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Brainstorm: The Teenage Brain from the Inside Out
by
Daniel J. Siegel (Goodreads Author)
In this groundbreaking book, the bestselling author of *Parenting from the Inside Out* and *The Whole-Brain Child* shows parents how to turn one of the most challenging developmental periods in their children's lives into one of the most rewarding. Between the ages of 12 and 24, the brain changes in important and often maddening ways. It's no wonder that many parents appro
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Jan 30, 2014
Daniel Goleman
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
parents, educators, psychologists, therapists, counselors
The myths about the teen brain are not just wrong, but destructive. We've heard for decades about the downsides of the teen years -- the risks taken, impulsivity and the like. Recent brain research has pegged some of this to a peculiarity in brain growth during those years: The growth of circuitry for impulse and pleasure outpaces that for inhibiting those impulses, which do not catch up until the early 20s.
But Dr. Siegel takes that same data and puts a positive spin on what this means for the t ...more
But Dr. Siegel takes that same data and puts a positive spin on what this means for the t ...more
Firstly and as usual, I received this book for the ripe sum of nothing via a giveaway, this time from Shelf Awareness. Despite that kind consideration from all involved my candid opinions follow below. To extend the preamble a bit, this book wasn't quite what I expected. Because of that I'm going to keep the value judgments to a minimum and instead just try to describe what the book tries to be. It's up to you whether it's what you want to be reading or not. I just make with the descriptions.
Wha ...more
Wha ...more
I received this book through a giveaway on GoodReads. Within the first few pages I was already realizing that my way of thinking was being challenged and changed. This book takes a positive look on the changes of a 'teen brain' but isn't restricted for only that age group, but for adults as well. This is not just a book for parents of teens but anyone who is curious about the changes in the brain and how to deal with them.
There were some interesting things in the book, but I had a few problems with it.
First, the title was wrong. This book dealt primarily with how adults can train their brains to be younger - and not about the teenage brain, which was secondary or even perhaps tertiary. Second, the way this book was written reminded me of a 1980's style. The author loved created acronyms for everything and describing his ideas based on a alliteration of words. This best descriptions don't always rhyme or begin wit ...more
First, the title was wrong. This book dealt primarily with how adults can train their brains to be younger - and not about the teenage brain, which was secondary or even perhaps tertiary. Second, the way this book was written reminded me of a 1980's style. The author loved created acronyms for everything and describing his ideas based on a alliteration of words. This best descriptions don't always rhyme or begin wit ...more
The tag line for this book is "the Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain". Thus I expected some profound insights on adolescence. And yes, to be fair, the author did talk about teen behavior and how the brain functions. But I felt that the bulk of this book was made up of "mind sight" exercises - things like breathing techniques, reflection, and other stuff that my teen will never do. If this book had been labeled as such - meditation and breathing exercises for teens, or something like that, m
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Based on research into actual brain changes, this book defines teenage years as between ages 12-24. This book was written so it could be read by either teenagers or their parents. While somewhat simplified for the benefit of younger readers, the book presents ideas that are helpful to any person (even senior citizens).
I heard Daniel Siegel being interviewed on NPR and instantly ordered a book for myself and one for our daughter-in-law. My husband is always interested in learning more about brai ...more
I heard Daniel Siegel being interviewed on NPR and instantly ordered a book for myself and one for our daughter-in-law. My husband is always interested in learning more about brai ...more
Brainstorm is a book that deals with a very pertinent topic- understanding adolescent brain. I had picked up the book hoping it would shed light on research in the area of neuroscience of adolescent brain. It did that to certain extent but it tried to do much more and lost the plot. There were nuggets of good information and some strong case studies but there was way too much repetition and meandering thoughts which made it very difficult to get through the book. Particularly irritating were the
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I received this book in a GoodReads Giveaway; this was a galley copy.
I found this book informative, but dry. I enjoyed the sections about how to use the teenage mind's propensity for pleasure and new things in a positive way very enlightening, and was definitely one of the highlights of the book. The beginning I found very drawn out, but it picks up pace and becomes less repetitive in the later chapters. I think Siegel is at his best when explaining the neurology and science behind adolescent b ...more
I found this book informative, but dry. I enjoyed the sections about how to use the teenage mind's propensity for pleasure and new things in a positive way very enlightening, and was definitely one of the highlights of the book. The beginning I found very drawn out, but it picks up pace and becomes less repetitive in the later chapters. I think Siegel is at his best when explaining the neurology and science behind adolescent b ...more
"The Teenage Brain for Dummies"
I personally was hoping for a science and research-heavy book about adolescent development and brain changes. Maybe that was my mistake, because this book is definitely not any of that. No, it's like a bad self-help book for teens/parents. Definitely not worth the read.
I personally was hoping for a science and research-heavy book about adolescent development and brain changes. Maybe that was my mistake, because this book is definitely not any of that. No, it's like a bad self-help book for teens/parents. Definitely not worth the read.
