10 to 20: The Science of Motivating Young People

Group: Parent Class

In Room 212

Led by Clergy and Staff

Sundays, January 10-February 28

Imagine a world in which parents interact with young people in ways that leave their children feeling inspired, enthusiastic, and ready to contribute—rather than disengaged, outraged, or overwhelmed. Around age ten, puberty spurs the brain to crave socially rewarding experiences, such as pride, admiration, and respect, and to become highly averse to social pain, such as humiliation or shame. As a result, young people begin to subtly read between the lines of everything parents say, trying to interpret the hidden implications of their words to find out if they are disrespecting or honoring them. The key is to adopt the mentor mindset attuned to young people’s need for status and respect by following a few highly effective and easy-to-learn practices. This study offers parents long-term strategies to help nurture well-adjusted, independent, accomplished young people who make a difference in the world.