Parent/Teen Book Club

Teen Tales: Stories About Parenting Teens

This is the place to share stories and discuss issues about raising teens. Please tell us your issues and stories, including some of the good times you have had with your teen.

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Parenting Tip of the Week

Talking to Parents - Drugs/Drinking

Looking for a way to initiate a conversation with another parent about teen drug or alcohol use? Try this: Last weekend my son was at a party where kids were drinking. He didn't drink any, but I was really upset that this happened at another friend's home. Do you think I should I talk to the friend's parents?

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REACH PARENTS WHERE THEY CONNECT

Starting a parent/teen book club is a creative way for parents to connect with their teens on a regular basis. Consider staring a club with your teens' friends and their parents. Together, the group can select the books to read and set "rules" for how the group discussions will run. Extend the book club to include "extra curricular" activities, such as a trip, movie outing, special event or a meal together, centered on the group's current book theme. The goal of the club is to have fun with your teen, using the books you read as a starting point for valuable discussions and a means to enhance communication between parents and teens.

HOW TO START A PARENT/TEEN BOOK CLUB

The group should include four to six parent/teen pairs (eight to 12 people total).
Let teens take the lead inviting friends and their parents to join the club, but ultimately this should be a mutual decision between parents and teens. (Another option is to establish a parent/teen book club through a faith-based organization or other community group.)
Teens can also take the lead in selecting the books to read - parent participants can make suggestions, but teens have the ultimate responsibility for selecting the books. Click here to access some recommended reading lists.
Together, set the "rules" for how the group discussions will run, and agree on how the book club will be conducted (for example, every teen gets a chance to select a book, trade off who leads discussion, everyone's opinions will be respected, etc.).
Decide who will host the book club. Will the meeting place rotate among families in the club? Will the book club meeting include a meal or snacks?

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Click here to see a suggested reading list.

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