Make room for new adventures
impact: The brain produces the happy substance dopamine.
Why?
Studies reveal that teens are more outgoing than adults and young children. For example showed attempt As of 2012, young people are more likely to continue playing where it is uncertain whether they will win or lose money. the reason Adolescent brains are likely to release large amounts of dopamine, which produces a powerful intoxication, when they are in an unfamiliar or uncertain situation.
how?
Being bold is supposed to be beneficial from an evolutionary point of view because it ensures that they explore the world and look for new challenges from which they can learn. Therefore, it is also important to give adolescents the opportunity to satisfy their desire for new experiences. This can be done, for example, by encouraging them to engage in leisure activities, such as sports or a hobby. these activities It also reduces risks Because teens seek out less healthy experiences, such as drugs and crime.
Volunteer support
impact: Responsibility for others helps the whole body.
Why?
Teens experience an increased need to feel like they have a purpose in life, and a number of them studies It appears that this need can be met through volunteer work. Provides this kind of work Better self-confidencemore motivation at school and a better attitude towards others. the reason It is, among other things, that the brain’s reward center is activated when young people help others. Volunteering is also good for this physical health For example, it lowers cholesterol levels and reduces inflammation in the body.
how?
Supporting teens who want to participate in volunteer work. It could be something as simple as doing household chores. but analytics It is suggested that the best results are achieved through work where the teen helps people with special needs, such as children, the elderly, or the homeless—especially if that involves personal contact with the recipients. Dutch Stady From 2014 it also appears that the effect is higher if the teen can process the experiences with notes or in conversations.
To be a role model
impact: Good communication between adults strengthens brain development.
Why?
studies showed that adolescents who had good contact with adults felt better about themselves and had a lower risk of depression than adolescents who had no parents or other adults to look up to. Caring parents leave imprints in the teen’s brain and make sure that the amygdala, which is involved in regulating emotions, develops properly. Good contact can also be established with adults in the form of a teacher or football coach whom the young man trusts.
how?
Parents can establish a good connection with their teen by being open and welcoming while making requests at the same time. They should also explain the purpose of their demands so that they do not become unintelligible orders. Parents should also show interest in the teen’s activities – without getting too involved – and provide support if challenges or problems arise. In general, it is important to believe that your teen is good enough, and to show that you do.
Maintain good sleep habits
impact: Sleep develops emotions and intellect.
Why?
a lot studies They show that a good night’s sleep is essential for adolescents to have the energy to engage with the world around them and the desire to explore it. Sleep strengthens a teenager’s memory and ability to focus and learn. This applies both intellectually and emotionally. Young people with sleep insufficiency have difficulty managing stress and controlling their impulses, and they also have an increased risk of developing disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
how?
A teenager doesn’t necessarily need to go to bed very early. The most important thing is to fall asleep without too much time. But you can, for example, encourage quiet activities before bed and try to prevent cell phones from getting you to sleep. Parents can also try to have a conversation with the school and get them to change their practices a bit, because it’s scientific documentation Because it affects sleep if the young man has a lot of homework and has to meet early.
Talk about social media
impact: Conversation can prevent mental disorders.
Why?
According to US health authorities, the average teen spends between 7.5 and 9 hours in front of a screen each day. Several researchers have found a link between screen time and poor mental health — including depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Social media in particular can have a detrimental effect because young people risk developing poor self-esteem when they compare themselves to others’ perfect lives online, and they also risk being bullied or banned.
how?
Parents should talk to teens about cell phone use and social media and how they can prevent the screen from getting in the way of homework, sleep and physical activity. They may also ask if a teen can improve by spending less time on a mobile phone and social media. It’s also a good idea to encourage teens to be more physical with their friends – especially if you’re at risk or have anxious tendencies.
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