Dr. Denny Coates spoke with Lon Woodbury today about an eye opening subject: "Brain Science and the teen age brain" on LA Talk radio show- Parent Choices for Struggling Teens. Dr. Coates has been studying the brain, how it develops and how it learns, for the past 25 years. Based off of his studies, he is the author of two books of advice for teens- Conversations with the Wise Uncle (for boys) and Conversations with the Wise Aunt (for girls). He has also created an online personal development coaching system- Strong for Parenting, to help parents learn to communicate and connect with their teen.
When asked by Lon, "what is happening with the teen brain?" Dr. Coates explained the teen brain (or adolescent brain as he refers to it) at puberty is in the process of wiring itself for basic functioning and building upon that growth. The last area to grow- the pre frontal cortex- which is located right behind the forehead, takes input from the conceptional parts in the brain and connects the dots- this is the last phase of growth within the brain before becoming an adult." Experience has a 100% impact on the growth of the pre frontal cortex. These tiny receptors, if not used, will disappear and what receptors are left, become the foundation for your life." The more these adolescents think and learn, from cause and effect, the more the pre frontal cortex grows.
The important thing for parents to know is their kids are going to try things and push for their independence and follow or listen to their peers. Parents need to keep their bond with their child, to work on communication with their child because you want them to listen to you and take you seriously. Parents need to let their child be aware of the changes (of puberty and brain growth) that are going on within their bodies. The easiest way to help their child's receptors grow is by asking questions and help them process what is going on. The key is to get them to think things through…to ask questions that will help them 'connect the dots' and use questions to get them to think through their problems. Ask and then listen. Give them the opportunity to learn and be a positive role model for them.
Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens Internet Talk Radio Show..
Dr. Dennis Coats, PhD, is the CEO and founder of ProStar Coach, an online virtual coaching service for developing personal strength and people skills. He's been in the learning and development business for over 35 years, and CEO of Performance Support Systems, Inc., since 1987. He is the author of two books and a free online E book for parents on How to Give Your Teen a Superior Mind, that is available on his website.
This segment was sponsored by Spring Ridge Academy, 928-632-4602, www.springridgeacademy.com, a Therapeutic Boarding School for Girls in Arizona.
Stay Tuned for Upcoming Programs:
February 4:
Dr. Robert Melillo: Co-founder of the Brain Balance Achievement Centers
February 11:
Kevin Strauss: Family Communication in the Digital Age
February 18:
Jack Thurston: Where Have all the Fathers Gone?
February 25:
Dustin Tibbitts: "What's Happening to Our Daughters?"
