Why Teens Are the Way They Are

An article in Time last fall, "What Makes Teens Tick" by Claudia Wallis and Kristina Dell (September, 2008), reported how researchers are working to map the development of the human brain through adolescence and into young adulthood. They're finding that the brain continues to mature well into the 20s and that the areas that develop last are those that govern prioritizing, suppressing impulses and weighing consequences. These scientists believe that surges of hormones can stimulate risky, adventure-seeking behavior while incomplete brain development means the teens are less able to see through those emotions and make rational decisions. It's nice to see science catching up with everyday observation. Anyone who knows one can see that teenagers act differently than adults. But how can this information help parents and guide teens in understanding - and when necessary, checking - those behaviors? The Partnership for a Drug Free America has created a website, A Parent's Guide to the Teen Brain, that will help parents better understand and cope with their teens' development, needs and behaviors. Visitors to www.drugfree.org/teenbrain, will find articles, diagrams and videos to help them understand teenage brain development. There is also a blog on raising healthy teens at http://decoder.drugfree.org. On one page, the site describes how risk-taking is part of the maturation process for teens that encourages independence and self sufficiency. In response to this need, according to the site, "It is important to urge your teen to take healthy risks. Not only will participation in constructive activities - such as athletics or the arts - help him or her form positive lifestyle habits, it will help your teen's forebrain develop as well." There is information here about the science and psychology behind why teens may be drawn to drug and alcohol abuse, for example. There's even a role-playing segment that allows parents to test responses to common teen issues. The goal is to help parents talk to teens about avoiding unhealthy behaviors and encouraging healthy ones. But there are insights to be gained even beyond these important issues. The information here just may help parents and teens understand that some of these frustrating behaviors just mean the teenager is going through the normal phases of growing up. -