Understanding the Teenage Brain
Adolescence is a unique and often challenging time for both teens and their families. At our pediatric clinic in Portland, we often help teens that are facing social, emotional and academic pressures, all while their brains are still developing. Understanding these changes is key to supporting teens as they navigate this critical stage of growth.
How the Teenage Brain Develops
Just like teens grow physically at their own pace, their brains develop on their own timeline too. Thanks to neuroscience, we know that different parts of the brain mature at different rates, which can go a long way to explaining your teen’s moods and behaviors.
The prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that helps with mood regulation, impulse control, focus and reasoning—doesn’t fully mature until the mid-twenties. This is your teen’s planning and decision-making hub, helping them think ahead, consider consequences and tackle abstract ideas.
On the other hand, the amygdala matures much earlier. It’s in charge of processing emotions like fear and anger, and controls fight or flight reactions. Unlike the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala acts more instinctively and emotionally. Because of this, the brain can feel out of sync during the teenage years.
This can explain typical adolescent behaviors like impulsiveness, mood swings and risky choices. For example, a teen might understand the risks of getting into a car with a drunk driver when thinking it through calmly. But in a social setting with peer pressure, the amygdala might overpower the reasoning of the prefrontal cortex.
How Parents and Caregivers Can Help
Parenting teens is no easy feat, but being mindful of the changes occurring in their brains can make a big difference. Here are some ways to support your teen through this crucial stage of development.
- Stay calm and regulate your own emotions. It’s normal to feel scared or upset when your teen makes a risky choice or reacts emotionally. But reacting the same way can make things worse by triggering them even more. Instead, try to stay calm and composed. Approaching them with understanding creates a space where they feel heard and safe, which helps shift their response from emotional reactions to more logical reasoning.
- Slow things down. Encourage your teen to take a moment and think things through before they act. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think might happen if you did that?” or “What are some other ways you could handle this?” This helps them build critical thinking skills and learn to approach situations with more care over time.
- Focus on the basics. Help your teen build good habits like getting enough sleep, staying active and eating a balanced diet. These simple changes can work wonders for their health and even give their brain a boost!
- Watch for warning signs. It’s normal for teens to be moody or impulsive, but it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of something more serious. If your teen seems withdrawn, stops sleeping, eating or staying active or loses interest in their goals and hobbies, it could be a sign they need extra support.
If you’re worried, don’t wait—reach out to one of our pediatricians or a mental health professional. The right help can make a big difference.
We’re Here to Help
The teenage years can feel like a rollercoaster ride, but it’s important to remember this is a normal and necessary part of growing up. Even with the ups and downs, most teens grow into independent, thoughtful adults with the help of supportive caregivers.
Our East Portland Pediatric pediatricians are here to offer compassionate care, listen and provide resources to help both parents and teens thrive. If you have any concerns or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us.