Two by two (Photo credit: AstridWestvang)
Hear that statement a lot. As parents we often forget what is happening biologically to our teens. From the ages of 13 through 19, teens are not the adults science has proven their brains are not functioning at the same level as the adult brain. Their brains are still growing and making connections. At our house we called the misfires and irrational teen moments as “brain farts.” Something just goes a bit haywire for a moment causing frustrations and some aggression for no clear reason.
Robert McGiven, a neuroscientist at San Diego State University, found an increase in nerve activity in the pre-frontal cortex at the onset of puberty has been correlated with increased difficulty in recognizing other people’s emotions. This ability does not seem to return to normal until around 18 years of age. This helps to explain why teens cannot read social situations as efficiently as adults. They find emotional situations more confusing, leading to the huffy behavior for which teens are so notorious. Brain and Cognition (vol. 50, 173) Oct 02
The cerebellum is also changing during the teen years. This part of the brain deals with coördination and thinking processes. This explains the “mental clumsiness” we often see in teenagers. Researchers believe that exercise , both mental and physical, is important for the development of this region of the brain during these years.
The corpus callosum is the center for creativity and problem solving. It changes a lot during the teen years.
The gray matter of the brain is often called the ‘thinking’ part. It is thickening up to the age of 11 or 12 then it begins to thin out. Ever heard the saying, “If you do not use it you will lose it?” It is true. The brain cells and connections we use will grow, and the ones we do not use are eliminated. It is not fully understood. During the teen years it is important to expose your child to as much as possible. Build as many connections because skills learned during this time period will last a life time. Indulge your child’s whims because you never know what the future holds. Diversity and exposure is important. Tools for Teens, Henry OT, 2005
Hope this explains some of the weird and frustrating behaviors of teens. They really cannot help their behavior sometimes. This isn’t an excuse, just an explanation for some of the mood swings so typical of this age.
What can you do to lessen this behaviors? There are lots of creative solutions that can ease yours and their frustrations. Over the next few days we will explore some options.
Related articles
- Understanding The Teenage Brain (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Teens’ Brains Are More Sensitive to Rewarding Feedback From Peers (psychologicalscience.org)
- Understanding Human Thought, Behavior, Consciousness… BRAIN Initiative (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Peers can Heighten Teens’ Risky Behaviours (medindia.net)
- Your Kids are Watching… It’s Important to Model Good Driving Habits (cheapcarinsurance.net)
- Teaching Your Teen to Drive Is Your Teen Ready To Drive (allstate.com)
- Teen Brains Part II (lynnmillard.wordpress.com)
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