New Insight Offers Sturdier Brain Development Path for Minnesota Teens

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – Learning from a mistake, big or small, is a key part of life and for Minnesota adolescents, researchers and philanthropic voices are emphasizing new ways of thinking which can help teens’ brains develop in a complex world.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation is in the midst of a decadelong effort to improve the well-being and prospects of those between ages 14-24. Its latest messaging said as the teenage brain develops, parents and public systems need to show grace for teens who are learning day-to-day tasks while working through complicated feelings.

Jodi Dworkin, professor of family social science and extension specialist at the University of Minnesota, agreed and said we cannot assume everything will fall into place.

“We need to think of brain development as something that is an active process,” Dworkin contended. “We’re not just sitting back passively and letting it happen.”