Adolescence has been described as a “normally abnormal stage of life.” This workshop based on Dr. Walsh’s best selling book, “Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain,” explains exactly what happens to the adolescent brain on the path from childhood into adulthood. Revealing the latest scientific findings in easy-to-understand terms, Dr. Walsh shows why moodiness, quickness to anger, willingness to take risks, miscommunication and other familiar teenage behavior, are all linked to physical changes and growth in the adolescent brain. This workshop goes beyond the well-known issues of hormones and peer pressure. Dr. Walsh shows parents and anyone who works with youth how to use this information to understand, communicate, and stay connected with youth.

This workshop will cover:

• Critical role of “connection” for student achievement.
• The “sweet spot” of stress – the harm of too much or too little.
• Why do they act that way? A tour of the adolescent brain.
• Strategies to engage disengaged students
• How the adolescents deal with anxiety and depression.
• Executive function –what it is and how to foster it.
• The iBrain—technology’s promise and peril.
• The importance of nutrition, exercise and sleep.

Targeted audience: Parents (6-12th grade), caretakers, educators, or anyone who works with adolescents.