Why are they so weird?: What's really going on in a teenager's brain

by Barbara Strauch

As Strauch reveals, scientists now recognize that there is a biological component to why teenagers are so likely to slam the door and hide out in their rooms at the least provocation. There is a reason they are articulate and idealistic one moment, and incoherent and self-centered the next, or are so attracted to drugs, alcohol and high speeds. And it's not just hormones. New studies show that far from stopping growing at seven or eleven, the brain undergoes a complete rewiring - particularly the frontal cortex, the part of the brain that governs logic and emotions - in adolescence. WHY ARE THEY SO WEIRD? offers a well-informed and entertaining roadmap to that exhilarating, infuriating and sometimes terrifying time.

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2003

About the author

Barbara Strauch was deputy science editor of The New York Times in charge of health and medical science. She was the author of two books, “The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain,’’ on the surprising talents of the middle-aged mind, published in April 2010, and “The Primal Teen,’’ on the teenage brain.

Reviews

[Jacqueline Carthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an amazing insight for any parent who is wondering if their beautiful pubescent child is being taken over by an alien being !

It gives a wonderful view of the development of the childs brain, based on hundreds of studies that have been carried out around the world over the years. It does make you sit back and think about picking your battles when you realise that their brains are in the midst of phenomenal changes and growth so its no wonder that sometimes they short circuit (literally) and you never know if you are going to get the Jackal or Mr Hyde !

Its is helpful to know whats going on, but also a terrifying realisation that you are quite powerless to do anything to help, so the bumpy ride of puberty and teens continues !!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book some time ago now. everything made sense! it practically saved me from having a nervous breakdown. it also gave me an insight to my own behavioural problems as a teenager. I recommend this book to everyone I meet who are at their wits end with their teenage kids.

[Cecily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The major structural changes in a teenage brain. More about reassurance, from a scientific stance, than practical tips.