Glenbard Parent Series looks at the teenage brain
On Wednesday, Oct. 17, the Glenbard Parent Series Navigating Healthy Families will present "Attack of the Teenage Brain: Surprising Brain Principles to Help Teens and Adults Thrive and Survive" with neuroscientist John Medina.
Eye rolling. Moodiness. Wandering attention. And, of course, the drama. Teens can be hard to parent. The good news: It's not you. It's not them. It's their brains.
In this humorous, enlightening and entertaining presentation, neuroscientist Dr. John Medina explores the factors that drive teen behavior and affect both achievement and engagement.
Why do smart teens make dumb decisions? Focusing on the developing teenage brain, this lecture discusses the cognitive neuroscience behind executive function, which is the greatest predictor of academic success. We will examine executive function and the importance of "Brain Rules," such as exercise and sleep, to learn how the brain really works so parents can assist in the healthy functioning of teens (and themselves).
Medina's presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Glenbard North High School, 990 N. Kuhn Road in Carol Stream. After Medina's presentation, Glenbard social workers will lead a community conversation.
In addition, the Glenbard Parent Series will host a health expo from 6:15 to 7 p.m. at Glenbard North. Attendees will receive free heath assessments, tastes of healthy food and giveaways from more than 20 organizations. Flu shots will be available for a reduced price of $25; free for Medicare B and some insurance plans.
Continuing professional development units are available.
Medina is a developmental molecular biologist focused on the genes involved in human brain development and the genetics of psychiatric disorders. He has spent most of his professional life as a private research consultant, working primarily in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries on research related to mental health.
Medina is an affiliate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
For details, visit glenbardgps.org, or contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at (630) 942-7668 or gilda_ross@glenbard.org.