The Secret to Disciplining Teens

The adolescent brain undergoes massive development until the mid-20s, particularly in the prefrontal cortex—the region governing empathy, decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control. However, this doesn’t mean teens can’t do these things; it means they need practice doing them while you’re still involved.

Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, psychotherapist and co-author of The Whole Brain Child, reveals the biggest parenting misconception: that brain development is an excuse. It’s not. It’s a blueprint for how to parent effectively. Instead of punishment-based discipline that backfires (kids hide mistakes rather than learn from them), parents should focus on giving teens repeated, safe opportunities to practice sound decisions, repair mistakes, and build critical skills.