I was once a teenager. I know what it is like to be a teenager, I know how teenagers think, I know everything about teenagers. Why can’t I parent a teenager? It may be easier to be a teenager than to PARENT a teenager. It is amazing how un-cool I have become in a short time and I always thought I was pretty current with my ideas.
What happens to the teen brain? At one of the many workshops I have attended on parenting teens, they told us having a teenager is the same as parenting a two year old. They constantly have to be given boundaries, told what is “hot” and what is not and reminded who the boss is. Once again we need to pick our battles or life will lead to insanity. There is new scientific research on adolescent brain development, tha helps us to understand what leads to risky behaviors and how these behaviors during this time can effect their lives forever.
The Partnership for a Drug-free America has created a great website “A Parent’s Guide To The Teen Brain” *. The site is divided into three parts:
- Who is this kid? – typical teen behaviors, help you categorize your kids behaviors.
- Why does your teen Do That? – Science of the Brain a summary, understanding the development of the teen brain.
- What Can You Do? – Skills, tools and tips to become a better teen parent. Yes more tip and tools to add to our teen arsenal.
One downfall to the site, you have to register to get in. This is not difficult, but I always wonder why sites make you register to obtain free information.
Additional Links:
PBS Series Inside the Teenage Brain
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