Page 25 - Boardwalk Meander Issue 5 2022

TODAY’S CHILD

Based on their brain development, Grounding a teenager also serves no academic study has to be about
teens will be less able to think real purpose, she adds. Rather, teach actively engaging with the work.
before they act, to consider the your teenager to be responsible and
consequences of their actions accountable for the choices they make Ultimately, the tried and tested
and to change dangerous or by getting them to work on solving the ways of parenting will always apply:
inappropriate behaviours. In turn, problems that arise in their daily lives. maintaining open communication
they are more likely to be impulsive, channels; showing genuine interest
engage in risky behaviour, misread Reward considerations in what your teen is feeling or going
social cues and emotions, and get Increased dopamine activity in through; and taking the time to help
into fights. teenagers means that praise and them process their challenges.
positive feedback are important. The
What to focus on sooner your child receives feedback, We now know that changes in the
When it comes to disciplining the more of an impact it makes. This is brain can be shaped by action. This
your teenager, proceed with care, evident when it comes to schoolwork. implies that the more we practise
advises psychologist Terri Apter. Praising the child for the hard work skills such as self-control, emotional
Teens won’t respond well to they’ve put in will encourage them to regulation and establishing a
anger because of their heightened engage meaningfully with their work. good work ethic, the better the
emotional and social sensitivity. The positive spinoff is that you’re outcome will be. The teen years can,
“Even though it’s tempting to shout, helping your teenager to make the therefore, set a solid foundation for
this will be counter-productive. Your most of their brain’s ability to absorb adulthood.
child is so alert to the emotional and process information rather than
message that they won’t hear any to simply engage in rote learning. www.lifetalk.co.za
of the logic you’re trying to impart.” Today’s demands on teens mean that www.lifetalkwithgod.com

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Boardwalk Meander Estate Issue 5 · 2022