Boomerang kids : a revealing look at why so many of our children are failing on their own, and how parents can help / Carl Pickhardt

Many young people college age and older are returning  live with parents at a time when they themselves, their parents and society expect them to be living on their own and economically and psychologically independent. Psychologist Carl Pickett, writer for Psychology Today’s weekly blog Surviving (Your Child’s) Adolescence, describes the period between 18-25 as trial independence. The challenges during this time include: missing home and family, managing increased freedom, flunking out of college, unemployment and losing a job, roommate problems, broken love relationships, substance abuse, indebtedness, stress, emotional crisis, fear of the future.  This easy to read book gives “parenting prescriptions“ summarizing actions that parents can take in supporting their children's recovery and strengthening their readiness to try again for independence. Also recommended for teachers and others who work with those in this last stage of adolescence.

We highly recommend Going on 13, an eye-opening movie for concerned parents and teachers of adolescent girls. The movie deals with teen sexuality, race, immigration, the coming of age, and other issues regarding 4 Bay Area teenage girls. Tracing the story of the girls from 4th grade through the age of 13, the movie also has a website with more information and a trailer.