Resources for Parents: Books, Courses, Support

BY NICOLE LAU

The Psychology of Internal Locus: Why Most Suffering is Optional - Module 4: Parent and Educator Guide - Part III: Resources and Tools

Parenting teenagers requires support. You don't have to do this alone. Resources exist - books, courses, support groups, communities. But when seeking help feels like admitting failure, parents struggle alone. When worth depends on knowing everything, asking for help feels like worthlessness. But here's the truth: seeking resources is wisdom. Learning is strength. Getting support is smart parenting. This guide provides resources for parents raising teens with internal locus.

Recommended Books

Essential reading for parents:

On Internal Locus and Worth:

- "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown - Shame, vulnerability, worthiness

- "Self-Compassion" by Kristin Neff - Self-compassion practices for parents and teens

- "Mindset" by Carol Dweck - Growth mindset, learning from failure

- "The Self-Driven Child" by William Stixrud & Ned Johnson - Building autonomy, internal motivation

On Parenting Teens:

- "The Teenage Brain" by Frances Jensen - Understanding adolescent development

- "How to Raise an Adult" by Julie Lythcott-Haims - Avoiding overparenting

- "Untangled" by Lisa Damour - Understanding teenage girls

- "The Conscious Parent" by Shefali Tsabary - Mindful, aware parenting

On Mental Health:

- "The Anxiety Workbook for Teens" by Lisa Schab - Practical anxiety tools

- "Parenting a Teen Who Has Intense Emotions" by Pat Harvey & Jeanine Penzo - DBT for families

Online Courses and Programs

Structured learning:

Parenting Courses:

- Positive Discipline for Teenagers - Jane Nelsen's approach

- The Gottman Institute - Emotion Coaching for parents

- Hand in Hand Parenting - Connection-based parenting

- Aha! Parenting - Dr. Laura Markham's peaceful parenting

Mental Health Education:

- NAMI Family-to-Family - Free mental health education for families

- Mental Health First Aid - Youth mental health training

- Teen Mental Health First Aid - Specific to adolescents

Self-Development:

- Brené Brown's courses - Vulnerability, courage, shame resilience

- Mindful Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff & Chris Germer

Support Groups and Communities

Connect with other parents:

In-Person Groups:

- NAMI Family Support Groups - Mental health support

- Al-Anon/Nar-Anon - For families of substance users

- Local parenting groups - Check community centers, schools

- Faith-based parenting groups - Church, synagogue, mosque communities

Online Communities:

- Facebook parenting groups - Search "parenting teens" + your location

- Reddit r/Parenting, r/ParentingTeens - Anonymous support

- Parenting forums - BabyCenter, What to Expect (teen sections)

- Instagram parenting accounts - Follow experts, connect with parents

Professional Support

When you need expert help:

Parent Coaching: One-on-one support. Personalized guidance. Accountability.

Family Therapy: Whole family works together. Address dynamics, communication.

Parent Therapy: Your own therapist. Work on your patterns, healing.

Parenting Classes: Local community centers, hospitals. Group learning.

School Resources: School counselors, social workers. Free support through school.

Podcasts and Media

Learning on the go:

Parenting Podcasts:

- "Raising Good Humans" - Dr. Aliza Pressman

- "The Balanced Parent Podcast" - Laura Froyen

- "Parenting Beyond Discipline" - Erin Royer

- "Your Parenting Mojo" - Jen Lumanlan - Research-based

Teen Mental Health:

- "Shrinking It Down" - Child psychiatry podcast

- "Speaking of Teens" - Ann Coleman

YouTube Channels:

- Dr. Becky Kennedy - Clinical psychologist, parenting expert

- Lisa Damour - Adolescent psychologist

Websites and Organizations

Reliable information:

Mental Health:

- NAMI.org - National Alliance on Mental Illness

- MentalHealth.gov - Government mental health resources

- TeenMentalHealth.org - Teen-specific resources

- Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741

- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988

Parenting Information:

- CDC Parenting Resources - Evidence-based information

- Zero to Three - Early development (has teen resources too)

- Child Mind Institute - Mental health, learning disorders

Apps and Tools

Technology support:

For Parents:

- Calm, Headspace - Meditation, stress management

- Insight Timer - Free meditation

- Cozi - Family organization, calendar

For Teens:

- Calm Harm - Self-harm alternatives

- Sanvello - Anxiety, depression support

- Finch - Mental health self-care

Building Your Support System

Creating network:

1. Identify Needs: What support do you need? Information? Community? Professional help?

2. Start Small: One book. One podcast. One group. Build from there.

3. Connect with Parents: Other parents understand. Build community.

4. Get Professional Help: Don't wait. Therapy, coaching help.

5. Keep Learning: Parenting is ongoing learning. Stay curious.

6. Take Care of Yourself: Can't pour from empty cup. Your wellbeing matters.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

This is the message for parents: Resources exist. Support is available. You don't have to figure this out alone. Seeking help is wisdom, not weakness. Learning is strength. Building support system is smart parenting. Use these resources. Connect with community. Get professional help when needed. You're doing important work. You deserve support.

This is building support. This is seeking resources. This is smart parenting.