Does Your Teen Seem Beyond Reason
During this time of turbulence, you may start to wonder if your teen will ever grow up and you find yourself wishing for the years to pass quickly. Occasionally you catch glimpses of the little child they used to be; even less frequently you can catch glimpses of the adult they are becoming. In the mean time, you are faced with this stranger that seems uncomfortable in his or her own skin and thinks the enemy is you.
So what is wrong with your teen? He or she may suddenly seem to not be living in the same reality as you are, like a visitor from another planet. You may find yourself dreading any kind of interaction with your teen.
Typically, parents blame hormones for unpredictable outbursts and unreasonable behavior. The problem with teens is partly, but not totally, caused by hormones.
The other problem is the development of the brain. The development of your teenager's brain is probably slower than you think.
The largest part of the brain is called the frontal lobe. A small part of the frontal lobe located behind the forehead control's the brain's most advanced functions. This is the area that allows us to think in the abstract, imagine consequences, plan and control impulses. The frontal lobe undergoes far more change during the teen years than at any other stage of a person's life. . It is the last part of the brain to develop. This means your teenager literally cannot reason as well as adults.
While your teen is appearing unreasonable during the adolescent years, below the surface the brain is in the process of changing significantly. There is an intensive overproduction of gray matter, the brain tissue that does the thinking. Then, for a period of time, gray matter is discarded at a rapid rate, while white matter develops. White matter is fatty tissue that serves as insulation. These changes continue into a person's early twenties. In other words, during the teen years, the brain is not done being built yet. Because of the lack of maturity of the frontal lobe, teenagers rely on emotional parts of the brain instead. They rely on gut feelings, not on intellectually evaluating the consequences of their actions.
Your teenager is in this respect, still a child. The brain does not become mature in the areas that govern judgment and foresight until around age 21 or 22.
So the next time you can't reason with your teenager, keep in mind their brain isn't done growing yet. They may not be choosing to be unreasonable - they may simply not be capable of reasoning like an adult.
Related Tags: teen, reason
Valerie Dansereau is the mother of two and grandmother of one. She is the webmaster of http://www.work-at-home-parenting.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Top Riding Toys For 201
Children love the excitement and adventure that can be found by cruising on their own ride on toy. W - Picking the Best Size Bike For Your Child
Bicycling can be a great way for your child to get a little extra exercise. Learning to ride a bike - How to Help Your Kids Through Difficult Events
Even as a child or adolescent we may face challenging times when things seem to be crashing down aro - How to Make Your Home Safe For a Young Child
New parents often spend weeks preparing their home for the arrival of their new baby. While there is - 4 Things to Know Before You Buy a Diaper Bag
Some things to keep in mind before you purchase the diaper bag are the following: material, the cost - Exciting Food Suggestions For Kids
Making kids eat healthy food is a big task every mother goes through. With kids pre-occupied with pl - Add Modern Touches to Your Toddler's Room With Modern Toddler Bedding
Decorating a child's room presents parents with several different challenges simultaneously: Choosin - When Should You Be Concerned About Your Baby's Health?
Your baby's health is one of the most important and delicate things that you have to keep abreast of - Having a Happy and Healthy Baby With the Benefits of Baby Massage
Mothers have known for centuries the benefits of baby massage, the world over. In many Asian countri - Diaper Bags And Their Uses
Parents usually need to take diaper bags along with them if they out on a trip. Especially, if the b
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Perfect Parent...Who Are We Kidding?
I get the feeling that there are a lot of moms and dads out there that feel they're not measuring up - Partial Breastfeeding - Should I Even Bother?
For some women, feeding a baby with breastmilk alone is not possible. The reasons for this vary. For - Skateboarding In The Eighties To The Present
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in - How Breastfeeding Benefits A Daddy
You know that breastfeeding is best for mother and child, but what's in it for Dad? Isn't he going t - Child-Appropriate Costumes: Violence, Sexuality, And Insensitivity
So your daughter wants to be Wonder Woman for Hallowe'en, or your son wants to be Batman. They're bo - The Evolution Of Vitamin B5 For Acne
I came across the benefits of Vitamin B5 6 years ago whilst searching for an acne treatment that act - Depression And Teens - Six Signs That Your Child May Be Suffering From Depression
Most people are now aware of the seriousness of depression. This has become much more common and mor - Parenting Teenager - Take Time For Your Teen!
BookWire's "Year in Reviews Magazine," December 2006 issue, lists a review of my book "Help Me With - Why It's Important To Follow A Healthy Diet When Pregnant
Pregnancy is one of the most physically enduring times in our lives, and it is more important than e - Sleep Separation And Your Child
It seems harmless enough, lying down with your child while he goes to sleep, but it could be that sl
