Blog #8

This final section of reading Siegel continues his ideas of being present in an adolescents life. He tells the story of Andy. Andy went through the stage of adolescence like everyone else. He was becoming more away sexually. While many of his friends started becoming attracted to other girls, he found himself being attracted to other boys. He knew that he was different and felt anxious because he knew. Siegel explains how he went about counseling Andy's parents through theses changes. Siegel explains that these parents would claim to be open but found they were more closed off than they thought they would be.

The last part of this book has been challenging to think about. I think it is easy to say that we are all open and present with the teenagers that we encounter, but our actions show otherwise. Today, people care so much about pleasing others and that affects the way that we interact with adolescents. I am forced to ask myself, if I truly can see the beauty in the individual differences among teenagers. Siegel gives us practical ways to go about accepting youth exactly the way they are and encouraging them in their differences.

After reading this book, I feel that I have grown in understanding in many different areas. As someone aspiring to work in a field dealing with juveniles, I now have a better understanding of the development a teen goes through. Understanding what they go through emotionally, sexually, mentally, and physically will help me better empathize.

Blog #7

"As adults supporting adolescents such changes may challenge us to be open to what is happening, to be receptive and responsive instead of reactive, to connect rather than correct."

This is the way that Siegel starts off this section of reading. Throughout this entire book we have tried to gain a better understanding of why adolescents act the way that they do throughout this period of life by looking at physical, mental, emotional, and psychological changes. As well as gaining an understanding of why, Siegel is intentionally showing adults encountering adolescents how to be successful in their interactions. He makes it very clear throughout the entire book that we aren't able to control everything an adolescent experiences in this beautiful stage of life. But, we can remain present.

This is a common theme through this entire chapter. Remain present. I remember thinking as a teenager that my parents were not cool. I remember getting stressed out, and my parents just didn't help. One thing I do remember is how they never stopped being there. They didn't say "screw it" and leave me hanging. No matter how moody, rude, and emotional I was, they were present in my life. They supported me, and I always knew that they loved me. I think this is ultimately what Siegel is alluding to. Adults have the choice when dealing with adolescents. We can get mad and frustrated and attempt to change them, or we can remain present and constant in their rapidly changing lives.

Blog #6

Siegel set up three different sections that he talks about in this reading. He goes through three different attachments that one could have developed growing up. He explains the impact that these attachments have on the brain. He also provides different steps and practices one can use that might have developed an attachment. He talks on Avoidance, Ambivalence, and Disorganization.

I appreciate how he broke down each of these attachments and explained what was going on in the brain. How with avoidance one often has a slower development in the right side of their brain. He speaks on the importance of both sides of the brain, and how important it is for them to develop at the same time.

For this section of the book, I felt that a lot of parents needed to read it. There are so many factors that go into shaping an adolescent into who they are. Parenting is crucial. Parents should be educated in what is going on with development, emotions, or learning in general of an adolescent. Whether you are an adolescent or adult this chapter is also beneficial to read because of the practices that Siegel lays out for those with a history of attachments. One might be reading this book as an adult and notice that they may have one of these attachments, but Siegel expresses it's never too late to change it.

I appreciate how Siegel ends the chapter as well. Because there is so much change going on in a teenager it is important for those in there lives be supportive and encouraging of that change. Assisting them in navigating their attachments