orientation, and chronic health conditions. Emphasis is also placed on the science behind young adult behavior, exploring how decisions are made in the teenage brain, and how basic cognitive behavioral therapy techniques can alter thinking patterns.