Includes bibliographical references and index.

Acknowledgments -- Introduction - 1. How to motivate your kids - 2. How to encourage perseverance in the age of instant gratification - 3. Too old to run to mom or dad: when to get involved and when to step back - 4. Getting teens to accept responsibility for their work, their decisions, and their mistakes - 5. How to get the most from parent-teacher conferences and open houses - 6. Homework and extracurriculars: should you still be involved in high school? - 7. The real value of advanced placement courses-and who should take them - 8. College isn't for everyone: is it best for your child? - 9. The dangers of coddling: helping your kids develop healthy self-esteem - 10. Making sure teens know that the way they look and sound matters - 11. Getting kids organized: a strong foundation for a lifetime of success -- How to prepare your teens for adulthood - 12. All we can do is our best -- Notes -- Index -- About the author.