Summary

The article discusses the stages of brain development from pre-birth to adulthood, confirming that adolescents exhibit immature thinking due to ongoing brain development, particularly in the frontal cortex, which only reaches peak performance around age 23.

Abstract

The content provided delves into the science of brain development, affirming the common parental observation that children, especially adolescents, exhibit immature and inconsistent thinking patterns. It outlines five stages of brain development, highlighting that the brain isn't fully mature until around age 25. The article emphasizes that the behavior of adolescents, often seen as selfish and reckless, is a result of the frontal cortex's continued development, which is responsible for controlling emotions, language, and decision-making. It also notes that after a peak in brain performance around age 23, cognitive abilities begin to decline, which can affect learning and memory retention. The article concludes by suggesting that understanding these developmental stages can improve parenting and interpersonal relationships.

Opinions

Parents often perceive their children as immature and incapable of clear thinking, which is supported by scientific evidence regarding brain development.
The expectation for adolescents to exhibit adult-like reasoning is unrealistic due to the ongoing development of their brains, particularly the frontal cortex.
Insurance companies recognize the significance of a fully developed brain by offering lower rates to individuals over 25, implying a correlation between brain development and decision-making abilities.
The article implies that society should be more understanding of adolescent behavior, given the scientific evidence of their brain development stages.
The comparison between teenage and adult behavior suggests that similarities in stress response and decision-making are tied to the developmental stage of the brain.
The article advocates for practices that promote brain health, such as a balanced diet, mindfulness, stress reduction, and exercise, to maintain cognitive function as the brain ages.

Ever Think Your Kids Are Immature and Half-Brained?

Science confirms what parents know

Every parent has thought at one time or another, that their kids are immature in thinking and not able to process basic thought patterns. It makes sense that young kids don’t think clearly because their brains are continually developing. Still, at some point, you expect kids to get their act together and prove thinking capabilities for themselves.

The rub is that, while you, as a parent, are frustrated by kids’ disconnected behavior, you don’t have any evidence to back up your thoughts. Insurance companies figured out a long time ago what we don’t consider; the brain is fully developed at around age 25. In America, you get a lower insurance rate because your brain is fully developed. Hopefully, you can think clearly and make good decisions.

As a parent, what you’ve known all along, is finally confirmed. During the adolescent years, kids don’t think clearly, and can’t process complicated thoughts, but you aren’t sure why. The “why” behind the matter has to do with brain development, according to the Center of the Developing Child at Harvard University.

There are five stages of brain development, and after a certain age, it’s all downhill from there. There are four external stages of brain development, which are not included in the pre-birth stage.

Before Birth

Before a child is born, neurons are developing. The very matter kids need to have the best start in life is making its earliest connections and growing daily. Pregnant women do well to stay as stress-free as possible and eliminate toxins like cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs for the best fetus development.

Getting through this stage well offers a solid foundation for brain development.

The Early Years: Age 0–6

Until about age 3, children develop their senses through how they are comforted and how they play. The best development happens through playing, reading, and emotional connection when kids are stressed. Reading, even when language hasn’t developed, will foster thinking as children see colors and words on a page.

Childhood: Age 7–11

More advanced thinking happens during pre-adolescence years. Around age 8, the development of reasoning happens. According to Merriam Webster, it is “the time of life when one begins to be able to distinguish right from wrong.” Young children have a basic knowledge of what is right and what is wrong and can make appropriate choices regarding each.

The basis comes from the Age of Reason, a booming development of thinking from 18th Century thought leaders in England and France. Europeans led the way on a range of ideas centered around knowledge and advancing the ideals of liberty, progress, and government.

It’s no wonder why we refer to kids' brains as sponges during these years. Their minds are adept at learning and ready to consider new ideas.

Adolescence Age: 12–22

Teenagers are selfish, reckless, and don’t process the needs of others before the desires of “self.” Every parent knows this to be true. Adolescents are irritable, and their emotions run hot and cold. What parents may not know is that they expect adult-like reasoning from kids who aren’t capable of giving it yet.

The grey matter is still developing. This is important because the frontal cortex controls emotions, language development, and memories. It is the “control panel” of our personality and sexual behaviors, according to Healthline.

The prevalent stressors teenagers deal with, like sex and emotional thinking, aren’t able to fully be processed for another few years. No wonder teenagers are confused and forgetful. Their decision-making capabilities aren’t fully functional.

Adulthood: Age 23–65

The brain is at its peak performance at around age 23, but it only performs at an optimal level for about five years, and after that, it’s all downhill. The insurance companies may have figured out that a fully functional brain has awareness, but they haven’t adjusted premiums for when adult thinking capacity is again limited.

After about age 27, it is more challenging to learn new things and hold memories. The brain doesn’t function as well or as fast as it does in early adulthood. If you’ve drawn correlations between the actions of your teenager and your parents, you are correct, and it’s not their fault. Their actions are directly tied to brain development.

These things promote overall health and wellbeing:

A balanced diet
Mindfulness/self-awareness
Reduced stress/meditation
Exercise

Wrapping up the Grey Matter

When we look at the science behind the behavior, we can understand why people act the way they do. And, when we know why certain things happen, we can take time to be more self-aware of our interactions and strengthen our parenting and relationships.

We can’t stop aging, but we can better understand the thought process behind the developing brain and better connect with the people who matter.

Put the knowledge to use and improve your relationships today.

Sources:

Health study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3779428

Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/frontal-lobe#1