First published in 1986. This study seeks to answer some of the psychosocial questions around adolescent fathers that has heightened interest by the increasing concern that has surfaced around the financial burdens imposed on society in the need to support single mothers and their infants. This research looks at the fathers of infants born to adolescent mothers as they seen as an essential component of an important and expensive social problem.

"Kiselica dispels many of the myths surrounding teenage fatherhood and shows that, contrary to popular belief, these young men are often emotionally and physically involved in relationships with their partner and their child. But without support and guidance from adults, these relationships often deteriorate in the first year of the child's life. Kiselica offers advice for professionals and policy-makers that calls for support groups led by caring male role models, bonding through sport before counseling begins, and peer-based recruitment"--Publisher description.

This book is a companion piece and extension of an earlier analysis of parent and friend relations, their structure and functions in children's social and personal development (James Youniss, Parents and Peers in Social Development: A Sullivan-Piaget Perspective, University of Chicago Press, 1980) The present book focuses on adolescents in these same relations. It presents two kinds of material: first, adolescents' own descriptions of interactions they have had in these relations, and second, theory regarding what these relations are and how they contribute to development. As before, relations are treated in the ideal typical sense as descriptions are synthesized across subjects to yield average charateristics that define structure.

The understanding and study of fathers has traditionally assumed that fathers, compared to mothers, are less involved with their children. Originally published in 1997 Fathers and Adolescents presents a different approach that focuses on the distinctive role of fathers in the lives of their adolescents, especially in their role in adolescents’ attainment of developmental tasks. Drawing on a variety of disciplines, the authors’ examine the relationships of fathers to their adolescents in the context of a changing society. They find that fathers interact in ways that are different from those of mothers, but that are important for both normal and disturbed adolescent development. Psychopathological, aggressive and incestuous behaviour is considered as well as the role of the father in more ideal circumstances. Drawing on the authors’ wealth of clinical experience, this title will still be an important resource for all professionals working with adolescents, as well as those in research.

Abstract: This book is a comprehensive guide to the role of the father in teenage pregnancies. The book provides case studies with important research findings and information on programs and resources for practitioners involved with adolescent health, sexuality, and social service efforts. By understanding teen fathers, practitioners will be able to address the needs and concerns of teenage fathers and provide help and encouragement for them. Practical information presented includes: suggestions for overcoming preexisting professional bias against teen fathers; effective sex education; establishing support and counseling services; developing and evaluating intervention and prevention programs; and, a very extensive resource listing of books, periodicals, reports, audiovisuals, and programs for teenage fathers.

More than 1 million teenage girls in the United States become pregnant each year; nearly half give birth. Why do these young people, who are hardly more than children themselves, become parents? This volume reviews in detail the trends in and consequences of teenage sexual behavior and offers thoughtful insights on the issues of sexual initiation, contraception, pregnancy, abortion, adoption, and the well-being of adolescent families. It provides a systematic assessment of the impact of various programmatic approaches, both preventive and ameliorative, in light of the growing scientific understanding of the topic.

Examines the long-term ramifications for adult women who, as adolescent girls, lost their fathers to death, divorce, or addiction; helps them understand how their behaviors were shaped by that loss at a pivotal developmental stage; and provides some interactive exercises to help them heal. Original.

