Understanding the Brain of a Teenager
A teenager's brain is still developing -- and there isn't always the same pace of development between the emotional and decision-making centres. That is why teens cannot explain their feelings later when they have overwhelming emotional input. Their thoughts were overshadowed by their feelings.
There are many parents who do not comprehend why their teenagers sometimes act irrationally, impulsively, or dangerously. The consequences of teens' actions sometimes don't seem to be fully considered or thought through by them. Teenagers behave differently, solve problems differently, and make different decisions from adults. These differences are explained by biology. Throughout childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood, the brain continues to mature and develop.
Why do teenagers behave the way they do?
Teenage years are a time when the teenage brain grows and develops rapidly. Your child's grey matter (the part of the brain responsible for thinking and processing) will be 'pruned' to remove any unused connections. This is because the frontal cortex, or prefrontal cortex, is the last part of the brain to be remodelled.
How should a parent react?
Your children look up to you as their biggest role model. Obviously, they value their friends, but your behaviour and how you carry out your responsibilities will leave a lasting impression on them.
- Teenagers can make connections between impulsive thinking and facts by discussing the consequences of their actions. In this way, the brain is wired more often to generate these connections.
- Make teenagers feel capable and resilient. Teenagers have trouble seeing that they can change bad situations because they are so focused on the present. Having experiences in the past that may have seemed devastating at the time, but turned out well, can help them cope with their current situation.
- Know what your teens care about. Showing someone that you're interested in what they're doing shows them you're interested in what they're doing.
- Inquire whether teens would prefer that you respond to them when they come to you with problems, or if they would rather just hear them out.
- A teen's brain functions better when it is well-rested. Encourage your teenager to develop good sleeping habits.
- In order to fix their children's problems, parents are prone to offering advice or laying blame on their children. As a result, teens may be less willing to communicate with their parents as adults. To become a part of their lives, you have to make them feel safe and comfortable coming to you.
An early warning sign
Teenagers are often out of sorts or feeling down for a couple of days. However, a significant change in mood or behaviour that persists for more than two weeks may indicate depression or something else. Seek professional treatment if you suspect your teen is depressed. The condition of depression can be severe, even life-threatening if left untreated.
Despite what they may think, your teen needs your guidance. You can help them become responsible adults by understanding their development.
Teenagers have a lower likelihood of:-
- Act before they think
- About the possible outcomes of their actions
- Change their unsafe or inappropriate behaviour
There is no reason that young people can't make good decisions or know right from wrong because they don't have the same brains. They're also not exempt from being held responsible for their actions. The ability to understand, anticipate, and manage adolescent behaviours can be enhanced when parents, teachers, advocates, and policymakers are aware of these differences.
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