The Adolescent Brain: A Work in Progress

The following information was provided by the Ridgewood Municipal Alliance (on which I also participate), regarding a program for interested parents.

Have you ever wondered why teenagers act the way they do? According to recent studies and neuro-imaging research, the prefrontal cortex of the human brain, which controls planning, emotion, impulse control, and the ability to assess future consequences, is not fully developed until one is in their early- to mid-twenties.

Come and learn about the adolescent brain at the GW Middle School Auditorium 7 PM on September 14, 2010. This program is open to all parents.

The presentation will help parents to understand:

• How can teens be so clever, accomplished, and responsible -- and reckless at the same time?
• What part of the brain is shutting down during this time of change?
• Why does your teen respond so strongly to graphic images?
• Your role as a parent during this incredible time of change in your young person’s brain
• Why adolescence is a risk-taking period during which teens are more likely to try drugs.
• What influences addiction in a young person?

Questions, please call the Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department at 201-670-5560.

Presented by Dee DeBernardis from the Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources, a program of Children’s Aid and Family Services. Funding provided by GCADA – NJ Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and the Ridgewood Municipal Alliance

Intriguing session on "invasive parenting."

The Municipal Alliances of Franklin Lakes, Oakland and Wyckoff are presenting an interesting session on Tuesday: A Nation of Wimps: the High Cost of Invasive Parenting. It's a conversation with the author Hara Estroff Marano.

According to the event flyer: "A Nation of Wimps is the first book to connect the dots between overparenting and the social crisis of the young. Marano focuses on the what and how of this crisis, then turns to what we can do about it. She offers guidance for being supportive without being overprotective and for preparing kids for the real world, along with alternative approaches to educating the young and tips on how to find balance between freedom and control."

Session will take place Tuesday October 20 at 8:00 p.m. at the Ramapo High School Auditorium.

Any thoughts on this intriguing concept? Do you ever struggle with knowing how much to help your kids, vs. when to let them struggle and possibly fail? I do.

Parental Guidance program tonight at GW

Wondering what teens in Ridgewood are up to these days? Looking for advice on how to talk to your teens about living a healthy, drug-free life? The Ridgewood Municipal Alliance Committee is offering Ridgewood parents and community members a 1-hour presentation called "PG: Parental Guidance for Teens" tonight at 7:00 p.m. at George Washington Middle School.

Information to be covered includes current drug trends being seen here in Ridgewood & Bergen County, symptoms and availability, and suggestions for how parents can answer tough questions teens might ask. This is an interactive presentation, facilitated by Dee Debernardis of The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources. The program is being offered by the Ridgewood Municipal Alliance Committee with funding from the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and the Ridgewood Municipal Alliance grant.

Questions or for more information call Ridgewood Parks and Recreation 201-670-5560.

What a dilemma: Board of Education meeting, Parental Guidance program or Monday Night Football...

Free program offers Parental Guidance (PG) for Teens

Wondering what teens in Ridgewood are up to these days? Looking for advice on how to talk to your teens about living a healthy, drug-free life? The Ridgewood Municipal Alliance Committee is offering Ridgewood parents and community members a 1-hour presentation called "PG: Parental Guidance for Teens" on September 21 at 7:00 p.m. at George Washington Middle School.

Information to be covered includes drug trends being seen here in Bergen County, symptoms and availability, and suggestions for how parents can answer tough questions teens might ask will be discussed in an interactive presentation, facilitated by Dee Debernardis of The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources. The program is being offered by the Ridgewood Municipal Alliance Committee with funding from the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and the Ridgewood Municipal Alliance grant.

Questions or for more information call Ridgewood Parks and Recreation 201-670-5560.