One of the very few books to offer mental health professionals an in-depth, practical guide to dealing with teenage fathers, it also provides something that has rarely been attempted before, an appreciation of the problem from a multicultural perspective that takes into account both universal and culture-specific points of view. . . . This book is a significant addition to the sparse teenage-father literature. --Child & Family Behavior Therapy "Social service providers, scholars, and policymakers interested in the dilemmas facing teenage fathers should find this easy-to-read book a valuable resource. . . . The most impressive aspect of this book is that Mark S. Kiselica provides numerous and detailed recommendations . . . to address every imaginable issue service providers might face . . . when dealing with teenage fathers and their families. This book is therefore a valuable contribution to the burgeoning literature on teenage pregnancy." --William Marsiglio, Ph.D., University of Florida "Thanks to Mark S. Kiselica′s book, we now have a weapon that . . . helps practitioners win the battle of keeping teenage fathers in school, in counseling, and in a positive relationship with their children. . . . This book provides the best help possible for practitioners working with unwed adolescent fathers and helps future generations avoid the pitfalls and tragedies that create unmarried paternity." --from the Foreword by Leo E. Hendricks, Ph.D., Researcher on Adolescent Fathers "Mark S. Kiselica has produced an excellent volume that challenges and transcends harmful stereotypes about teenage fathers. . . . This well-conceived and well-presented book substantially advances our understanding and practice with a poorly served clientele." --Harold E. Cheatham, Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University "I think this book is a real contribution to the field. It provides insight into . . . the issues faced by young fathers . . . as well as . . . practical advice for addressing these issues." --Sally Brown, Project Director, The Maine Young Fathers Project An up-to-date and in-depth guide for dealing with teenage fathers, this volume provides a framework for responding to not only the general but also the culturally specific needs of any given unwed teen father. Offering perceptive solutions, the author significantly contributes to the existing literature on how to help teenage men who face unplanned, out-of-wedlock fatherhood by providing clear and concise guidance within the web of legal, family, and personal issues surrounding teenage fatherhood. The book examines the role of the teenage father′s relationships--to his parents, his child, the mother of his child and her parents, and his peers--as they relate to his adjustment and changing worldview. While sensitive to cultural considerations, author Mark S. Kiselica illuminates ways in which to encourage teenage fathers to take control of their lives and act responsibly, regardless of cultural background. Giving due attention to the teenage father and the issues he faces, this volume provides valuable information and strategies for all helping professionals--including counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, ministers, nurses, early childhood professionals, teachers, and administrators--who work with teenage parents. "Turning the coin from the more familiar side of committed, sensitive service generally available to unwed teenage mothers, author Mark S. Kiselica has produced an excellent volume that challenges and transcends harmful stereotypes about teenage fathers. Combining research findings with his clinical experience with this population, Kiselica provides a profile of the common needs of the teenage male. In turn, he provides dynamic perspectives on the common and culturally distinct experiences and needs of the teenage father. Ultimately, through case studies, Kiselica provides additional insights and strategies that will guide professional interventions that replace the commonplace, indifferent, or punitive responses to the teenage male facing the dilemma of addressing his roles and responsibilities in an unplanned, out-of-wedlock pregnancy. This well-conceived and well-presented book substantially advances our understanding and practice with a poorly served clientele." --Harold E. Cheatham, The Pennsylvania State University

Expert guidance for parents on growing up their kids Psychologist Carl Pickhardt offers insight from his thirty years of experience counseling caregivers on how to navigate the adolescent development process—from eight to eighteen. For most parents, the onset of puberty brings an unexpected, even unwelcome change in their child’s behavior, which can cause bewilderment, confusion, and sadness. Dr. Pickhardt’s comforting and knowledgeable voice points out that not only can growth change many beloved characteristics of their child, but also it can alter dynamics in the relationship. Parents, teachers, and caretakers will find comfort with effective practices to help kids achieve responsible independence from the end of childhood through young adulthood and beyond.

By all indicators, the reproductive health of Americans has been deteriorating since 1980. Our nation is troubled by rates of teen pregnancies and newborn deaths that are worse than almost all others in the Western world. Science and Babies is a straightforward presentation of the major reproductive issues we face that suggests answers for the public. The book discusses how the clash of opinions on sex and family planning prevents us from making a national commitment to reproductive health; why people in the United States have fewer contraceptive choices than those in many other countries; what we need to do to improve social and medical services for teens and people living in poverty; how couples should "shop" for a fertility service and make consumer-wise decisions; and what we can expect in the futureâ€"featuring interesting accounts of potential scientific advances.