When you first become a parent, everything is new and exciting and challenging. By the time your kids are reading, writing, and riding their bikes, it seems like things hit a plateau and parenting is a breeze . until early adolescence. Suddenly, your sweet child is changing into someone you don't understand, and someone who doesn't understand you. Between the ages of 11 and 14, young teens experience one of the most significant periods of change they'll face during their lifetimes-physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. And while you may feel thrilled at the idea that your child is beginning their journey into adulthood, you may also find yourself struck with fear and confusion. Mark Oestreicher has three decades of experience working with early adolescents in youth ministry, and he is also the parent of two teenagers. In Understanding Your Young Teen, he comes alongside you as a friend and peer to offer insights into the developmental shifts taking place in your child's life, as well as the cultural changes that affect your young teen.

He shares the latest research on early adolescence, as well as practical wisdom from his own stories as a parent, to equip you to effectively understand, communicate with, and parent your child. Book jacket.