The Adolescent Brain:

In a book titled “The Neuroscience of Human Relationships.  The author describes the teenage brain and explains why they display behavior that leaves parents confused.  First point reminds us that the transition from child to adult is rapid and abrupt.  Just when children establish predictability in their social environment by the end of 5 and 6th grade, their bodies and brains begin to shift.  The way we interact socially changes as well.  Children become more conscious of social connection, and identity formation is in full swing.  They also become more likely to engage in risky behavior.  The author describes the brain development of adolescent development as: 

Natural development milestones and life challenges coincide with sensitive periods of neural development and enhanced plasticity.  The kinds of changes discovered in the adolescent brain show a loss of the overall number of neurons (gray matter) with an increase in the number of myelinated fibers (white matter) connecting functional neural networks.  The author says these changes represent a process of selection and reorganization of neural networks with a goal of faster and more efficient information processing.  Enhanced speed of communication among cortical areas between cortical and subcortical structures ultimately leads to increased integration of brain functions located in diverse regions of the central nervous system. 

Could it be that nature's design is to increase tolerance for risky behavior, and increase our motivation to differentiate from family and develop a sense of identity, so we are prepared to launch from family?  

The key to supporting this stage of development is:

  • Encourage the natural motivation to be exploratory in an individualized manner. 
  • Support a sense of safety in exploration without judgment.
  • Foster autonomy toward the adolescent doing their own exploration; provide a safe foundation to develop a sense of identity. 
  • Encourage an inside out vs. outside approach, by supporting self discovery and exploration of emotions. 

Emotions are essential for exploration, so encourage the integration of emotions, and healthy self-discovery.  Try to support identity formation, and allows neural connections to develop. Intense emotions are opportunities to help a child grow.  Try to coach the movement through emotions, and be cautious of the impulse to protect children from experiencing strong emotions.  The changes in the brain's reward circuitry required for new attachments during adolescence can also lead to confusion, disorientation, and depression.  These biological and behavioral shifts are connected to the impending life transitions that lie ahead. 

The specific life stage tasks for adolescence and early adulthood are:

1.       Moving away from the family of origin

2.       Establishing an identity and connection with peer groups

3.       The creation of new family. 

Adolescents set the stage for us to achieve these life stage tasks.  Our goal as parents is to help children integrate all three tasks into a complex set of attachment relationships.  Essentially it is important to model, and provide children opportunities make deep meaningful relationships with peers, teachers, coaches, and family members.    

Parent Task: is to establish balance of supportive affection and discipline as we simultaneously try to encourage teenager’s enthusiasm while reining in their impulsive brains.