Page 45 - Kyalami Issue 4 2022

Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design 26
3.0 Folder (Inner)
TODAY'S CHILD

invention, flux and creativity, where
new ways of interacting and learning
are occurring at breakneck speed.
This poses questions about how best Photo by Anton Danilov
we can parent and guide our children.
It also means that studying in the
traditional ways may not apply in the
near future.

In addition, research shows that
teenagers experience increased activity
in the medial prefrontal cortex. This
area of the brain is related to self-
evaluation and has to do with how one
interacts with and responds to others.
While it’s important for teenagers
to form friendships, interacting with
others can be difficult, especially for
teens subjected to peer pressure and
those who suffer from social anxiety.
Based on their brain development,
teens will be less able to think before
they act, consider consequences of
actions and change dangerous or
inappropriate behaviours. In turn, they
are more likely to be impulsive, engage
in risky behaviour, misread social cues
and emotions, and get into fights.
WHAT TO FOCUS ON
When it comes to disciplining your
teenager, proceed with care, advises
psychologist Terri Apter. Teens won’t
respond well to anger because of
their heightened emotional and social
sensitivity. “Even though it’s tempting
to shout, this will be counter-productive.
Your child is so alert to the emotional
message that they won’t hear any of
the logic you’re trying to impart.”
REWARD CONSIDERATIONS child for the hard work they’ve put
"Grounding or taking away privileges Increased dopamine activity in in will encourage them to engage
from a teenager also serves no real teenagers means that praise and meaningfully with their work. The
purpose", she adds. "Rather, teach positive feedback are important. positive spinoff is that you’re helping
your teenager to be responsible and The sooner your child receives your teenager to make the most of
accountable for the choices they make feedback, the greater the impact their brain’s ability to absorb and
by getting them to work on solving the it makes. This is evident when it process information rather than
problems that arise in their daily lives". comes to schoolwork. Praising the to simply engage in rote learning.
Today’s demands on teens mean
that academic study has to be about
actively engaging with the work.

Ultimately, the tried and tested ways of
parenting will always apply: maintaining
open communication channels;
showing genuine interest in what your
teen is feeling or going through; and
taking the time to help them process
their challenges.
We now know that changes in the brain
can be shaped by action. This implies
that the more they practise skills such
as self-control, emotional regulation
Photo by Mert Kahveci and establishing a good work ethic,
the better the outcome will be. The
teen years can, therefore, set a solid
foundation for adulthood.
www.lifetalk.co.za

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8 DPL issue 5 2022 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 4 • 2022