Understanding the 'terrifying' teen brain

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - You’re at breaking point. Your teen’s behaviour is like a chameleon on a box of Smarties: constantly changing, unpredictable and all over the place.

One minute they’re chilled, the next they’re a drama-filled volcano, erupting for reasons that make zero sense.

This may help clear the confusion

From the experts: "The rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so. In fact, recent research has found that adult and teen brains work differently.

"Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part.

"This is the part of the brain that responds to situations with good judgment and an awareness of long-term consequences.

"Teens process information with the amygdala. This is the emotional part.” Stanford Medicine: Children’s Health

Let’s clear this up: It’s not parents vs teens; it’s teens vs their own emotions.

Have you heard of "emotional logic"?

It is the way our emotions shape our decisions, actions and thoughts.

It makes sense to us in the moment, even if it doesn’t always match up with logic or reason.

It’s how we understand and react to our feelings, even if those reactions don't always seem rational.

Developmental stage

Emotional logic seen in teens is strongly tied to the developmental stage of their brain, where emotional impulses often outweigh the ability to regulate those feelings with rational thought.

As much as your teen may think they’re fully grown, their brain is still catching up.

The depression, anxiety and mood swings are real. Be the calm in their storm.

Offer love and acceptance as they navigate the emotional rollercoaster in their minds. As parents, we play a key role in shaping their future, a role that will stay with them well into adulthood.