The Adolescent Obstacle Course: Helping Kids Overcome Life’s Hurdles

Adolescence brings challenges for teenagers as they work out who they are, where they fit in and what they want to do with their lives. In the 21st century these developmental tasks must be navigated in an uncertain and changing world, influenced by the digital lives of young people.

The Adolescent Obstacle Course: Helping Kids Overcome Life’s Hurdles (2023) is a book for parents which presents the common hurdles encountered by teenagers as they move from childhood to being young adults. Each topic begins with a case study demonstrating how different issues may present, with frequently experienced features. Background content enables parents to understand contributing factors and the current context. Practical strategies, suggestions and key take-aways are shared.

Published in 2023, The Adolescent Obstacle Course: Helping Teenagers Overcome Life’s Hurdles differs from other books for parents of adolescents by delving into issues that impact the wellbeing of everyday kids, normalising the ups and downs that characterise growing up. The Adolescent Obstacle Course targets the specific challenges experienced by teenagers, to equip parents with practical ideas for supporting their kids navigate common issues. 

Although The Adolescent Obstacle Course is addressed to parents, I hope that others who work with teenagers - teachers, pastoral staff, counsellors - may also find some useful ideas.

The content contained in The Adolescent Obstacle Course represents my experience working with young people and their families in a school setting. It is not intended to replace professional support and advice where that may be needed.

Each of the book’s chapters may be accessed by clicking on the chapter titles below.

If you are interested in accessing the entire text of The Adolescent Obstacle Course, please contact me by submitting an enquiry on the Contact page.