HOW YOUR CHILD THINKS Because their brains are not fully developed, your is child is most likely to make choices based on immediate feelings. As a result, they are willing to do things they never planned or intended to do. Sometimes this results in risky behavior, such as drinking alcohol or using other drugs. As they mature into their 20s, this will change. Their choices and actions will be based more on thinking and less on feelings. This is a big part of why teens shouldn’t drink alcohol until they are 21 or older. Adults may hold beliefs and have thoughts that younger individuals are simply incapable of having due to their age. The part of the brain that controls what are considered to be “executive functions” (for example being less emotional and more reasoned, using judgment, planning, and critical thinking) is at a critical stage during this time and is not completely developed until their early to mid 20s. You can help your child develop better critical thinking skills by talking together about the consequences of alcohol use, even if he or she shows little interest. Whats Going On ,
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How Your Child Thinks
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