Teenage years are a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. Why? It's all in the brain!
During adolescence the emotional center develops rapidly making teens crave excitement and
novelty. This wired for risk state isn't a bug it's a feature. It helps teens explore
independence learn from trial and error and solidify their identities.However the prefrontal
cortex responsible for planning and long-term thinking lags behind. This can lead to
impulsive decisions - that joyride that seems thrilling might not seem so great later. While
risk-taking is a natural part of growing up understanding these brain changes can help teens
(and parents!) navigate this adventurous stage more safely.