Brainstorm was a fascinating new read about the mind. As a School Counselor, I found the book to be very well delineated for when one might need a quick reference OR have an hour or two to delve into the inter-workings of any informative title. Although some of the book reiterated what we already know (understanding vs. telling/demanding), it gave me a scientific perspective on brain growth as well that I did not receive in Graduate School. I found Mr. Siegel's research to be relatable and reada
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i enjoyed this book despite the fact that i cannot stand the way daniel siegel writes. he means well, i know he does--his earnestness and enthusiasm are in boldface all over every page. but i came to this book looking for information, not a new best friend, so at times it was incredibly difficult to get through. still, there's a lot of good stuff in this book, which came across to me as a kind of one-stop compilation of the latest good science on neurology, brain development, mindfulness, psycho
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I received a copy ofBrainstormfrom Goodreads First Reads.
Brainstorm was more spiritual than I expected. I was looking forward to concrete examples of how to get my future kids in shape for the world, and I got breathing and meditation exercises instead. As a practicing psychiatrist, Siegel is very knowledgeable on the topic of adolescence, and it’s his clinical stories that I found most interesting; however, this book reads more like a textbook than anything else, and even though Siegel wrote th ...more
Brainstorm was more spiritual than I expected. I was looking forward to concrete examples of how to get my future kids in shape for the world, and I got breathing and meditation exercises instead. As a practicing psychiatrist, Siegel is very knowledgeable on the topic of adolescence, and it’s his clinical stories that I found most interesting; however, this book reads more like a textbook than anything else, and even though Siegel wrote th ...more
I think it's a tremendously important book for parents of teens and preteens to read and a pretty compelling read even if you don't have skin the game, parenting-wise. Dr. Siegel walks the reader through the "Whys" of the adolescent brain, not to mention the "Huhs?" and the "CAN YOU PLEASE STOP DOING THAT YOU ARE MAKING ME INSANES" (Sorry; they can't). The science is up to date and chewy but not overwhelming and it will give the reader a real sympathy and understanding for the degree to which ad
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This book was recommended to me to help me get some better insight into the teenage mind, and in that regard, it did its job well. In fact, the third part of the book was likely the most helpful. Like other reviews, I found it took a while to actually get to the meat of the issues, and I was hoping for a little more on what the average parent can do specifically to cope with teens going through this stage of life. The examples helped put things in perspective a bit, but on the other hand, I coul
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It's a good overview of brain development, particularly as it relates to the adolescent. He discusses the pros and cons of the need for exploration and experimentation that is characteristic of teens. There are some great sections on meditation and mindfulness. One thing I really liked is that he wrote the book with both adolescent readers and adult readers in mind.
If you ARE an adolescent, LIVE WITH an adolescent, ONCE WERE an adolescent, work with adolescents, or hope to one day nurture any adolescents, I HIGHLY recommend this book. Oh, also, if you don't fit any of the above categories, but you are a human with a brain... This book was absolutely incredible, shed a tremendous amount of light on aspects of my humanity, and, I daresay, was written in such a way that I feel reaches out to my human experience with empathy. I'll be mulling this one over for
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A wonderful, wonderful book. I am reevaluating my parenting from top to bottom. I've particularly liked the discussions around attachment theory, and how that shows up. I saw so much of myself in this book. I deeply appreciation the stories which demonstrate the neuroplasticity which is, in so many ways, the essential story of this book. I've had my parenting a bit backwards, where I was focusing on fixed, and advising rather than having her Seen, Soothed, Safe, and Secure. You may find his endl
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This book is extremely helpful for anyone struggling to understand why their teenager does the things they do...despite the teen's admittedly knowing better. It's biological! It details the pathophysiology of the changing teenage brain and helps you understand the why behind their impulsivity and unbreakable need for peer acceptance. It also asks you to examine your own childhood to understand any attachment flaws carried as baggage that impact your parent-child role today. It includes many mind
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A great book for professionals as well as those seeking professional help. A great read, though there are a few flat bits of meandering prose is more than made up for by the examples and personal insights that are covered in great breadth and depth. Definitely one I pass onto my patients which creates a helpful perspective to therapy.
Talk about bait-and-switch. I thought that this was a neuroscience book; it was rather a reminiscence on mindfulness that read like a Buddhist self-help book with some science sprinkled throughout. This is not to say that it had no redeeming qualities; rather, such qualities should have taken up most of the book.
