Tools & Resources

Many parents can learn more about their son’s problem in order to better understand, support and help the young man through treatment. There is a wealth of information available on the issues an adolescent can face, making it difficult for parents to find the best resources applicable to the situation.

It is for this reason that White River Academy has developed this page. Below is a list of the top literature and website resources to help with the most common problems facing teenagers today.

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Books to Read

“Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men,” by Leonard Sax.

Author, Leonard Sax, compiles scientific evidence and years of clinical practice to detail why boys are failing at school and unengaged at home. Sax details the biological, social and environmental factors creating a harmful situation for boys. Sax also provides practical solutions parents and teachers can implement to help create a better environment.

“Why Gender Matters: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know about the Emerging Science of Sex Differences,” by Leonard Sax.

This book discusses the biological differences between genders that contribute to the ways children feel, think and act. Many of these differences can lead to a lack of understanding by parents and teachers, including the belief a child is misbehaving when he or she is not. Sax provides information based on new scientific research to help readers better understand children and adolescents based on biological gender differences.

“Leadership & Self Deception: Getting out of the Box,” by the Arbinger Institute.

The Arbinger Institute not only describes the ways in which people easily blind themselves to their true motivations, but does so through a thought-provoking story. Readers also learn the ways in which people unknowingly ruin their efforts to become successful and happy. It also provides insight into how teens and adults turn into their own worst enemies.

“Positive Peer Culture,” by Harry H. Vorrath and Larry K. Brendtro.

This book encompasses the idea of positive peer culture; an approach to guiding youth to help themselves that is widely used at White River Academy. Positive peer culture’s foundation is a belief that troubled youth can develop positive feelings of self-worth, dignity, significance, and responsibility through learning the positive values of helping others. The second edition of this book adds information on maintaining the positive peer culture program in various settings from school to treatment facilities.

“Theories of Delinquency: An Examination of Explanations of Delinquent Behaviors,” by Donald J. Shoemaker.

In this book, Donald Shoemaker explores the topic of delinquent behaviors and examines the possible explanations for said behaviors. The sixth edition of this book includes up-to-date developments in the theory of delinquency. Some of the theories brought up in this book include anomie and social disorganization, differential association, drift theory, psychological and biological explanations and more.

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Websites to Visit

National Institute of Mental Health, Child and Adolescent information is helpful website identifying symptoms, treatment and other information on mental health disorders and substance abuse.

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Facts for Families features pages that can help parents understand the how and why of what is going on with their adolescent or teen.

Teen Online is a handy hub of crisis contact information.

Healthy Children.org’s section on teenagers is produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Articles & Stories

It’s easy to forget when you’re dealing with the massive stress family problems bring that you’re not alone. Many people have gone through what you’re struggling with and they’re often eager to share their stories and experiences with other parents.

Additionally, there’s constant studies and research being done on adolescent behavior and related issues garnering more information and new strategies on resolving those problems positively.

Below, we’ve linked to a variety of articles on everything from tips for dealing with adolescent difficulties to interesting new studies on diet and behavior.

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“Don’t let rocky past relations with parents spoil your romance.” Children learn by observation. That’s something to consider, because how you treat your partner can determine how your child will conduct their relationships later in life.

“Get Tough! How Outward Bound Adventures Increases Teenage Resiliency” Wilderness challenge programs can help teens deal with their problems.

“Widespread Adolescent Energy Drink/Shot Use Closely Associated With Substance Abuse” Teens who consume high-caffeine drinks and “energy shots” seem to have higher rates of alcohol, drug and tobacco use.

“Genetic Mutation Could Increase Understanding Of ADHD:” Researchers are gaining a better understanding of genetic nuances in the brain and how they may benefit those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

“New Light Shed On Learning Disorders:” New findings about how learning disorders develop may improve how they’re treated.

“Many parents slow to realize a child is overweight:” It sounds obvious, but a lot of parents underestimate their child’s weight.