Two Cent Tuesday: Parenting

This week's Two Cent topic is Parenting. Stop by TuTu's Bliss to partake in the fun!

I'm no parenting expert. I'm not.even.close as I'm trying to fight my way out alive of this 'stage' (my mother-in-law told me it's best to think of your kids as growing in and out of 'stages'. Stages they will always outgrow).

This 'stage' that my first born is in, is better known as the teen years. I also refer to this stage as 'Help, the body snatchers have stolen my sweet daughter and replaced her with this crazy child that I don't know.'

Speaking of crazy. {grin}

The absolute best ever advice that has helped me as I try to ride out this stormy stage?

Teens are CRAZY!

No, for real.

They really are.

Two ground-breaking studies have shown that the prefontal cortex of the brain (the part that controls emotion, impulse and rational decision making) haven't matured yet in teens!

It doesn't really start to mature until the teen years.

And... one study also found that the brain continues to grow through the teen years, with a substantial growth in the part of the brain nerves that are critical in good decision making.

Oh ma gosh.

It's scientifically proven they can't make rational, good decisions and control their emotions??

Wow, huh? Ground-breaking, indeed.

My two cents: Teens are crazy. We, the parents of teens are not. Remembering that is how you'll stay sane. When they are 13 acting like they are 5, it's best to remember the whole 'prefontal cortex not matured yet' thing and proceed with caution. You can also beg the bodysnatchers to please return your darling child, like I do. ;P

Happy Tuesday!
-Jen