Situations come up in families with adolescents that require communication and problem-solving skills. These skills are essential for dealing with daily concerns about relatively small issues such as sharing the telephone and getting along with others. Parents and teenagers also need these skills to help them respond effectively when they are confronted with difficult issues such as experimenting with alcohol and drugs. How these situations are handled is critical because it has a profound effect on the well-being of the entire family. In this book, Dr. Forgatch and Dr. Patterson provide detailed guidelines for communicating about issues and resolving problems with a minimum of conflict. They also offer practical research-based strategies for teaching sexual responsibility, preventing drug and alcohol abuse, and improving school performance. This innovative book builds on the concepts presented in Part 1: “The Basics.” Reading the two books in this mini-series and completing the homework assignments will enable you to plan how you live, work, and play together as a family.