what is my middle-schooler thinking?
DESCRIPTION
Information to help parents understand how the early adolescent brain is developing and how it effects the thoughts and behaviors of teens. More information available at www.TheParentCompass.comTRANSCRIPT
What Is My Middle-Schooler Thinking?
The Teen Brain: What Parents Need To Know Presented by:
Christopher Brown
School Psychologist – Licensed Professional Counselor
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Durham and Middlefield Youth & Family Services Present
Understanding what teenagers think and do
is a puzzle
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Parents are trying to fit the pieces of
the puzzle together
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The teenage brain does not work the way
we expect
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New discoveries about the teen brain
provide the hints we need
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Brain research helps solve the puzzle of
parenting our teenagers
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The teen years are a time of intense brain
development
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The brain develops from back to front
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Basic functions to stay alive develop first
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Language, motor control and
memory/learning come next
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Using experience, making decisions, goal
setting and thinking comes last
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The wiring of the brain is where most
development is focused in adolescence
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The nerve cells get more insulation so they
can work faster
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The most used connections become
stronger
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Teens have to learn to use this remodeled
brain
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Teens have to learn to use this remodeled
brain
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The reward centers of the brain are most
sensitive in the teen years
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This part of the brain comes fully on-board
early in the teen years
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The decision-making section of the brain is
lagging behind
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The emotional rush of risk-taking is a priority
for the teen brain
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The teen brain is designed to consider risks
and rewards differently than adults
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Teens give more weight to potential
pleasure than to possible problems
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They understand the dangers, but don’t
worry about them like adults
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Social rewards are a primary motivator for
teenagers
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Weighing risks this way supported the
evolution of our species
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Seeking new experience is not the same as
being impulsive
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Finding new friends provides the social
support they need in the world
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Tolerating the unknown allows teens to
explore new ideas and learn
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This gets the teen prepared to be
independent
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The same pattern is seen in all cultures
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We can’t stop biology
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We can cope with the strain and recognize
the benefits of this period
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Parents can provide a positive influence for
guiding teens’ decisions
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Teens will mature at different rates
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The amount of guidance they need varies
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Being naive can either increase or decrease
risk
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Balance maturity with responsibility
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Keeping a positive relationship is important
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Be open to changes in interests and friends
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Expect the relationship to be different and
appreciate the growth
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Recognize the strain teens face with
decisions and problems
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Parents should set boundaries
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Rules provide a needed structure
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Teens appreciate the security that comes
with clear rules
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You have the strongest influence on your
child by being present and involved
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Will knowing how the brain works solve the
puzzle of your teenager?
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Teenagers have been confusing parents
for generations
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Brain research lets us understand why
teens do what they do
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We can now see teens as brave explorers
rather than confusing puzzles
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Today's parents of teens can put the
puzzle pieces together
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