Development · Uncategorized

The Power of Adolescence

Most often the terms teenagers and adolescents are used interchangeably. However, it is interesting to note that adolescence is the period from 10-25 years.

From time immemorial adolescents have received a bad rap for various ‘misdemeanours’ caused by their ‘raging’ hormones. However, new research is revealing that the powerful changes taking place during this phase are advantageous rather than a challenge. After the first five years of life, which are now recognised as a time when a child’s brain is extremely receptive, the adolescent brain is second in line for the great amount of growth and pruning that occur.

Here is a list of informative and inspiring podcasts (with links) that shed light on topics relevant to the adolescent age group.

  1. Dan Siegel: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain (Chopra Center Radio)
  2. Adam Gazzaley: The Neuroscience of Attention (The Unmistakable Creative Podcast)
  3. Unlocking the Psychology of Millenials (APA’s Speaking of Psychology podcast with Dr Jean Twenge)
  4. Parenting: The Teenage Brain (BBC Woman’s Hour podcast with Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore)
  5. Inside the teenage brain: How science is helping us understand adolescents (CBC Radio Ideas)
Human Qualities · Uncategorized · Wellbeing

Embracing the Unknown

The past few weeks have been surreal to say the least. Dubai’s school closures a couple of weeks ago left many of us moaning about the ‘overreaction’ by authorities to COVID-19. But watching the news unfold, moment by moment, even the cynics among us became fretful about the novel coronavirus.

As I work in learning support, my thoughts are obviously with the students. Children across the globe find themselves unexpectedly housebound. There is uncertainty over when schools will reopen. Schools, parents and caregivers are scrambling to implement e-learning strategies and make any possible arrangement for their kids to continue learning. The unique challenges that confront us are compounded for children with learning challenges, social-emotional difficulties, mental health concerns and special needs. There are more questions than answers for now.

While  listing the many negatives of the predicament we find ourselves in, it is easy to miss the silver lining, ever so slight as it may appear.

Continue reading “Embracing the Unknown”