I recently read a wonderful book, The Teenage Brain, by Frances E. Jensen, MD. It was excellent!
I read this book because my first born just turned 13 years old this month and I'm already thinking, "Where did my compliant little fellow go?" After reading this book, I know he's still there, but now I understand the physiological reason for his thinking and demeanor these days.
I want to share some of my favorite takeaways with you:
- This is NOT a "how to" book but rather a "here's why" book.
- The brain is the last organ to fully mature and that could take into the mid 20's.
- The teenage brain is at peak efficiency during this time: it is one of the best times to learn
- So if the brain is at it's best, why do they act like they do not have a brain? This is because the pre- frontal and frontal lobes are not fully connected with the other parts of the brain just yet and executive functions are happening in this front part. So while the brain is all ready for learning, the frontal lobe is responsible for insight, judgement, impulse control, empathy, etc...and teenagers do not have full access to these. Dr. Jensen says it so well, " So we have a very active brain, on one hand, able to learn, but it's being driven by a driver who doesn't really have full access to the brakes yet."
- Teenagers are more likely to become addicted to something during their teenage years because addiction is a form of learning and the brain is primed for learning. Addiction is a lot like memory in that it is viewed in the brain as repeated exposure to something. At this age, the brain cannot decipher good from bad as far as learning goes....it just leaves the imprint. Because the brain is primed for learning, it becomes addicted faster, longer, harder and stronger. This could be addiction to a substance, a routine, or something visual like pornography.
- Sleep is the glue that helps us remember everything we have learned during the day. Teenage sleep cycles are such that the brain wants to shut off late at night and wake again mid morning. They are not just lazy, they need their glue to spread.
- Female and Male teenage brains are very different. Female brains peak around 12-14 years of age and Male brains are 2 years behind, 14-16ish. So in general, females can navigate better through complex scheduling type activities whereas planning is not a relative strength for teenage males.
- As parents, we need to stay connected, be more patient, and create stable environments for our teenagers.
No matter where you are in the parenting stage of life, you MUST read this book!!! This book is for everyone:
- New Parents: read it to be proactive and prepared
- Parents of Pre-Teens: read it, but buckle your seat belt first!!! You are so close to this stage.
- Parents of Teenagers: It's not too late. Read and be affirmed you are not alone. Learn some strategies to help you in your present situation.
- Parents of College and Career aged children: Did you know there may be a second phase of this "teenage like" behavior? It does not happen to every person, but it may help you during this phase.
- Empty Nester: You survived, but you can help others by sharing your knowledge from this book and what you might have done differently if you had read this book first.
- Grandparents: Read this to gain knowledge about your grandchildren and share this information with your grown children.
If you are interested in checking out a copy of this book, please contact me: mandi.logan@trussvillecityschools.com
