Parenting teens can be both challenging and deeply rewarding, as their growing independence and emotional shifts often test even the most patient parent. At Pulse Parenting, our mission is to help parents understand what’s happening beneath the surface — blending science, empathy, and practical wisdom to support healthier communication and emotional growth. This curated list of books offers trusted insights into the adolescent brain, emotional regulation, anxiety, mindfulness, and connection, empowering families to navigate the teen years with greater confidence, compassion, and understanding. Download our mobile app (Pulse Parenting App) and start to learn the wisdom and strategies from these books. You can also watch the youtube videos listed on this page under the section for each book.
The Teenage Brain by Frances E. Jensen
Exploration of the adolescent brain's development, highlighting its strengths and vulnerabilities, and offering insights for parents and educators.
Key Strategies
- Understanding Brain Development
- Communication Strategies
- Risk Management
- Promoting Healthy Habits
- Supporting Emotional Growth
- Educational Approaches
- Building Resilience
Videos (5)
The Teenage Brain: A Guide for Parents
Adolescent Brain Development Explained
Communicating with Teens Effectively
Managing Risks in Teenage Years
Supporting Emotional Growth in Adolescents
Helping Your Anxious Teen by Sheila Achar Josephs
A guide for parents to help their teenagers manage anxiety through practical strategies and support.
Key Strategies
- Communication Techniques
- Cognitive Behavioral Strategies
- Mindfulness Practices
- Building Resilience
- Setting Boundaries
- Encouraging Healthy Habits
- Seeking Professional Help
Videos (3)
Understanding Teen Anxiety
Effective Communication with Teens
CBT Techniques for Teens
Parenting a Child Who Has Intense Emotions by Pat Harvey and Jeanine Penzo
A guide for parents to help their children manage intense emotions using practical strategies and skills.
Key Strategies
- Validation Techniques
- Emotion Regulation Skills
- Mindfulness Practices
- Problem-Solving Strategies
- Effective Communication
- Setting Boundaries
- Self-Care for Parents
Videos (8)
Understanding Your Child's Emotional Needs
Techniques for Calming Intense Emotions
Mindfulness for Children
Effective Communication with Your Child
Problem-Solving with Your Child
Self-Care Tips for Parents
Setting Healthy Boundaries
Validation Techniques for Parents
How to Talk So Teens Will Listen & Listen So Teens Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
A guide for parents to improve communication with their teenage children, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Key Strategies
- Acknowledge Feelings
- Engage Cooperation
- Alternatives to Punishment
- Encourage Autonomy
- Praise and Self-Esteem
- Freeing Teens from Playing Roles
Videos (5)
How to Talk So Teens Will Listen
Listening Skills for Parents
Encouraging Teen Cooperation
Alternatives to Punishment
Building Teen Self-Esteem
The DBT Skills Workbook for Parents of Teens by Amanda L. Smith
Skills for surviving emotional crises without making things worse: rapid body‑calming techniques, short‑term distractions, and radical acceptance tools that let pain pass safely.
Key Strategies
- TIPP (Rapid Body Reset)
- Self‑Soothe with the Five Senses
- ACCEPTS Distraction Skills
- IMPROVE the Moment
- Pros & Cons Before Acting
- STOP Skill for Immediate Grounding
- Radical Acceptance & Turning the Mind
Videos (8)
DBT – Distress Tolerance – Quick Overview of All Skills
How to Deal with Negative Emotions – Distress Tolerance
DBT Skills: TIPP for Distress Tolerance
DBT Skills: ACCEPTS for Distress Tolerance
DBT Skills: Improve for Distress Tolerance
DBT Skills: Self-Soothe for Distress Tolerance
DBT Skills: Pros and Cons for Distress Tolerance
DBT Skills: Radical Acceptance for Distress Tolerance
The Mindful Teen by Dzung X. Vo
A guide for teenagers to develop mindfulness skills to handle stress and emotions effectively, promoting mental well-being and resilience.
Key Strategies
- Mindful Breathing
- Body Scan Meditation
- Mindful Walking
- Loving-Kindness Meditation
- Mindful Listening
- Mindful Eating
- Gratitude Practice
Videos (8)
Mindfulness for Teens – Quick Overview of All Skills
How to Deal with Stress – Mindfulness Techniques
Mindful Breathing for Stress Reduction
Body Scan Meditation for Relaxation
Mindful Walking for Awareness
Loving-Kindness Meditation for Compassion
Mindful Listening for Better Communication
Gratitude Practice for Positivity
Raising a Moody Child by Mary A. Fristad & Jill S. Goldberg Arnold
A guide for parents to help their children manage mood disorders, with strategies for understanding and addressing emotional challenges.
Key Strategies
- Identifying Mood Symptoms
- Building Emotional Resilience
- Effective Communication Techniques
- Creating a Supportive Environment
- Collaborating with Professionals
- Implementing Routine and Structure
- Coping Strategies for Parents
Videos (6)
Understanding Childhood Mood Disorders
Building Resilience in Children
Effective Communication with Your Child
Creating a Supportive Home Environment
Establishing Routines for Stability
Self-Care for Parents of Moody Children
Brainstorm by Daniel J. Siegel
Explores the adolescent brain and provides insights into the changes and challenges during this developmental period, emphasizing the importance of understanding and nurturing the adolescent mind.
Key Strategies
- Embracing Emotional Spark
- Social Engagement
- Novelty Seeking
- Creative Exploration
Videos (8)
The Adolescent Brain: A Work in Progress
Understanding Teen Behavior
The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain
Navigating Adolescence with Insight
Parenting Teens: Strategies for Connection
Adolescent Brain Development Explained
Harnessing the Power of the Teenage Brain
The Science of the Teenage Brain