1. 2014 Women + Girls Research Alliance Summit

2. Powerful Parenting: The Psychology of Parenting

3. Powerful Parenting Agenda: – The Psychology of Parenting Understanding the Human brain – “Generation Jobless” A brain-based problem – Executive Function Preparing your child for success

4. Powerful Parenting: Understanding the Brain

5. Understanding the Brain Three parts: Brain stem- (LIVING) sits on top of the spinal column at base of skull; overseas reproduction, self-preservation, circulation of blood, breathing, sleeping, etc. Limbic System- (EMOTIONAL LIVING)surrounds the brain stem. Generates emotions; especially fear and aggression. Cerebral Cortex- (INTELLECTUAL LIVING) large mass of grey matter that surrounds the Limbic System. Does not completely control the limbic system but can moderate some of its instinctual reactions. This cerebral cortex is conscious and alert and in contact with surroundings.

6. Understanding the Brain Function of the Limbic System (Emotional): – obtain pleasure and avoid pain; instinctual, primitive – Does not accurately identify sensory data – It is up to the new brain to refine information

7. Understanding the Brain Function of the Cerebral Cortex (Intellectual): – Receives input from the bodies 5 senses to “processe” input – Use experiential and intellectual knowledge to think critically – Control the instinct of the Limbic System

8. Understanding the Brain Function of the Cerebral Cortex – Prefrontal Cortex (A.K.A)Executive Function is responsible for: Decision-making and problem solving Innovation, planning, goal-setting Emotional intelligence, team-work, collaboration, delayed gratification, impulse control, reasoning skills, etc. Not Instinctual; MUST BE DEVELOPED – Employers refer to these skills as Soft Skills

9. Powerful Parenting: Generation Jobless

10. “Generation Jobless” Executive Function and Soft Skills – Soft Skills are behavioral competencies or Emotional Intelligence – Soft Skills are governed by one’s Executive Function Communication, Attitude, Adaptability, Teamwork, Goal-orientation Strategic-Thinking, Analytics, etc.

11. “Generation Jobless” Millennial Branding Experience, Inc. surveyed 100,000 US companies (2012). Employer responses (225) reveal a gap between Employers needs for Soft Skills and New Hires Soft Skills abilities: 98% Communication skills 97% Positive Attitude 92% Flexible 92% Teamwork 88% Goal Oriented

12. Soft Skills Application of Executive Function to Govern self and relationship between others Executive Function Application of Character Education to life: goal setting, planning, creativity, attitude, communication Character Education Application of Social Skills to Relationships (Respect, Responsibility, Fairness and Justice etc.) (Self Control and Interpersonal Relationships) Social Skills (Please, Thank you, Excuse Me, Wait, Listen, Sit) (Self Control & Self Governed )

13. Powerful Parenting: Preparing your Child For Success

15. Preparing for Success

16. Powerful Parenting: Powerful Parenting is: – Developing your child’s character from Social Skills to Soft Skills through: Communication, Decision Making, Delayed Gratification, Goal Setting, Problem Solving….. – Powerful Parenting IS using your Executive Function!