“Raging hormones’ make adolescents moody. It’s more about the activation of the emotional brain (the limbic system) that determines mood and emotional intensity. Teenagers aren’t interested in their...

Teenagers have a lot to worry about during this phase of life and they are more prone to it due to their developmental changes, particularly in the brain. We are only ever as happy as our unhappiest...

As we come into another school holiday, arguments about ‘getting outside’ or ‘doing something useful’ will bounce around the walls of homes of teenagers everywhere. The joy of ‘school’s out!’ can...

What is the essence of adolescence? What are the unique behaviours that we associate with this period? Let’s break it down.  Emotions. There is a noticeable increase in emotional depth (and...

Is your teenager really lazy or is there something else going on?Motivation is a desire to accomplish a goal.  People behave in certain ways because of their motivation. It’s one of the most...

In my private practice as a therapist several years ago, I was talking with a Year 8 girl. At some point during the conversation, my client looked confused and asked me, “Are you really interested...

It's no secret that parents want to raise responsible adults…but how? How do we teach our children accountability in order to prevent entitled teenagers in the future? In order to do that, we need...

As we get back into the school year routine, the negotiation over bedtime begins. Teens say whatever they can to push their bedtime back. "But ALL of my friends stay up later than me! "Some of my...

I’m somewhat of an emotion enthusiast. My friends know me as someone who will never move away from any emotional experience, negative or positive. There is always something to be gained from showing...

Most parents understand that calling a child ‘stupid’ could affect their perception of themselves and adversely affect their attitude of trying something new or challenging. But did you also know...

Thousands of kids started school across the country a few months ago and now the novelty has worn off, the true emotions roll on in. And not just for young kids, every child faces a time of...

Reward points don’t work. Say, what??! Many educators will happily suggest that some form of reward is useful in order to encourage the behaviour you would like to see more of. It’s based...