tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15005476.post115921715536215557..comments2023-10-10T08:02:18.073-04:00Comments on Rationally Speaking: On the teenage brainUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15005476.post-1162308503471309312006-10-31T10:28:00.000-05:002006-10-31T10:28:00.000-05:00Jody,I believe that for much of our evolutionary p...Jody,<BR/><BR/>I believe that for much of our evolutionary past there actually has been a block of years where certain individuals were considered "teens" or "not-quite-adults."<BR/><BR/>Looking at modern hunter-gatherer populations as a reflection of our own past, we can observe a period where girls are sexually mature and physiologically capable of playing an adult role, but remain in an "inbetween" stage. During this time, they forage with their mothers or care for siblings/ other children in the village. The function is to teach the girl about childcare and how to sustain her family.<BR/><BR/>I can imagine this being the case especially in early hominid populations where the environment was particularly dangerous (predators, poisonous plants, etc). In order to get your genes into the next generation, you better have a healthy child, and for that you'll need to learn how to care for for your kids.<BR/><BR/>VictoriaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15005476.post-1159335338390406472006-09-27T01:35:00.000-04:002006-09-27T01:35:00.000-04:00You always love them, but sometimes it stretches o...You always love them, but sometimes it stretches ones mental resources to like them! mine are 36 and 33 and still manage to drive me to distraction.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15005476.post-1159325078636391062006-09-26T22:44:00.000-04:002006-09-26T22:44:00.000-04:00Anonymous Cal,Thanks for the advice Cal. I certai...Anonymous Cal,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the advice Cal. I certainly do think I will love the person my son comes to be, even through the frustrating teen years.<BR/><BR/>Reflecting on some points in Massimo's post, and my experience as a teacher. <BR/><BR/>"These are the regions involved in rational decisions, and apparently teenagers need to use them in overdrive to keep themselves from yielding to even very simple impulses."<BR/><BR/>I could see this happening on a daily basis. I recall this one boy, a really nice kid, who never really meant me any irritation. I would politely ask the class for some quiet attention while I explained the hour's activities. This kid simply could not give me one single minute of quiet attention! And now when I think about it, I think he reall did try to do so. He would often come to me after class and apologize for his disruption. <BR/><BR/>Even beyond this one particular boy, imploring these kids to stay on task was a constant battle.<BR/><BR/>Overall though, I really did genuinely like and enjoy the kids I taught. <BR/><BR/>However, there were some kids that were just plain obnoxious and made it their mission to irritate the hell out of me. <BR/>They did, I quit, and went on to my original profession. All for the better of everyone :)Sheldonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03743116454273042629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15005476.post-1159291064673862192006-09-26T13:17:00.000-04:002006-09-26T13:17:00.000-04:00Sheldon,Sure, they'll challenge you. But when it'...Sheldon,<BR/><BR/>Sure, they'll challenge you. But when it's your own, I think you'll often find yourself terribly proud of them for learning how to think (somewhat) by themselves. In terms of thinking for one self, I don't in any way encourage disrespect towards teachers or law enforcement. I tell them that their college teachers (in the case of our son) have worked really hard to get where they are, and if the must disagree or do something differently than they are asked to do, they must do so with utmost attitude of kindness and respect for the teacher. And I think it seems to work out alright so far. Our son says he likes college and most of his teachers. :) <BR/><BR/>Influence from friends really is a big deal. I probably don't even need to tell you that. But I have encouraged and challenged my kids in return to spend less time with certain friends who have particularly bad habits. (a girl-friend of my teen girls is having a baby TODAY) So as tempting as it may be sometimes, I would not try to suggest that they spend zero time with troubled friends. They will encounter people through their whole life who get involved with unhealthy things, and it is far better for them to deal with the ups and downs of all that entails while they are still at home. <BR/><BR/>Intentionally stay in touch with your child as he grows up, 7, 8, 10, 12 yrs old and beyond (even if he doesn't always act very enthusiastic about it). Ask him questions that will make him question why he is interested in certain friends, where he's going, who's there, and what they're all doing when the get there. If you don’t like what you hear, don’t be afraid to say “no”. If you fully intend to pay attention on consistent basis through these interesting times, I can assure you, that you will LOVE the person he grows up to be! :)<BR/><BR/>best of luck to you with your little boy, <BR/>calAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15005476.post-1159232755035939542006-09-25T21:05:00.000-04:002006-09-25T21:05:00.000-04:00Teenagers?As a former middle school and high schoo...Teenagers?<BR/>As a former middle school and high school teacher, I lasted two years, they just drove me crazy! I deeply respect those people that have the patience to educate them. Fortunately, I have about ten years to prepare to deal with my own teenager.Sheldonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03743116454273042629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15005476.post-1159220603075257022006-09-25T17:43:00.000-04:002006-09-25T17:43:00.000-04:00Oh, teens are wonderful, Massimo. The process and...Oh, teens are wonderful, Massimo. <BR/><BR/>The process and challenges of getting through the teen years is greatly underrated. I honestly wouldn't trade the process and the way they think for anything in the world. It really is fun and facsinating to watch. <BR/><BR/>I enjoy them even when they're kind of misbehaving. :) So I'm not a very good disciplinarian obviously. (not wishing for any of them to be extremely naughty, of course)<BR/>calAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com