Smooth Sailing enhances our understanding of the family’s transition through adolescence by examining qualitative data about the experiences of parents and teens across multiple
relationships and social contexts. This volume follows the same60families described in the authors’ first book, Becoming a Family, and now, six years later, relates their
storiesabout their transition from childhood to adolescence. Collectively, the two books provide a unique longitudinal perspective on family development using two distinct data collection
formats and time frames. Interdisciplinary in nature, the bookdraws on theory and practice from the fields of social work, psychology, and sociology.
Smooth Sailing reveals a picture of the transition to adolescence as it is influenced by intrafamily relationships as well as social context factors. Initial chapters lay the
foundation for the study’s methods. Proceeding chapters present the participants’ stories, organized by context— developmental changes, interpersonal relationships, education, and work.
Each chapter follows a similar format: an overview of past research; interview and coding techniques; and a presentation of parents’ and teens’ qualitative descriptions. Chapters also
include an analysis of gender and conclude with implications for practice and policy. The final chapter in the book summarizes this work and looks ahead to the next developmental period,
emerging adulthood.
Intended for researchers in a variety of disciplines such as social work, psychology, and sociology, this volume also serves as a supplementary text for courses on the family and/or
adolescent development.
