From birth to death, we are continuously evolving. Any developmental stage —like infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle age, old age— is a journey of the body and the mind. All stages have their own challenges, and the teenage years are no exception.
The Teen Brain
All changes occurring are essential for developing advanced cognitive abilities, such as risk assessment, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. The brain grows, remodels by making new neuronal connections, and discards pathways that are not used or needed anymore. The brain begins to specialise in different areas, sending signals much faster through newly created neuropathways.
The teenage brain shows plasticity, which means that it grows new pathways in the areas that you focus on and activates different areas depending on your experiences. The adolescent brain grows in the number of neurons and also in the speed of signal connection among them. This is why it is important to decide what your teens focus on. The prefrontal cortex is still maturing, and the areas that control emotions and impulses are still a work in progress.
Sleep
“Sleep is crucial for adolescents’ physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Insufficient sleep during the adolescent period is linked to reduced attention, impaired learning, and poorer academic performance.” Adolescents require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep. Sleep is crucial for adolescents’ physical, emotional, and cognitive health.
The teenage brain shows plasticity, which means that it grows new pathways in the areas that you focus on and activates different areas depending on your experiences
Dr Emma Allende
Physical Development
Adolescent physical development is marked by rapid growth and changes. Puberty triggers a series of hormonal changes that result in physical growth, sexual maturation, and changes in body composition.
- Boys undergo growth spurts, voice deepening, and development of facial and body hair.
- Girls experience growth spurts, breast development, and the onset of menstruation.
Suddenly, they start to notice more differences between males and females. It is a big change, and they are trying to come to terms with it. Growth hormone plays a crucial role in the physical development of adolescents.
Psychological Development
Adolescents also undergo significant changes in their self-concept and identity. They begin to question their identity and explore different beliefs, roles, and values.
Social Development
Spending more time with peers and less time with family is a normal part of seeking independence during the teen years.
Emotional Development
Adolescents may experience mood swings, heightened emotional sensitivity, and a search for identity.
Parenting Strategies
“Keep calm and carry on parenting. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The potential of human beings grows in adolescence, and they request permission to expand. Teenagers may benefit more from a less restrictive parental mode. Teaching them responsibility, establishing boundaries, and allowing room for them to learn the consequences of their behaviours all form part of positive discipline that can have a beneficial impact on these developmental years.
- Encourage a Balanced Diet: Emphasize the importance of a diverse intake of nutrients, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support their growth and development.
- Promote Physical Activity: Encourage regular exercise and participation in sports or physical activities to enhance their physical health and emotional well-being.
- Ensure Adequate Sleep: Adolescents need more sleep than adults, typically 8-10 hours per night, to support their rapid physical and cognitive development.
- Provide Positive Body Image Reinforcement: Help your adolescent develop a healthy body image by modelling positive language about bodies and avoiding criticism of physical appearances. Celebrate all shapes and sizes.
- Offer Emotional Support and Reassurance: Adolescence can be a confusing period of life, and having a safe space to talk and someone to trust can be a game-changer. Family dinners are valuable for bonding and subtly conveying life lessons.
- Address Mental Health Issues: Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, can emerge during adolescence. The pressures of social expectations, academic demands, and the quest for autonomy can contribute to stress and mental health challenges. Be the calm in their storm of emotions. Acknowledge what they’re going through without downplaying their feelings.
- Educate About Social Media: Social media plays an important role in shaping the neurological and psychological parts of young individuals. It can affect adolescents by facilitating interactions with many peers simultaneously without physical meetings, thus altering traditional socialisation patterns and influencing brain development.
- Engage in Family Relationships: Engage in family activities and meals to strengthen bonds and provide a stable support system for adolescents.
- Educate About Puberty and Development: Provide accurate information about puberty and development to demystify changes and reduce anxiety.
