Experience
I am the mother of four young daughters, business owner, 8th grade English Teacher, and have published three young adult novels. I am currently completing my Master's of Education in Literacy/Language Arts and will graduate in May 2010.
Also known as "Mrs. Mac", I've been teaching middle school English for 16 years including a Health curriculum for 6 years. I find that a lot of parents don't like to talk to their children about adolescent issues because they're too embarrassed, but this is where communication needs to be the strongest. I usually like to incorporate touchy adolescent topics, personal experience, as well as my own teaching adventures into all of my books.
Theory
I truly feel that instead of "preaching" to teens, I have been much more successful at approaching topics at their level. Teens find it easier to relate to adults when adults can relate to them. Mutual respect is key because teens have a voice. They all have their own opinions and would like to be heard. Communicate with them in a non-threatening way and they will usually respond positively.
Suggestions
If you are the parent of a teenager, boy or girl, read LIFE IN THE FAST LANE. Either the parent can read it first, have the teen read it next, then talk about the issues together, or parent and child can read it together (you'll need 2 copies) and discuss the chapters on a daily basis (I believe this is most effective). I would also recommend this book for a mother/daughter book group!
Coming Soon
My fourth book, DAYS OF DESTRUCTION, is currently under construction and will be completed in 2010.
Wanted:
Currently seeking a Literary Agent.