The idea for Conversations with the Wise Aunt was inspired by a story Dr. Coates's best friend told him. When his friend was 12, his uncle took him out for breakfast and told him what to expect during his teen years. He described the physical changes. He talked about peer pressure, risk-taking behavior and the consequences of sex, drugs and alcohol. Afterward, his uncle said, "Now I want you to promise me something. When your friends want you to go along with them and something inside you doesn't feel right, I want you to stop and think about what could happen. I want you to remember the...

The idea for Conversations with the Wise Uncle was inspired by a story the author's best friend told him. When his friend was 12, his uncle took him out for breakfast and told him what to expect during his teen years. He described the physical changes. He talked about peer pressure, risk-taking behavior and the consequences of sex, drugs and alcohol. Afterward, his uncle said, "Now I want you to promise me something. When your friends want you to go along with them and something inside you doesn't feel right, I want you to stop and think about what could happen. I want you to remember the...

Youth sports organizations have achieved great success during the past several decades. A review of their programs confirms that most of them are doing a good job helping volunteer coaches understand the game and how to teach it to kids. But creating better athletes isn't the primary goal. The avowed sacred purpose of these organizations is "youth development"-to help young people grow stronger for life through participation in sports. What's lacking in most organizations are training programs to help coaches improve the coach-athlete communication skills that will empower them to be...