Inside The Mind of Teens and Tweens

Why do some teens perform far below their capabilities? What sorts of factors can trigger periods of poor achievement and low motivation in adolescents? Our guests identify a number of specific issues that can drive teens to underachieve and offer suggestions for parents.

Recent reports have estimated that About 80% of high school students have cheated, and that cheating is not only on the rise, but is reaching epidemic proportions. Why are so many teens cheating? Who cheats more boys or girls? Why is this trend on the rise and what can parents and teachers do about it?

The generally accepted indicator of early puberty in girls is the onset of a menstrual cycles before age twelve. However we are now seeing cases of breast and pubic hair development as early as age seven. So what constitutes early puberty is now under debate and researchers are seeking to understand what's driving this phenomenon? One surprise suspect is the absence of a father in the home. Learn more.

Our guests assert that our multitasking habit has gotten out of hand. Not only are students and parents doing too much of it, but contrary to popular beliefs we are less productive when we multitask, not more. In this segment we take a look at how multitasking is impacting teens and discuss practical strategies for getting control of the habit.

Our guest points out that homework has been a controversial subject among teachers, students and parents for over 100 years. Is homework really necessary? Does it help? How much homework is too much? What should be done when the homework is above the parent's ability to help? Tune is as our guest offers

The ability to focus and concentrate, to not get distracted, to handle two tasks at one time and the speed with which we process information are called cognitive skills. These skills are the fundamental tools required to do well academically. All totalled they are 70 skills and they determine how easy and fast learning with be for any teen. This segment discussed how these skills are developed and how they can be strengthened.

Today's guests explain why bullying has become fashionable among teens and discusses the dynamics driving the popularity. The segment goes on to connect the dots between teen bullying, and children who grow up to be involved in adult bullying and domestic violence.

Yes, teens are crazy, but according to our guests, they are crazy by design. Dumb, crazy, risky teen behavior is all part of the developmental process. Once we understand what is going on inside the teenage mind, we can spend less time being angry and frustrated with them and more time marveling at how their brains and personalities are developing.

Why do seemingly "normal" teens suddenly turn aggressive, violent and commit unthinkable crimes? What can we tell from neuroscience about brain development in violent teens? As parents, educators and policy makers struggle to handle increasing violence in teens, our ability to use MRI to see in to the brain offers some new clues and guidance for effective intervention.

Eric Jensen argues that the minds and mindset of poor kids and rich kids are very different in four fundamental ways -- processing skills, short term memory, attention skills and sequencing. There is a deficit of these skills among poor children and Jensen shares strategies for bridging this gap.

Most teens do not get enough sleep. According to the National Sleep foundation one study found that only 15% reported sleeping 8 1/2 hours on school nights. Consequences of insufficient sleep include moodiness, difficulty concentrating, and a reduced ability to comprehend and retain what is learned. A brain hungry for sleep can even be deadly. Learn what you need to know to ensure that your teens are getting enough sleep.

Teenagers often take parents and teachers on an emotional roller coaster that can be frustrating and irritating. If you've ever wondered, "What's up with my teen? Is she moody, mad or mentally ill?" This segment will provide answers and practical advice.

What is often casually viewed as a "mild concussion" or other benign head trauma can in fact be a serious brain injury with wide ranging impact on a teen's development. In this segment we discuss the basics every parent, teacher and coach needs to know about how head injuries may impact a teenager

Why do some young boys batter or otherwise verbally abuse young girls? What are some of the warning signs that a young boy may be inclined to be physically abusive? Most of the attention in this area has been on what females can do to prevent abuse. This segment focuses on addressing the problem directly with young boys.

Male tweens and teens are failing academically at twice the rate of females. Many parents are frustrated, and many teachers have just given up on underachieving teens. Now, new research has confirmed that male teens and female teens learn differently and the implications are profound. Every parent or teacher struggling with academically challenged teens will want to tune in and get the 411 on the differences you need to consider when teaching teenaged boys and girls.