Teenage Brain

Many parents are complaining about how difficult it is to get the teenage brain up and going in the mornings. Really? Of course it's difficult. Teenage brains work two hours behind adult time. They get up later because they are biologically programmed to do so. Dr. Paul Kelly, author of Making Minds, says that continuous early starts create ‘teenage zombies’ and that allowing teenagers to begin lessons at 11am has a profound impact on learning. Rousing teenagers from their beds early results in abrupt mood swings, increased irritability, and may contribute to depression, weight gain, and reduced immunity to disease. Advances in brain-function information need to result in practical application--especially where teenagers are concerned.