Brainstorm

Outline

Brainstorm (2013) explains what is really happening in the teenage brain between the ages of twelve and twenty-four. Daniel J. Siegel argues that adolescence is not a time of chaos to be survived but a period of powerful growth, creativity, and courage. He shows teens and parents how to understand emotional intensity, risk-taking, and the need for connection, and how to channel these qualities in positive ways.

• The teenage brain keeps changing from age twelve to twenty-four, so adolescence is a long stage of development, not a short phase.
• Siegel argues adolescence is a period of powerful growth, creativity and courage rather than chaos to be survived.
• Intense emotions are a normal part of how the teenage brain works, and they can be understood instead of simply feared.
• Risk-taking and the strong need for connection are natural teenage traits that can be channelled in positive ways.
• Both teens and parents can use this understanding to strengthen their connection and turn adolescence into a time of growth.

Daniel J. Siegel is an American psychiatrist, clinical professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and founder of the Mindsight Institute. He is known for combining brain science with practical guidance on relationships, parenting, and well-being. His books include Mindsight, Brainstorm, and The Whole-Brain Child, written with Tina Payne Bryson.