Teenagers do a lot of crazy stuff, which can make raising teens super challenging. But teenagers' brains are also really amazing and capable of incredible learning. What can parents to do harness that learning potential? We can teach them to use their executive functions - their "breaks" so that they can start making good decisions. Check out our tips for helping your kid develop breaks in this episode! References: Dawson, M. & R. Guare. (2015). Smart but scattered: Helping teens strengthen executive skills to reach their full potential. The Science of Character: Using Brain Science to Raise Student Self-Regulation, Resilience and Respect. Boston: Learning and the Brain. Flannery, M. E. (2015). Surviving the teenage brain: What educators should know. neaToday.org