Anatomical & Physiological Reasons Why Some Teens are Unable to Manage the College Admission Process Successfully and What Parents Can Do to Help. Also, Author and Teen Expert, Dr. Uchenna Umeh, On Ways to Lower Anxiety in College Bound Kids

#001 – On this episode, we uncover the scientific reason why a great number of high school kids find it difficult to plan ahead, solve problems, apply good judgement, and carry out self-awaraness. These are all important skills that are necessary to properly manage the college admission process.

These difficulties in teens threaten their chances of gaining admission into the more selective colleges and universities. We discuss ways in which parents can help in this process by playing an important role to ensure their teens stay on track and maximize their chances for admission.

This portion of the episode is based on a research study on brain development published on the Neuroscience and Behavioral Reviews Journal, titled, “Brain Development in Children and Adolescents: Insights from Anatomical Magnetic Resonance Imaging.” 

The following resources were also mentioned in the first half of the episode:

• The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know. Downloadable PDF containing a summary of research findings on teen brain development from the National Institute for Mental Health.
• The Teenage Brain. A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults. (New York Times Bestseller). A book about the development of the brain in teenagers and young adults. Written by neuroscientist, Dr. Frances Jensen.

On the second part of the episode we are joined by renown pediatrician, teen expert, and award-winning author, Dr. Uchenna Umeh, better known as Dr. Lulu. Throughout her life, she has committed herself to ending bullying, as well as, child, teen, and young adult depression and suicide.

Dr. Umeh sheds light on the topic of teen anxiety, particularly as it relates to college preparation and the transition into college life. She shares with us the important and often detrimental role that three types of expectations play in the minds of teens.

Additionally, Dr. Umeh highlights the one important and consequential thing all teens need to receive from their parents. Those who get it usually enjoy lower levels of anxiety and tend to enjoy better relationships with their parents. What is it? Here is a hint: It is free and always available to parents. Dr. Umeh tells us all about it.

You can read more about Dr. Umeh at https://www.teenalive.com, and find her award-winning books at https://www.teenalive.com/books.html.

We hope this episode allows you to comprehend what goes on in the minds of your teens, and the ways in which you can guide and support your kids as they go through the college admission process.