T2W13 – 10 March 2023
Dear Parents,
This week, we remind you of some critical points from our Student Services Workshop on Executive Functioning Skills and the Teenage Brain.
Adults assume: My child is lazy! They constantly play games and watch Youtube, and sleep late. Then waking up is another story! They can sleep all day! Laziness seems to reach its peak in the teen years. Adults confirm in unison: Teens are stinky lazybones!
However, this is a STINKY MYTH! All healthy people behave lazy only when they are supposed to do the jobs they don’t like. Homework is almost universally despised. No wonder kids will procrastinate if given a chance. However, a healthy brain cannot stand the vacuum of boredom. The same child might be ready for voracious reading in his favourite subject. We reviewed the importance of Executive Functions and how the skills develop at different rates over time. We looked at six main Executive Functions our teens struggle with: Self Control, Task Initiation, Planning/ Prioritising, Flexibility, Metacognition, and Stress Tolerance.
Acknowledge the difference in developing a Teen brain and break the myths.
We have attached a cheat sheet for you to talk to your teen, an easy way for empathic responses. Use at least 3 for this week and increase your monthly goals.
Have a great weekend!
Best regards,
Ms Jae OH
Director of Student Services
