In her twenty-plus years as a family therapist, Amanda Craig, PHD, LMFT, has worked in a variety of settings, including research departments, juvenile corrections facilities, high schools, Fortune 500 companies, substance abuse programs, and university/college classrooms. She has administered counseling and therapy services to tweens, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. A seasoned public speaker and published author of research papers, her awards and recognition include Certificate of Appreciation from the New York State Division of Parole (2008), eleven years of service on the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee of Minnesota (2007), Certificate of Recognition from the Office of the Governor of Juvenile Justice (2007), and the 2022 YWCA Darien/Norwalk Women of Distinction Award.
"""Dr. Craig is one of my favorite experts! She always brings joy and a depth of research to her interactions, and every mom (who I know) in town seeks her out for advice and encouragement. Here, she masterfully integrates knowledge, action, and love to help us in our families as we weave our lives together with our kids. I wish this book had been available to me when my boys were tweens!""--Brandi Drake, Rev. at Noroton Presbyterian Church, Darien, Connecticut ""Dr. Craig's brilliant 'tween' parenting guide takes the guesswork out of how parents can cultivate enduring emotional connections with their evolving preteen, while also teaching parents about the psychological foundations of human bonding and child development, and how to mindfully practice self-compassion along the way.""--Andre Burey, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist, on staff at Silver Hill Hospital ""Dr. Craig's expertise in family therapy and experience with her own faith make a powerful combination in this book. She will guide you in building a loving relationship with your tween, so that they will know that you see them, you want to know them, you are there for them, and that you will keep them safe.""--Diane Roth, Rev. at Grace Lutheran Church, Conroe, Texas ""Wow, this is a phenomenal read, very inspiring, and full of empowering information about establishing a healthy emotional connection with tweens as they work through their life experiences. I warmly encourage every helping professional to purchase this book to learn about the importance of establishing a healthy emotional connection with their children as early as possible to enable them to have successful personal and relational experiences.""--Dr. Garrett Ingram, PhD, MFT-I, Office of Special Investigations, Administration for Children's Services, New York City"