Welcome to the “Chief Executive Officer” or CEO of the brain. The prefrontal cortex, the part of the frontal lobes lying just behind the forehead, is the region responsible for cognitive analysis and abstract thought, as well as the moderation of “correct” behavior in social situations. In other words, the prefrontal cortex takes in information from…
Patt and Steve Saso have worked with teens for years and I find their advice about catching a teen in a lie keeps the relationship intact and models compassionate behavior as well. How to Respond When You Catch Your Teen Lying by Patt and Steve Saso How to Respond When You Catch Your Teen Lying…
This list of what a teenager needs was written in 2004 by my then teen daughter. She was helping me develop a course for parents of teens I was presenting at a Buddhist conference/ Support. Anything from going to a soccer game, a dance recital or school event shows that you care about the teen.…
The journey from childhood to adolescence is very challenging. Between the ages of 10 and 17 there are major changes in physical, cognitive, social, and moral development. The major task for adolescents is to establish their self-identity. By determining–as best they can–a sense of who they are, they attempt to find a group that reflects…
Here is a Parent Success Story told by an amazing mom of a 13 year-old boy. I started parenting coaching with Cynthia because I wanted to learn how to modify my communication style with my 13 year-old son. I wanted us to be able to communicate on a more harmonious level. He is very sensitive…
Teens are at the developmental stage where their life focus is moving away from their family of origin to creating their own family in the future. Their prefrontal cortex, their thinking and analyzing brain, won’t be fully developed until the mid-20’s. So, as parents, we watch this process with often feelings of concern, fear, and…
Here is a story of a private parent coaching client of mine. Learning to Listen to Rather than Yell at My Teenage Daughter I am a dad of a 15 year-old daughter who is struggling in school and in following our rules. My wife and I contacted Cynthia to help with managing her behavior. We…
Many educators on LinkedIn have asked me about teaching social and emotional intelligence skills to teens. As more learning takes place in group and team settings, many teachers have observed that unless we help them tackle personal and social challenges, many will never fully engage and will not fulfill their potential. The good news is…
Recommended Book List for Understanding Early and Middle Adolescence Our Last Best Shot, Guiding Our Children Through Early Adolescence by Laura Session Stepp. 2001 This book is unique because the information is based on observations and interviews from children aged 10 – 15. It gives real life family stories and then highlights the positive…
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Population Affairs (OPA) Maturation of the Prefrontal Cortex The prefrontal cortex, the part of the frontal lobes lying just behind the forehead, is often referred to as the “CEO of the brain.” This brain region is responsible for cognitive analysis and abstract thought, and the moderation…
Terms of Use: The articles in my blog are a matter of my opinion and perspective, offered to help stimulate parents' thinking about their child raising and common concerns, conflicts, and changes that typically occur. They are meant to be educational only. Because they are general in nature, they should NOT be used as a substitute for getting qualified professional psychological, medical, or legal help should serious need arise. The resources I recommend are mostly consistent with my parenting approach. Use them at your own discretion as you would my articles. The parents’ success stories are particular to their family situation. This does not mean that you would get the same results. They are to be used for inspiration that by you changing first, you have the greatest chance of creating a positive change in your family.