It’s no surprise that teens function a bit differently compared to adults. They pursue other hobbies and hold different priorities. Your day may be structured and follow a schedule, while theirs appears to be a free-for-all. They respond emotionally first, then more logically second.
Much of their behavior can be broken down with a scientific explanation. Simply put, their brains are still developing. While some of their actions may be frustrating, understanding how their brain works can ease some of the tension. Here’s more information about the difference in the teen brain.
The Brain is Still Developing
By the time your child hits the teen years, they may look like little adults. Their brains, however, are still very much in development during this time. The teen years are a key time for growth and development.
The prefrontal cortex is one main area that doesn’t reach full maturity until well into the twenties. This area of the brain is responsible for executive functioning skills like focusing, planning, decision-making, and good judgment. Since teens aren’t working with a fully developed prefrontal cortex, this would explain why their behavior seems impulsive or erratic.
Another area that is still developing is the amygdala, which is responsible for managing emotions. During this time, teens are more likely to struggle to process emotions. With that often comes more impulsivity and risky behaviors. This can also explain why teens are more susceptible to peer pressure.
Their Sleep Routines Look Different
Many teens typically spend a lot of time sleeping. Sleep behavior and laziness don’t necessarily go hand in hand. Instead, this increased amount of sleep is essential for proper development.
The recommended average amount of sleep per night is around eight hours. This number slightly increases for teens — between eight and ten hours a night. In all honesty, most teens probably aren’t getting enough sleep.
Their Brains are More Resilient
You’ve been through these years yourself, and you’ve probably heard many others say they wouldn’t want to do them over again. The teenage years can be trying and pose many challenges, even more so now with technological advancements and social media. The world around them is always on and at their fingertips.
As a parent, it’s normal to want to protect your children from the cruelties of the world and any hardship they may come across. You can’t always be there to shield them, but thankfully, their brains are exceptionally resilient.
With each challenge, it learns to respond and adapt, making it stronger and more effective for the next time something similar arises. They can also react to change much quicker, making this a great time for exploring new experiences, hobbies, and interests.
They Have Different Stress Responses
Teens inherently experience higher levels of stress, whether perceived or actual. It’s been proven that stress levels can contribute to both physical and mental health issues.
Because their brains are still developing, they are still learning how to respond to stress properly. As mentioned earlier, the resilience of their brains helps them recover quickly. They may not make the most sound decisions or demonstrate the ability to process matters appropriately, but they can maneuver through the messiness.
Gaining a Better Understanding
While it’s not always easy to understand teens, understanding why they act the way they do is helpful. With time, patience, and nurturing, their brains will develop, and they can become productive, responsible adults.
Being in the thick of the teenage years can be very difficult as a parent. If you are struggling to navigate this time, therapy can help. Contact our office today to learn how working with a therapist can help improve your relationship with your teen and work toward positive outcomes as a family.
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