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by Jane W. Harlow (Author)
Motivational Interviewing for Parents
A Science-Backed Approach to Motivating Teenagers Around Homework, Screen Time, Substance Use, and Other Daily Battles-Without the Yelling
Is every conversation with your teenager a battle? There's a better way.
Imagine having real conversations with your teen instead of constant fights. No more yelling. No more slammed doors. No more feeling like the enemy in your own home.
This book gives you a proven, science-based approach to transform conflict into cooperation. Drawing on research from motivational interviewing and adolescent psychology, you'll learn practical skills that actually work with real teenagers facing real challenges.
Inside, you'll discover how to:
Replace lectures with conversations that teens actually listen to
Navigate homework battles, screen time wars, and curfew conflicts without losing your mind
Help your teen make better decisions by asking better questions
Stay calm when your teen is pushing every button you have
Build genuine influence through connection instead of control
Handle lying, disrespect, substance use, and other serious issues effectively
Prepare your teen for adult independence while maintaining your relationship
This isn't about being permissive or letting your teen walk all over you. It's about being both warm and firm. Both collaborative and clear about boundaries. Both understanding and unwilling to accept disrespect.
What makes this approach different:
Unlike traditional parenting advice that relies on rewards and punishments, this method teaches your teen to think for themselves. You'll learn communication techniques used by professional therapists, adapted specifically for busy parents dealing with everyday challenges.
The book includes 15 ready-to-use conversation templates for common scenarios like homework refusal, coming home past curfew, caught lying, dating concerns, and college planning. You'll also find practical worksheets, tracking tools, and decision-making frameworks you can implement immediately.
Perfect for parents of teens ages 13-18 struggling with:
Constant arguing and power struggles
Disrespectful or defiant behavior
Academic motivation and school problems
Technology battles and screen time limits
Risky behaviors and peer pressure
Mental health concerns and emotional regulation
The transition to young adulthood
Special sections address: co-parenting challenges, blended family dynamics, neurodivergent teens (ADHD, autism), and what to do when nothing seems to work.
Whether your teen is mildly challenging or extremely difficult, these skills will help you build the relationship you want while guiding them toward responsible adulthood.
Your teen years don't have to be miserable. They can be a time of growth, connection, and preparation for a strong adult relationship. It starts with changing how you communicate.
Stop fighting. Start connecting. Transform your relationship with your teen.
