The teenage toddler brain Adolescence – starts in puberty “storm & stress” Dramatic biological changes – cognitive capacities increase physical changes Brain has a growth spurt, its previous growth spurt was in early childhood – leading to temper tantrums – same in adolescence

Changes in way teenagers think Start to think abstractly Awareness of their strengths and weakness as a learner Thoughts about their future and understanding others Make choices that influence the rest of their lives: education courses after school activities friendship groups/peer groups

Friendships Very important! Social acceptance and confidence in their physical appearance – is an important predictor of self esteem – survival based – instinctive and evolutionally. Adolescents and disagreements with family

Changes in Family Relationships As physically mature – adolescents seek independence and autonomy question family rules and roles can lead to conflict re: dress, appearance, chores, dates

Teenage Stress An important health issue, rapid changes in:physical,cognitive & emotional Teenage stress – changing relationships with peers, new demands at school – school pressure/career decisions/jobs/crammed schedules

Teenage Stress Peer pressure is greater than many other influences Difficulties in handling stress can lead to mental health problems – e.g depression and anxiety disorders

Stress management for Teenagers Talk Talk Talk…Listen Listen Listen Take deep breaths – think I can do it! Set small chunks in large projects Exercise, eat healthily, don’t rely on caffeine or sports drinks

Stress management for Teenagers continued… Sleep – turn off phones Visualise and practise feared situation/work through scenarios until amusing or absurd Focus on what you can control (reactions and actions) let go what you cannot (other peoples opinions and expectations) Accept yourself – identify unique strengths and build on them

Delayed sleep in Teenagers Tension between brain changes but teens need to go to bed before 11pm Better emotional health by going to bed before 11pm Promoting sleep by reducing teenage stress Who said toddlers were hard work ??