Adolescence is a time of strain for everyone children, parents, teachers, and society at large. For the young growing up it is a time of tremendous change, which brings with it both risks and challenges. The dangers are real, but the Ritchies argue that the risks should not be exaggerated, and the challenges should be seen for what they are a chance for growth, fun, and achievement.
Jane and James Ritchie are both experienced psychologists and parents. Their earlier books Crowing up in New Zealand and Spare the Rod have made an invaluable contribution to the literature on education and child development in New Zealand.
Here they have drawn on all the recent research on adolescence in New Zealand to establish what the risks really are. Their picture is sometimes reassuring, and always useful. But the Ritchies go beyond the role of impartial social scientists and offer practical advice to both parents and children. This is a timely handbook forthe 1980s.