Understanding your teen’s behaviour

Your child’s brain will go through a significant period of growth and development during adolescence and you’ll probably notice some of the effects of this change in their behaviour.

The front part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex is the last part to mature. This part of the brain is responsible for decision making, problem solving, impulse control and managing and reading emotions. This explains why your teen might appear forgetful, be less able to manage their emotions and make decisions that might not have been as thought through as you would like.

• Sleep patterns change as teens grow and develop.
• Boundaries are challenged as young people transition from child to adult.
• Mood changes can happen with little or no warning.

Helping your teen learn how to cope with their feelings and build their resilience will help them manage small everyday stresses in a healthy way.

• A young person's emotions may seem out of proportion but to them these are important. Acknowledge their feelings.
• Be curious about what your teen is interested in, as this will give them the chance to share.
• Try not to take their silence too personally. During this transition to adulthood, they'll be learning about independence, and how to manage things themselves.
• Their memory is still developing so only give them one or two tasks at a time.

Encourage and support your teen’s interests and hobbies. While teens need a good nine hours of sleep, their body clocks are not set to rest until after midnight. This doesn’t always fit in with routines but it's out of their control. Visit our keeping your teen healthy section for more ways to help your teen stay fit and well.

• Working through challenging situations and decision making are all part of everyone’s development, encouraging your teen to push themselves and try new things is a great way to support this development whilst in a safe environment.
• Giving your teenager boundaries allows them to develop independence within the limits you set, adapting these boundaries as they get older.

• Positivity. Teens still want and need your praise. Let them know you think they did a good job with their decision-making to encourage this.
• Attention. Try to give more attention to good behaviour than poor behaviour and walk away if things get heated.
• Rules. When working out boundaries, giving a clear idea of what you expect from your teen, and being able to discuss it, can help reduce miscommunication.
• Time. Having one-on-one time to your teen gives them the chance to share their feelings.