As a parent of a teen, you try to help your son or daughter make good decisions. You provide guidance. You give your child facts. You explain the pros and cons. You talk to other parents. You think about how you felt when you were a teen, and the consequences you suffered when you made poor decisions. You think you have set your teenager up for success.
But then you find out that your teen has taken none of your advice and has done exactly what they wanted to all along! Moms and dads, while this is frustrating and upsetting, there is a reason teens behave this way. A significant part of your teenager’s brain, the prefrontal cortex, is undeveloped.
In fact, the prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until age 25! This is why, even after you explain the dangers and consequences, your teen may still make poor choices. Her prefrontal cortex isn’t helping her, and so she all too often makes impulsive, “Woo-hoo, this sounds like fun,” decisions.