Creating a nurturing environment respects the adolescent’s growing need for autonomy and involvement in decision-making. Parents can prioritise understanding their teenagers, building trust, and fostering open lines of communication. The dynamic interplay between nature and nurture means that your support, guidance, and the opportunities you offer are crucial. Engaging in open communication, providing emotional support, encouraging healthy social interactions, and fostering a stimulating educational environment can all contribute to the positive development of your adolescent’s brain.
Our brains continue to develop after we are born, and they change depending on the environment that surrounds them. Both nature and nurture influence behaviours and personalities.
Nature offers a genetic canvas that is unique to each individual. This genetic foundation influences aspects of personality, intelligence, and even susceptibility to certain mental health conditions. Adolescence triggers a series of genetic programs that affect growth spurts, hormonal changes, and the development of the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and self-awareness.
Nurture plays a vital role in determining how these genetic potentials are expressed and developed. The environment you create, the relationships you foster, and the experiences you provide to your teens can significantly influence their brain development, shaping their cognitive abilities, social skills, and even their emotional intelligence.
Recent scientific research confirms that the adolescent brain is shaped not only by DNA but also by experiences and the environment provided by parents and society. Genetic factors play a significant role in shaping an adolescent’s potential, including their talents, intelligence, and predispositions to certain behaviours and mental health conditions.
By understanding and respecting the influence of both genetic and environmental factors, you can help your adolescent navigate through the challenges of this developmental stage
Dr Emma Allende
Researchers have identified specific genes associated with specific behaviours – for example, the gene CADM2 is linked to more risk-taking behaviour, while the MSRA gene predicts more neurotic personality traits. A certain type of FAAH gene is associated with a different brain structure that reduces the likelihood of developing anxiety symptoms after the age of 12.
There is a clear interplay between genes and the environment. By understanding and respecting the influence of both genetic and environmental factors, you can help your adolescent navigate the challenges of this developmental stage, becoming a healthy and fulfilling young adult.
Creating a healthy environment for adolescent brain development
Environmental factors can modify, enhance, or hinder the expression of genetic potential. Some important environmental factors include:
- Family dynamics
- Educational opportunities
- Peer influences
- Cultural norms
- Society rules
- Stress
- Diet
- Bad experiences and trauma
- Parent relationships
- Victimisation and bullying
- Social media
- Financial problems
Positive interactions within these environments promote healthy brain development during the teenage years, resulting in resilience and adaptability. Negative experiences can lead to challenges in emotional regulation, social skills, and self-esteem.
Positive discipline: bridging nature and nurture
Positive discipline helps to build a bridge between nature and nurture by focusing on teaching and learning rather than punishment. It emphasises mutual respect, communication, and understanding, guiding parents to help their children through the teenage years while respecting their children’s nature and shaping their environment to nurture them positively.
Developing a nurturing attitude
- Involve adolescents in healthy discussions about rules and norms.
- Establish boundaries.
- Talk about the consequences of their actions.
- Discuss possible problem-solving solutions.
- Encourage them to take responsibility.
- Foster a sense of belonging and significance within the family.
- Help them learn from their experiences.
Supporting adolescents in discovering their interests
Recognising the genetic uniqueness of each adolescent, positive discipline supports teenagers in discovering their interests by nurturing their talents and passions. Encouraging rather than comparing fosters self-esteem and builds confidence. Parents can create environments that offer opportunities for exploration and learning, tailoring their support to the adolescent’s inherent strengths and challenges. This supports adolescents in developing life skills and personal capabilities.
