©2009, Shepherd Press, 176 pp. in paperback.

The title grabs the reader’s attention. No doubt it is meant to do so. The book’s contents focus on a problem that grabs a parent’s attention when it initially occurs and when it continues. How does a parent address a teen who has a great chip on his or her shoulders toward authority and toward seemingly sound reason?

The author brings the experience of a guidance counselor, a parent and, most importantly, a commitment to Biblical thinking to this emotional, heart-wrenching issue for parents on the front line of confrontation. The book is full of hope but not guaranteed results. It provides a wise approach built on biblical criteria with the realization that results belong to God.

The book is divided into three parts. The first centers on how parents can understand their teenager. The second focuses on how to help the teenager. The final part addresses how to work toward making necessary changes stick to lives.

The author realizes that parents must address their own hearts and their reactions if they expect their antagonistic teen to really listen. In fact, wise listening and wise speaking of adults, as well as youth, are major points of focus throughout this book as are God’s glory and our remembering the fruit of the Spirit particularly patient expectation as God works biblical truth into the life of all involved.

This is an excellent book for all parents to read, even those who never have heard “Get Outta My Face” or similar words. These foundational principles can be employed in every home. Rightly employed and by God’s grace, they can lead to the teen years being great years in parent/teen relationships.

Review ©2009 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia