The Teenage Mind
Something that I have been interested in learning more about has been The Teenage Mind. I remember my mother and I talking about it during an argument, but since I didn’t have anybody backing me up on my thoughts I wasn’t sure if I was right. Lately, the issue has caught my eye again. I know that many people think that the teenage mind is complex. From what I have heard, the average teenager goes through different stages within its mind. For example, I heard that there’s a "rebellion" stage where the teen is at its own mind of state, and wants to do everything. Now that’s just what I’ve heard, it may or may not be true.
One thing that I know for sure about the teenage mind is that it goes through a lot in a range of about 5/6 years. Now I’ve done my share of psychology, and believe sleep is essential and our minds are in the process of growing. Personally, It’s funny to me how teenagers are the the ones who need the most sleep and are the ones who get the less of it.
The teenage mind has always been an important topic for scientists and parents, even teachers. Constantly, we’re asked what goes through out heads, and why we do the things we do. Not many adults seem to comprehend our actions, and we don’t seem to comprehend theirs sometimes.
Being that I didn’t have a lot of background information on the teenage mind, I chose to do some research on the topic. As I searched blogs and news articles on Google, I came across this one article: “The Teen brain http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/teenbrain/work/.” This article provided a lot of information and opinions on the teenage mind. Some people felt that the teenage mind undergoes different emotional changes than those of adults. “different parts of the brain mature at different times.”This statement didn’t really surprise me all that much, but it did make me feel like it was true. I agree with this statement because as a teenager we’re not fully matured or developed. Our brain is constantly undergoing changes to settle itself. Even after we become adults, our brains may still be fixating themselves.
In another article: “Why Sleep Is Important, http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/201202/why-sleep-is-important,” there was this one statement that made me nod my head in agreement with the writer. It was: “Sleep is essential. It is not an option. Extreme sleep deprivation is psychological torture.” This is so true because our brains need enough sleep to properly function. Too often we don’t give it enough sleep. This messes with many teens; we’re known for not attaining the required hours of sleep. This may also affects our behaviors and proper developments.
All of this makes me think that the teenage mind is not as complex as people put it. In order to understand a real teenager, you should probably talk to one and observe his/her behavior. Many times we are misread and judged, but that’s not how it should be. Try understanding us first, then maybe just maybe you’ll realize why we are the way we are.
Comments
Cool
Dear Silvia:
I really enjoyed this post. I believe this is a question that many of us have on a daily basis. This post really clarified some questions for me.
One sentence I found interesting was: " In order to understand a real teenager, you should probably talk to one and observe his/her behavior." I agree with this completely. I believe every teenager is different and should be analyzed differently. One general statement cannot define the behavior for all teens.
Another sentence that stood out to me was, " Try understanding us first, then maybe just maybe you’ll realize why we are the way we are." This is an interesting statement. I feel adults should take the time to understand teenagers. Maybe with time and effort, adults can understand a teenager's individual story and their reasons towards their behavior.
I really enjoyed your posts. I hope to see more of your writing. I believe you have many valid statements.
great!
Sylvia,
This is a good entry and I enjoyed it, I like your style of writing. As teenagers, at some point we all have the concept of not caring much for the necessity of sleep. This is why your quote spoke to me, “Sleep is essential. It is not an option. Extreme sleep deprivation is psychological torture.” I hope to see more of your writing.
Loved itttttt!
Dear Silvia :
Your post, “The Teenage Mind,"appealed to me a lot because as a teenager I know my mind is very complex and we undergo countless emotions during our daily lives. I want to know “why us ?”
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "Personally, It’s funny to me how teenagers are the the ones who need the most sleep and are the ones who get the less of it." This is so true sometimes I wonder to myself why am I so tired. At times I can go to sleep super early and still manage to wake up tired. I think this is because as teenagers we have to work with so many responsibilities in school, home, and etc and people expect so much from us that our minds and body become overwhelmed even though we don't say it.
Another sentence that I stood out was: “ Try understanding us first, then maybe just maybe you’ll realize why we are the way we are.” This stood out for me because I believe that a myriad of adults like to assume why we are the way we are. For example, parents like to have the concept “been there, done that” and like to justify that we act a certain way for such and such reason since they acted that way for such and such reason. Sometimes teens can be close minded but the real close minded people are the parents. Instead of thinking we did things a certain way because we wanted to not because you did it that way and we are following your past.
I think many other teens should read your post because they will learn to get sleep. I know a lot friends of mine barely get enough sleep, and that makes them perform poorly in school. Sleep is essential to teenager and help part of our brain mature better.
Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because this was an interesting topic, and we have a lot of opinions in common.
Too Cool For Me
Dear Silvia :
Your post, “The Teenage Mind,"appealed to me a lot because as a teenager I know my mind is very complex and we undergo countless emotions during our daily lives. I want to know “why us ?”
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "Personally, It’s funny to me how teenagers are the the ones who need the most sleep and are the ones who get the less of it." Its true, I myself are in need of sleep. With all our responsibilities, we lose track of what's important.
Another sentence that I stood out was: “ Try understanding us first, then maybe just maybe you’ll realize why we are the way we are.” This stood out for me because I believe that a myriad of adults like to assume why we are the way we are. For example, parents like to have the concept “been there, done that” and like to justify that we act a certain way for such and such reason since they acted that way for such and such reason. Sometimes teens can be close minded but the real close minded people are the parents. You should follow your heart.
I think many other teens should read your post because they will learn to get sleep. You really seem like you understand us.