Untangled

Leading clinical psychologist Lisa Damour identifies the seven key phases marking the journey from girlhood to womanhood, and offers practical advice for those raising teenage girls. We expect an enormous amount from our teenage girls in a world where they are bombarded with messages about how they should look, behave, succeed. Yet we also speak as though adolescence is a nightmare rollercoaster ride for both parent and child, to be endured rather than enjoyed. In Untangled , world authority and clinical psychologist Lisa Damour provides an accessible, detailed, comprehensive guide to parenting teenage girls. She believes there is a predictable blueprint for how girls grow; seven easily recognisable 'strands' of transition from childhood through adolescence and on to adulthood. Girls naturally develop at different rates, typically on more than one front, and the transition will be unique to every girl. Each chapter describes a phase, such as 'contending with adult authority' and 'entering the romantic world', with hints and tips for parents and daughters, and a 'when to worry' section. Damour writes sympathetically and clearly, providing a practical and helpful guide for any parent, and for teenage girls as well.

Leading clinical psychologist Lisa Damour identifies the seven key phases marking the journey from girlhood to womanhood, and offers practical advice for those raising teenage girls. We expect an enormous amount from our teenage girls in a world where they are bombarded with messages about how they should look, behave, succeed. Yet we also speak as though adolescence is a nightmare rollercoaster ride for both parent and child, to be endured rather than enjoyed. In Untangled , world authority and clinical psychologist Lisa Damour provides an accessible, detailed, comprehensive guide to parenting teenage girls. She believes there is a predictable blueprint for how girls grow; seven easily recognisable 'strands' of transition from childhood through adolescence and on to adulthood. Girls naturally develop at different rates, typically on more than one front, and the transition will be unique to every girl. Each chapter describes a phase, such as 'contending with adult authority' and 'entering the romantic world', with hints and tips for parents and daughters, and a 'when to worry' section. Damour writes sympathetically and clearly, providing a practical and helpful guide for any parent, and for teenage girls as well.

REVISED AND UPDATED IN 2025 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - An award-winning guide to the sometimes erratic and confusing behavior of teenage girls from the author of Under Pressure and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers --now revised and updated with advice on social media use, gender fluidity, and drug use Dr. Lisa Damour worked as an expert collaborator on Pixar's Inside Out 2 ! "The most down-to-earth, readable parenting book I've come across in a long time."-- The Washington Post In this sane, highly engaging, and informed guide for parents of daughters, Dr. Damour draws on decades of experience and the latest research to reveal the seven distinct--and absolutely normal--developmental transitions that turn girls into grown-ups, including Parting with Childhood, Contending with Adult Authority, Entering the Romantic World, and Caring for Herself. Providing realistic scenarios and welcome advice on how to engage daughters in smart, constructive ways, Untangled gives parents a broad framework for understanding their daughters while addressing their most common questions, including - My thirteen-year-old rolls her eyes when I try to talk to her, and only does it more when I get angry with her about it. How should I respond? - Do I tell my teen daughter that I'm checking her phone? - My daughter suffers from test anxiety. What can I do to help her? - Where's the line between healthy eating and having an eating disorder? - My teenage daughter wants to know why I'm against pot when it's legal in some states. What should I say? - My daughter's friend is cutting herself. Do I call the girl's mother to let her know? Perhaps most important, Untangled helps mothers and fathers understand, connect, and grow with their daughters. When parents know what makes their daughter tick, they can embrace and enjoy the challenge of raising a healthy, happy young woman. BOOKS FOR A BETTER LIFE AWARD WINNER

REVISED AND UPDATED IN 2025 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - An award-winning guide to the sometimes erratic and confusing behavior of teenage girls from the author of Under Pressure and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers --now revised and updated with advice on social media use, gender fluidity, and drug use Dr. Lisa Damour worked as an expert collaborator on Pixar's Inside Out 2 ! "The most down-to-earth, readable parenting book I've come across in a long time."-- The Washington Post In this sane, highly engaging, and informed guide for parents of daughters, Dr. Damour draws on decades of experience and the latest research to reveal the seven distinct--and absolutely normal--developmental transitions that turn girls into grown-ups, including Parting with Childhood, Contending with Adult Authority, Entering the Romantic World, and Caring for Herself. Providing realistic scenarios and welcome advice on how to engage daughters in smart, constructive ways, Untangled gives parents a broad framework for understanding their daughters while addressing their most common questions, including - My thirteen-year-old rolls her eyes when I try to talk to her, and only does it more when I get angry with her about it. How should I respond? - Do I tell my teen daughter that I'm checking her phone? - My daughter suffers from test anxiety. What can I do to help her? - Where's the line between healthy eating and having an eating disorder? - My teenage daughter wants to know why I'm against pot when it's legal in some states. What should I say? - My daughter's friend is cutting herself. Do I call the girl's mother to let her know? Perhaps most important, Untangled helps mothers and fathers understand, connect, and grow with their daughters. When parents know what makes their daughter tick, they can embrace and enjoy the challenge of raising a healthy, happy young woman. BOOKS FOR A BETTER LIFE AWARD WINNER