The Well-Behaved Teenager (and Other Myths)
A Guide for Parents Navigating Challenging Teen Behaviour
By Dr Jari Evertsz, Clinical Psychologist
A Practical Resource for Families Facing Frustration and Disconnection
It’s not unusual for the teenage years to bring unexpected strain into family life. Communication breaks down, tempers rise quickly, and what used to be small issues can spiral into daily arguments. Many parents find themselves feeling stuck—torn between wanting to set limits and fearing they’re pushing their teen further away.
In The Well-Behaved Teenager (and Other Myths), Dr Jari Evertsz draws on over two decades of clinical experience to offer parents a fresh, realistic path forward. Grounded in psychological insight and deep compassion, this book provides tools that help reduce household tension—while keeping connection, respect, and emotional safety at the centre.
Why Grounding and Device Bans Fall Short
In today’s parenting culture, many parents feel pressure to "do something" when their teenager acts out. The default? Remove privileges—phones, social outings, or screen time—often in a burst of anger or exasperation.
But as Dr Evertsz explains, this approach rarely changes behaviour in a meaningful way. What it tends to do instead is escalate conflict, damage trust, and leave both parent and teen feeling worse.
This book shows families how to interrupt that cycle by:
- Giving yourself space before responding
- Separating your reaction from your emotion
- Using firm, fair consequences that align with your values and boundaries
- Grounding discipline in the principles of an honest relationship
These are the strategies that actually change behaviour—and preserve the parent-child relationship in the process.
What the Book Covers
Inside, parents will find a range of tools and insights, including:
- The 4 Golden Rules that reduce emotional intensity at home
- Practical ways to respond to common flashpoints like rudeness, refusal, and emotional shutdown
- Guidance for fostering responsibility and emotional awareness in teenagers
- A calm, values-aligned approach to discipline—without shouting, grounding, or over-explaining
- How to hold boundaries with confidence while keeping communication open
These are real strategies for real families—backed by decades of clinical experience and designed to work in your everyday life.
Who It’s For
This resource may be especially helpful for parents who:
- Feel overwhelmed by frequent arguments or shut-downs
- Are looking for a respectful, balanced alternative to reactive parenting
- Want to support their teen’s growth into a thoughtful, capable young adult
- Have found that traditional parenting books don’t reflect the realities of their home life
- Are wondering how to help a teenager without damaging the relationship
Whether you’re dealing with a single difficult phase or an ongoing pattern of disruption, this book can offer structure and hope.
About the Author
Dr Jari Evertsz is a Melbourne-based clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping parents, children, and families navigate some of the hardest chapters in family life. She’s worked with young offenders, at-risk youth, and everyday families dealing with ongoing conflict and emotional burnout.
Her approach is practical, honest, and deeply respectful—of both parents and teens. She believes every family deserves to feel safe, respected, and connected at home.
A Practical Resource for Families Facing Frustration and Disconnection
It’s not unusual for the teenage years to bring unexpected strain into family life. Communication breaks down, tempers rise quickly, and what used to be small issues can spiral into daily arguments. Many parents find themselves feeling stuck—torn between wanting to set limits and fearing they’re pushing their teen further away.
In The Well-Behaved Teenager (and Other Myths), Dr Jari Evertsz draws on over two decades of clinical experience to offer parents a fresh, realistic path forward. Grounded in psychological insight and deep compassion, this book provides tools that help reduce household tension—while keeping connection, respect, and emotional safety at the centre.
Why Grounding and Device Bans Fall Short
In today’s parenting culture, many parents feel pressure to "do something" when their teenager acts out. The default? Remove privileges—phones, social outings, or screen time—often in a burst of anger or exasperation.
But as Dr Evertsz explains, this approach rarely changes behaviour in a meaningful way. What it tends to do instead is escalate conflict, damage trust, and leave both parent and teen feeling worse.
What Others Are Saying:
“A must-buy book for all parents of young children, soon-to-be teens and teenagers... filled with commonsense ideas to help parents—and by default teens—manage and survive the tumultuous teens.”
— Janet Mawdesley, Blue Wolf Reviews“Encourages a more considered and values-based approach to adolescent behaviour.”
— The Daily Telegraph, Sydney Weekend Edition
The book contains many insights and practical strategies which can really benefit the situation.
This book shows families how to interrupt that cycle by:
- Giving yourself space before responding
- Separating your reaction from your emotion
- Using firm, fair consequences that align with your values and boundaries
- Grounding discipline in the principles of an honest relationship
These are the strategies that actually change behaviour—and preserve the parent-child relationship in the process.
What the Book Covers
Inside, parents will find a range of tools and insights, including:
- The 4 Golden Rules that reduce emotional intensity at home
- Practical ways to respond to common flashpoints like rudeness, refusal, and emotional shutdown
- Guidance for fostering responsibility and emotional awareness in teenagers
- A calm, values-aligned approach to discipline—without shouting, grounding, or over-explaining
- How to hold boundaries with confidence while keeping communication open
These are real strategies for real families—backed by decades of clinical experience and designed to work in your everyday life.
Where to Find the Book
Paperback – $29.95 AUD
Hardcover – $39.95 AUD
eBook – $9.95 AUD
Published by Inspiring Bookshop (Australia)
Also available via Amazon and other major booksellers
Ready to Explore a New Approach?
The Well-Behaved Teenager (and Other Myths) is not just a book about parenting—it’s a practical, compassionate tool to help restore connection in your family. If you’re interested in strategies that support emotional growth and calm communication, this book is a valuable place to start.