As a teacher, I was curious about adolescent development and motivation. Siegel mentions, for example, how pitching anti-smoking campaigns as resistance against brainwashing corporation ...more
As a teacher, I was curious about adolescent development and motivation. Siegel mentions, for example, how pitching anti-smoking campaigns as resistance against brainwashing corporation ...more
This is not a book I would typically read. However, my wife gifted it to me last Christmas, as we have has pre-teen son who is on his way to being a teen son. I can’t say that I opened to the first page with a fully open mind, but I was intrigued by how the book was billed as more a text on the science of adolescent neurology than a self-help book. If it were a science book, I could get into that, but there was a lot of self-help themed exercises that were more distracting than helpful to the ca
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Siegel offers research-based insights and practical applications to inspire healthy attitudes toward self and others. True to the subtitle, this book is really about what the adolescent brain does well and how that occasionally leads to problems in behavior. The point for adults, though, is not to understand what the adolescents in our lives are thinking when we are frustrated with them. Siegel emphasizes the ability for adults to learn from teenagers, to hold onto or revisit some of the things
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There are four qualities of adolescence—the period between ages 12 and 24—that adults must try never to lose:
novelty seeking
social engagement
emotional intensity
creative exploration
To maintain these qualities helps a person to be a lifelong learner—one of those big goals that all educators hope their students achieve because it means they will have a full life.
Most adults think of adolescents as hormone-crazed drama kings and queens. But, of course, this isn’t fair. While the teen years are a tim ...more
novelty seeking
social engagement
emotional intensity
creative exploration
To maintain these qualities helps a person to be a lifelong learner—one of those big goals that all educators hope their students achieve because it means they will have a full life.
Most adults think of adolescents as hormone-crazed drama kings and queens. But, of course, this isn’t fair. While the teen years are a tim ...more
I picked this up after seeing Daniel Siegel speak on the topic just after the book was released. His talk focused on the physiological changes that the brain goes through during this stage of life, and how this contributes to the behavior often seen in teenagers. He also put a great deal of emphasis on debunking common misconceptions about the what's and why's of adolescence. I was excited to read about the nuts and bolts of what was covered in the short session.
Unfortunately, that was not to b ...more
Unfortunately, that was not to b ...more
This was my clinical book group's most recent reading selection to learn a bit more about the adolescent brain. I felt like most of the information I had encountered before through trainings on trauma and the brain. I did feel like the chapter on attachment was a nice reminder that early attachment patterns continue to manifest into adolescence and adulthood. Sadly, the writing was not the most captivating for me. And I was puzzled at the endorsements from Goldie Hawn and Alanis Morissette. I di
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In full disclosure, I'm kind of a Danieal Siegel fan boy. I am unapologetic about this. His work is one of the major factors behind my decision to become a mental health clinician. I think he's a master communicator/educator/popularizer of these hitherto esoteric and complicated ideas i.e. the mind, the brain, mental health, mindfulness etc. I loved the Mindfull Brain and Mindsight and (despite the fact that some of this book is fruity as hell) I think this may be my favorite so far.
People crit ...more
People crit ...more
I may spend the rest of my life learning and not come up with much of what Dr. Siegel is espousing in the book. I found two reviews over at Amazon, by "Rober Slaven" and "Girl Scout Dad" that best sum up what I came away with. The title of GS Dad's review, "The Book Quickly Wanders Away from its Title Message, Ironically, Like a Teenager with a Short Attention Span, March 10, 2014" I will stipulate, up front, from other reviewers and Siegel's web site, that the science sounds pretty solid - but
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By the title alone, I thought I was going to get a book that focused mainly on helping me understand the adolescent brain. What I got was only a bit of that information. The rest was how to help the adolescent grow into a more well-rounded individual. Usually, something of this measure wouldn't bother me. Unfortunately, the help was in the form of mindful meditation. As a teacher who interacts with students solely in the classroom, I will be hard pressed to implement his suggested measures in th
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- Love how positive Siegel is towards the period of adolescence. He emphasizes that it's not just a time period to "get through" but one that should be supported and celebrated.
- Has a nice conversational feel to his writing.
- I didn't find the "mindsight" portions to be super useful. Maybe the last one at the end with what to do to have a healthy life. But the first few weren't focused enough on adolescence in particular for my tastes.
- Breaking down adolescence into four fields (novelty seekin ...more
- Has a nice conversational feel to his writing.
- I didn't find the "mindsight" portions to be super useful. Maybe the last one at the end with what to do to have a healthy life. But the first few weren't focused enough on adolescence in particular for my tastes.
- Breaking down adolescence into four fields (novelty seekin ...more
Abandoned. Not every book written is deserving of having been read....
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Brain and Mind: The myths about the teenage brain | 5 | 56 | Apr 04, 2015 02:18PM |
Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., is an internationally acclaimed author, award-winning educator, and child psychiatrist. Dr. Siegel received his medical degree from Harvard University and completed his postgraduate medical education at UCLA with training in pediatrics and child, adolescent and adult psychiatry. He is currently a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, where he also
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“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of being.”
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“...the changes during adolescence are not something to just get through; they are qualities we actually need to hold on to in order to live a full and meaningful life in adulthood.”
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