Left Side:Left Side: LanguageMathLogic Right Side: Spatial abilities Face recognition Visual imagery Music

Limbic SystemLimbic System

Encodes new memoriesEncodes new memories Master control center of the hormone systemMaster control center of the hormone system Amygdala Signals motivationally significant stimuli-Signals motivationally significant stimuli-FearAngerReward Hippocampus Hypothalamus

Boys 5-7 surges of testosterone everyday5-7 surges of testosterone everyday 1000% the amount before puberty1000% the amount before puberty Regularly overstimulates the amygdalaRegularly overstimulates the amygdala Girls Estrogen and progesterone now presentEstrogen and progesterone now present Balance fluctuates with menstrual cycleBalance fluctuates with menstrual cycle Can lead to dramatic, sudden mood swingsCan lead to dramatic, sudden mood swings

Brain chemicals that travel from one neuron’s dendrites to another Reason teens respond strongly to social rewards Reason for their melodramatic reaction to success as well as defeat Neuron Dendrite

The area of the brain that seeks pleasure and reward is fairly well-developed early on Teens value reward more heavily than adults If offered an extra reward, teens have shown they can push the executive regions (prefrontal cortex functions) to work harder.

The brain undergoes a massive reorganization between the 12 th and 25 th years. The physical changes move in a slow wave from the back of the brain to the front.

Decision making- weighs outcome, forms judgment Behavior- controls impulses and emotion, social interactions, personality Executive Functions The CEO of the brainThe CEO of the brain Section of brain that performs complex cognitive functions:

Determines good & bad Better vs best Same & different Defining goals Predicting outcomes Expectations based on actionsExpectations based on actions Future consequences of current activitiesFuture consequences of current activities Differentiating among conflicting thoughtsDifferentiating among conflicting thoughts Social control: the ability to suppress urges that, if not suppressed, could lead to socially unacceptable outcomes

It is the parent’s job to convert the mistakes into learning opportunies The prefrontal cortex can’t always distinguish between a good decision and a bad one, no matter how intelligent the child is

PERMISSIVE Few rulesFew rules Unstructured environment Endless negotiationEndless negotiation Erratic leadershipErratic leadership Emphasis on individuality All opinions countAll opinions countAUTHORITARIAN Rigid rulesRigid rules Strict enforcementStrict enforcement No negotiationNo negotiation Autocratic leadershipAutocratic leadership Emphasis on conformity Only the parent’s opinion counts STRUCTURED Firm rulesFirm rules Firm environmentFirm environment Limited negotiationLimited negotiation Stable leadershipStable leadershipBalance Opinions are respected

It is crucial to let the teen know exactly what the consequences will be if they do not comply Make sure you follow through on the consequences

DON’T…   be surprised when our adolescent gets surly   harass an adolescent about every little thing- pick and choose issues that matter   get dragged into power struggles   make consequences into threats   let your emotions get out of control   let your adolescent get their way by using objectionable behavior

  Set clear rules and expectations for behavior   Have the conversation about expectations and consequences when things are calm   Spell out the consequences for noncompliance   Have your child state out loud their understanding of both the rules and consequences   Choose consequences that fit and make sure you can live with them   Follow through on consequences DO: