Many parenting books, and especially books about parenting teenagers, focus most of their advice and guidance on very general topics like communication, listening, and the importance of parent/child bonding. Of course, these are important subjects, but sometimes parents just want pragmatic answers to specific questions. I'm talking about questions like:

• How do I talk to my teen about a curfew
• Should I give my teen an allowance
• Why can't my teenage son be nice to his little brother
• Is my teen texting too much
• How do I regulate videogame time

In fact, these questions are far more likely to be the driving issue that inspires a parent to seek help in the first place. What most families need, in my experience, is practical advice on handling challenging everyday situations.

The Parent Play Book takes an innovative approach by addressing these challenges directly. This is a collection of helpful answers to the down-to-earth problems faced by real parents of real adolescents. I have chosen a simple question/answer format that allows the book to focus on the common problems found in today's society. The big issues like listening and building trust are included in this book, but always in the context of addressing a specific parenting challenge likely to be familiar to the parents of teens.

Let's face it: All families encounter occasional bumps and potholes on the road of life. You are likely to feel a little scared or stressed when your child first asks to take the family car out on a Friday night. Handling these situations with sensitivity can be difficult. I have written The Parent Playbook as a practical guide to teach families how to discuss and address "normal" stress-provoking situations. More important, this book teaches parents how to model effectively communication skills- to have fewer arguments and more discussions with their kids.

You will find, between these covers, plenty of win-win solutions both parents and teens can embrace. As you make your way through the various questions, remember that holding discussions (rather than taking sides) is a life skill, one that family members of all ages need to develop. The more you practice, the easier it gets for parents and teens alike.

Watch Dr. Russell Hyken in an interview on KSHB-TV in Kansas City. For more videos, click here.