What Is My Middle-Schooler Thinking?

The Teen Brain: What Parents Need To Know Presented by:

Christopher Brown

School Psychologist – Licensed Professional Counselor

www.TheParentCompass.com

Durham and Middlefield Youth & Family Services Present

Understanding what teenagers think and do

is a puzzle

Parents are trying to fit the pieces of

the puzzle together

The teenage brain does not work the way

we expect

New discoveries about the teen brain

provide the hints we need

Brain research helps solve the puzzle of

parenting our teenagers

The teen years are a time of intense brain

development

The brain develops from back to front

Basic functions to stay alive develop first

Language, motor control and

memory/learning come next

Using experience, making decisions, goal

setting and thinking comes last

The wiring of the brain is where most

development is focused in adolescence

The nerve cells get more insulation so they

can work faster

The most used connections become

stronger

Teens have to learn to use this remodeled

The reward centers of the brain are most

sensitive in the teen years

This part of the brain comes fully on-board

early in the teen years

The decision-making section of the brain is

lagging behind

The emotional rush of risk-taking is a priority

for the teen brain

The teen brain is designed to consider risks

and rewards differently than adults

Teens give more weight to potential

pleasure than to possible problems

They understand the dangers, but don’t

worry about them like adults

Social rewards are a primary motivator for

teenagers

Weighing risks this way supported the

evolution of our species

Seeking new experience is not the same as

being impulsive

Finding new friends provides the social

support they need in the world

Tolerating the unknown allows teens to

explore new ideas and learn

This gets the teen prepared to be

independent

The same pattern is seen in all cultures

We can’t stop biology

We can cope with the strain and recognize

the benefits of this period

Parents can provide a positive influence for

guiding teens’ decisions

Teens will mature at different rates

The amount of guidance they need varies

Being naive can either increase or decrease

Balance maturity with responsibility

Keeping a positive relationship is important

Be open to changes in interests and friends

Expect the relationship to be different and

appreciate the growth

Recognize the strain teens face with

decisions and problems

Parents should set boundaries

Rules provide a needed structure

Teens appreciate the security that comes

with clear rules

You have the strongest influence on your

child by being present and involved

Will knowing how the brain works solve the

puzzle of your teenager?

Teenagers have been confusing parents

for generations

Brain research lets us understand why

teens do what they do

We can now see teens as brave explorers

rather than confusing puzzles

Today's parents of teens can put the

puzzle pieces together

What Is My Middle-Schooler Thinking?

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