Teen-Adult Conflicts: Working it Out

The hubby and I thought teenagers only came in three models: the door-slammer, the whiner, and the "Mom, Dad, when you two have settled down, we'll talk about this like mature adults" type. According to this excellent program on conflict resolution between parents and teens, we were pretty close. When teenagers behave like adults (rational), the parental-unit can be cool, but if teens behave like children (demanding), it forces parents into the parent role (i.e., the Joan Crawford response). This program does a terrific job representing teens and adults in three believable, well-acted sketches concerning teen-adult communication with a parent, a boss, and a teacher. In each vignette, the teen gets advice from very hip and sensible peers on a local radio show, who offer tips on the art of negotiation, brainstorming, and compromise in resolving conflicts. The production qualities are top-notch and the accompanying teacher's guide suggests questions, strategies and activities for classroom use, and includes a bibliography, related curriculum and the script. Highly recommended. Aud: I, J, H. (N. Plympton)