This book explores the experiences of pregnant teenagers, their partners, and midwives, from pregnancy realisation through the early years of motherhood. It examines changing attitudes to female sexuality and moral discourses on adolescent subjectivity especially as these pertain to teenage motherhood.

Why are the teen years fraught with crisis for so many girls? Why do so many mother-daughter relationships deteriorate drastically at this time? When her own teenage daughter began to spiral out of control, therapist Cheryl Dellasega, Ph.D., launched a nationwide search to find answers— and hope. In this inspiring, compassionate book, Dellasega shares the strength and the wisdom of mothers who have seen their daughters through the tumult of adolescence. Drawing on the experiences of scores of mothers and daughters, Dellasega takes a hard look at the lives of girls in crisis—once happy, carefree children who are now struggling with eating disorders, unplanned pregnancies, substance abuse, and severe mental problems. These are stories of girls on the edge, and mothers who are trying everything to save them. Yet even in the most desperate situations, Dellasega hears the same clear message: the key to survival is the support and the understanding of others going through the same thing. Surviving Ophelia is a book that provides the community that mothers of troubled teenage girls need more than anything. Powerful and heartfelt, this book captures both the pain and the strength of mothers who are living with the daily challenge of raising teenage daughters today.

More than 1 million teenage girls in the United States become pregnant each year; nearly half give birth. Why do these young people, who are hardly more than children themselves, become parents? This volume reviews in detail the trends in and consequences of teenage sexual behavior and offers thoughtful insights on the issues of sexual initiation, contraception, pregnancy, abortion, adoption, and the well-being of adolescent families. It provides a systematic assessment of the impact of various programmatic approaches, both preventive and ameliorative, in light of the growing scientific understanding of the topic.

The teenage years will bring problems that will make any parent long for the days of their childhood. However, you’re not alone! This invaluable resource tackles all of the issues that you can possibly encounter with your teen. Oh to be able to return to the days of messy bedrooms and preteen attitudes! Now as parents of teenagers, the days have the potential of bringing us not-so-fun issues like sexting, cyber-bullying, and eating disorders. Let’s not forget the old standbys of drugs, alcohol, and depression. As much as you pray that your child will be the shining exception, as their parent you must still be prepared! Will you know what to do when a naked picture of your daughter gets forwarded by her “boyfriend” to the entire school? How will you respond when your child is bullied online--or is the bully himself? A Survival Guide to Parenting Teens has thought through all the issues you haven’t, covering a broad range of issues including: sex, drinking, drugs, depression, defiance, laziness, conformity, entitlement, and more Parenting expert Joani Geltman approaches 80 uncomfortable topics with honesty and a dash of humor. She reveals what your teens are thinking and feeling--and what developmental factors are involved. A Survival Guide to Parenting Teens explains how to approach each problem in a way that lets your kid know you “get it” and leads to truly productive conversations.

It’s not easy to be a teen girl, and it’s definitely not easy parenting one. Parents everywhere struggle to respond appropriately to challenging behavior, hit-or-miss communication, and fluctuating moods commonly exhibited by teenage girls. More than previous generations, today’s teen girls face a daunting range of stressors that put them at risk for a range of serious issues, including self-harming behaviors, substance abuse, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. Is it any wonder that parents are overwhelmed? Parenting a Teen Girl is a guide for busy parents who want bottom-line information and tips that make sense—and work. It also offers scripts to improve communication, and exercises to navigate stressful interactions with skill and compassion. Whether your teen girl is struggling with academic pressure, social difficulties, physical self-care, or technology overload, this book offers practical advice to help you connect with your teen girl. Parents and teens alike can enjoy a positive connection once common parent-teen pitfalls are replaced with solid understanding and strategies that work. In this book, you will learn how to: Maximize your teen’s healthy development Understand what underlies her moods and behavior Implement strategies for positive results Communicate effectively about difficult issues Enjoy and appreciate time with your teen daughter