Books by Terri Apter

A renowned social psychologist's clear-cut, thoughtful, and practical strategy for parents who want to promote self-confidence in their child.

Once children hit adolescence, it seems as if overnight "I love you" becomes "leave me alone," and any question from a parent can be dismissed with one word: "fine." But while they may not show it, teenagers rely on their parents' curiosity, delight, and connection to guide them through this period of exuberant growth as they navigate complex changes to their bodies, their thought processes, their social world, and their self-image.In The Teen Interpreter, psychologist Terri Apter looks into teens' minds-minds that are experiencing powerful new emotions and awareness of the world around them-to show how parents can revitalize their relationship with their children. She illuminates the rapid neurological developments of a teen's brain, along with their new, complex emotions, and offers strategies for disciplining unsafe actions constructively and empathetically. Apter includes up-to-the moment case studies that shed light on the anxieties and vulnerabilities that today's teens face, and she thoughtfully explores the positives and pitfalls of social media.With perceptive conversation exercises that synthesize research from more than thirty years in the field, Apter illustrates how teens signal their changing needs and identities-and how parents can interpret these signals and see the world through their teens' eyes. The Teen Interpreter is a generous roadmap for enjoying the most challenging, and rewarding, parenting years.

Best Friends provides the missing link to understanding and recognizing the impact of some of the most important relationships in girls'' and women''s lives. Every woman remembers the sting of betrayal of a girlfriend, and every parent of a daughter has seen her come home from school in tears because a girl she thought was her best friend suddenly and inexplicably became her enemy. While boys hash out differences with fists and kicks, girls'' societies are marked by secrets and whispers and shifting affection. The lessons learned as an adolescent girl are often carried into adulthood, making women fear confrontation--especially with other women. But the intensity of the struggles reflects the support and healing to be found within these friendships. Girls find themselves in the mirror of other girls, hence the power each has to influence the other. Ruthellen Josselson and Terri Apter''s many years of working with hundreds of girls and women have given them insight into the emotionally important relationships that are integral to a girl''s self-image. Best Friends explores the bonds of friendship between girls and between women and the sorrows and joys they experience together, from early adolescence and throughout their lives.

An essential work for readers seeking compassionate, wise guidance about the powerful relationship between mothers and their sons and daughters.

"The author of Altered Loves . . . now turns her analytical eye toward middle-aged women. The result is both lively and revealing." --New York Times Book Review

"Parents and young adults alike should benefit from the advice in Apter's insightful book."-Washington Post

Understand what your teenage daughter really means-and learn to use your arguments to strengthen your bond with her.

This book questions women's slow progress towards equality. Neither male conspiracies nor women's psychology is at fault, but social structures which fail to accommodate people who both need to earn a living and who are obliged to care for their families underlie persistent inequalities.