There is no doubt that virtually all parents want the best for their children. And as a result of this, they assist their teenagers to make good decisions by providing guidance and recommendations. They give reasons why teenagers should behave in certain [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][positive]ways, explain the pros and cons of every single situation and virtually go out of their ways to ensure that their teens have the best in life. Unfortunately, it just so happens that no matter how much parents try to guide their children through life, teenagers often have minds of their own; hence disobeying the parents and doing things exactly how they please. This can be really frustrating for parents. But there are reasons why teenagers often behave this way. A little research I conducted revealed to me what I am about to share and it is my wish that it serves some understanding on the part of both parents and teenagers.
According to Neurological findings, teenagers tend to disobey their parents and elderly ones not necessarily intentionally. Instead, they do this because a significant part of their brain (called the Prefrontal Cortex) is yet to fully develop. These parts of the brain- which is responsible for many important functions- do not fully develop until a person is twenty five [25] years old. This therefore explains why teenagers tend to go ahead and try out some things even their parents have explained the dangers and consequences of that thing to them.
So what exactly is the Prefrontal Cortex? The prefrontal cortex can best be described as the brakes on a car. In other words, it is supposed to serve as restrain, preventing humans from acting impulsively. Sadly enough, teenagers are unable to make use f it due to the fact that theirs are yet to fully develop. Therefore, they are naturally impulsively and may not be able to “apply the brakes of their brains” even after they’ve been warned of dangers ahead. Consequently, because they can hardly help their impulse, teenagers tend to do exactly what they have been told not to do and by so doing may seem disobedient.
Now there are a few more things to know about the Prefrontal Cortex. First and foremost, it is responsible for planning ahead. The difference between the highly developed Prefrontal Cortex of an adult when compared to the teenager is that whereas the adult knows s/he has some important things to do which must not conflict with other less important things, the teenager would easily forget to plan for his or her forthcoming WAEC Exam and go an Olamide Concert even a night to the Exam date. Just imagine a son asking his mum if he can go to Olamide’s concert even though he has exam the following day. The mother says no, yet boy sneaks out in the middle of the night to attend concert!
Other functions of the Prefrontal Cortex include:
- Managing emotions and delaying responses
- It helps human beings develop empathy and consideration for others.
- It helps humans develop Self-Awareness.
- It makes for high Moral Rectitude and Conscience
Teachers and Parents, it’s quite understandable how annoying it can be when teenagers tend to be disobedient. But as you can see, Science shows that they might be that way due to circumstance out of their control. Therefore, try to be understanding as much as possible. And to you teenagers, this is not a justification for bad rubbish! Inasmuch as you sometimes can’t help it, try as much as possible to obey your parents and elderly ones at all times. Particularly, I am speaking to those teenagers who intentionally disobey their elders; desist from doing that please.
Let’s all be responsible please…
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