Understanding the Teenage Brain: Why your Teenager seems erratic.
/Why your Teenager seems erratic, emotionally Unstable, Unresponsive, Disrespectful or even Reckless.
Are you raising one or more teenagers, and are they argumentative, volatile and even down right disrespectful? Are you wondering who took your sweet child away and delivered a teenager who’s mood can go from ambivalence to rage in a split second over the simplest of comments or questions?
According to brain researchers, this volatility is a normal part of adolescence. Much of the brain development that occurs during the teen years is focussed in the areas that support adults to control their behaviour, to regulate their volatile emotions, and recognise and evaluate the risks and the rewards of the circumstances people find themselves in and the choices they make.
Have you heard the saying the teenage years are like putting a fast car without breaks in the hands of an inexperienced driver… this is often the analogy used regarding the teenage brain.
Basically, teenagers feel compelled to experience and experiment with the unknown which often includes exploring sex and relationships, fast cars, smoking, drinking alcohol and even taking drugs – their motivation to try new things precedes the brain development for regulatory competence – that is – their desire for experiencing the new and exciting is greater than their ability to control these impulses based on the negative consequences that can result from risky behaviours.
So if you’re feeling confused and stressed about how to keep your teenager safe, have more peace in your home and basically have a better understanding of your teenager, then sit back and try to relax as I interview Wendy Middlemiss PhD, Associate Professor in Educational Psychology, at the University of North Texas.
This show is filled with down to earth practical tips that work and you’ll learn:
The key aspects of teen brain development so you understand your teenager’s feelings and impulsive behaviours.
Why adolescents think and make decisions differently to adults.
How teenagers seem to be compelled to engage in risky behaviours
How you can help your teenager navigate sex, alcohol and drugs safely
The ways you can stay close and talk to your teens about what is going on in their life
Practical tools to help your teenager make responsible choices when you’re not there!
You know, the closer bond you have with your young child the easier it will be to navigate the teen years together. The way you parent can have a positive or negative impact on your relationship with your child and your child’s long-term mental health.
Research shows that higher parental care and lower parental control are more likely to lead to greater mental wellbeing for children. Do you find the controlling approach of discipline, punishment and rewards model you’re using with the kids isn’t working? Would you like a research and heart-based approach that is founded on empathy and education and supports you to develop a close bond with your child? Dr Rosina’s practical Win Win Parenting approach where you’ll get great tips, resources and support to lovingly raise well-rounded and capable kids from toddlers to teens.
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Dr Rosina’s practical Win Win Parenting approach empowers you to raise well-rounded and capable kids from toddlers to teens, get great tips, resources and support.