Addressing the emotional and academic needs of kids in grades four through twelve, Lawrence Greene examines the counterproductive behaviors and attitudes that undermine academic performance, diminish self-esteem and limit educational and career options. Each chapter focuses on a particular deficit area and offers accessible, hands-on methods for parents to guide and mentor their struggling child. Parents learn how to: * Help their child identify natural talents and use them when learning * Choose a democratic or autocratic approach to modifying behavior * Use the DIBS system to solve problems * Open an effective dialogue with their child * Express positive expectations and affirm and praise effort and progress * And much more