Recent research on the human brain provides parents with shocking new evidence to possibly explain the sometimes irrational, illogical, and impulsive behavior of adolescents. Brain researchers can now scan the living adolescent brain to observe and examine why these curious and puzzling creatures make so many impulsive and self-centered decisions, which can sometimes even lead to risky behavior.

It turns out that brain development during adolescence is radically more active and dynamic than previously thought. During these years, the part of the brain that requires a person to make responsible decisions, understand consequences, and process problem solving is under heavy construction and most of the time is dysfunctional. Although the brain is almost physically mature, the gray matter in the thinking part of the brain (prefrontal cortex) is still make connections. So, adolescents are left with most of the information that reaches their brains being processed in the emotional part (limbic system).

Information processed in the limbic system, without the benefit of higher-level processing in the prefrontal cortex, can result in impulsive, self-centered, and perhaps even risky behavior. Because of this ongoing construction in the thinking part of the brain, a teen is often unable to fully process the information that is necessary to make responsible decisions. Combine this mental challenge with a teenager’s temperament, maturity level, developmental stage, and environmental impact, and you begin to understand why parents can find this time so exhausting and frustrating.

Realizing that an important construct is taking place within the prefrontal cortex of the adolescent brain does not excuse the adolescent’s inappropriate or irresponsible behavior. But understanding the adolescent brain is crucial to discovering how to interact with it. For the teen, this time in her life can be a creative and emotional roller coaster ride with lots of thrills and chills (and maybe a few spills), but for the parent it can be nerve-wracking and terrifying. Healthy communication and effective discipline are what a teen needs to navigate this important time, especially since the brain isn’t necessarily ready or capable of facing all the inevitable challenges without support yet.

Every interaction with a teen will affect their brain development, helping the teen make connections in the prefrontal cortex. During this time of heavy construction, the adolescent brain needs focused and intentional support and teaching to help form and solidify these healthy connections. Parents can benefit from understanding that much work can be done while the adolescent brain is still under construction, and with the right perspective and effort, a teen can learn to be less impulsive and self-centered, and make better, more responsible decisions.

As parents decide how to communicate more effectively with the developing adolescent brain, it is vital to also consider who a child really is and what kinds of parenting styles they are exposed to. Most of us are the result of an even dose of nature and nurture, and understanding the nature of who a child is and how their environment has affected that child can help parents formulate more effective techniques when faced with challenging situations during life. adolescence. years. years.

The nature of an adolescent is a complex and fascinating combination of temperament, developmental stage, personality, maturity level, and social connection. In addition, parents should consider the teen’s emotional health (self-esteem) and relational health (the extent to which the teen’s closest relationships have had a positive impact on her development).

And then there are parenting styles. Healthy and effective parenting (described as authoritative) can support positive adolescent brain development. Use healthy communication tools like active listening, reframing, timing of teachable moments, me messages, etc. and effective discipline tools like setting healthy boundaries, consequences, picking and choosing battles, few rules, etc. can greatly help the teen’s prefrontal cortex to develop strong connections to enable responsible behavior.

To learn more about understanding the complex nature of who an adolescent is, how their brain develops and processes information, and to practice new and easy-to-learn healthy parenting tools, visit: ResponsibleKids.net

© 2008 Marty Wolner, BA, CPE, ICF, PACA