The Well-Behaved Teenager (and Other Myths)
New Ways to Cope with Your Teen’s Challenging Behaviours
By Dr Jari Evertsz, Clinical Psychologist
Is your teenager’s behaviour a major source of stress?
Are issues like verbal conflicts, put-downs, blank refusals and ‘just not caring’ beginning to get you down?
In this book, you’ll discover 4 Golden Rules that will reduce the turbulence in your household – for good.
Why Grounding and Device Bans Fall Short
In today’s parenting culture, many parents feel pressure to "do something" when their teenager acts out. The default? Remove privileges—phones, social outings, or screen time—often in a burst of anger or exasperation.
But as Dr Evertsz explains, this approach rarely changes behaviour in a meaningful way. What it tends to do instead is escalate conflict, damage trust, and leave both parent and teen feeling worse.
This book shows families how to interrupt that cycle—by:
- Giving yourself space before responding
- Separating your reaction from your emotion
- Using firm, fair consequences that align with your values and boundaries
- Grounding discipline in the principles of an honest relationship
These are the strategies that actually change behaviour—and preserve the parent-child relationship in the process.
What You’ll Learn
The Well-Behaved Teenager (and Other Myths) is one of the most grounded and emotionally intelligent books on raising teenagers available today.
Inside, you’ll find:
- The 4 Golden Rules that help reduce daily tension and prevent escalation
- How to support your teenager’s emotional development without lectures
- Practical scripts and examples for common flashpoints (like rudeness, refusal, and emotional shutdown)
- Why emotional restraint—not punishment—is your most powerful parenting tool
- What to do instead of grounding or yelling
These are real strategies for real families—backed by decades of clinical experience and designed to work in your everyday life.
For Parents Who Want Calm, Not Chaos
This book is for you if:
- You’re looking for a parenting book for teenagers that’s thoughtful, not preachy
- You’ve tried grounding, taking away phones, or long “talks”—and found they don’t help
- You’re asking, How do I help my teenager without pushing them further away?
- You want to raise a mature, capable young person—without constant conflict
You’re tired of feeling hurt, dismissed, or stuck—and want new tools that actually work
About the Author
Dr Jari Evertsz is a Melbourne-based clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping parents, children, and families navigate some of the hardest chapters in family life. She’s worked with young offenders, at-risk youth, and everyday families dealing with ongoing conflict and emotional burnout.
Her approach is practical, honest, and deeply respectful—of both parents and teens. She believes every family deserves to feel safe, respected, and connected at home.
Available Now
Paperback
$29.95 AUD
Hardcover
$39.95 AUD
eBook
$9.95 AUD
Published by Inspiring Bookshop (Australia)
Also available on Amazon and through major retailers