TED TALKS AND RECOMMENDED READING

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TED TALK: The power of believing that you can improve

by Dr Carol Dweck

Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, researches “growth mindset” and "the power of yet"— the idea that we can grow our brain's capacity to learn and to solve problems. In this talk, she describes two ways to think about a problem that’s slightly too hard for you to solve. Are you not smart enough to solve it … or have you just not solved it yet? A great introduction to this influential field and tips for parents on how to encourage teens to focus on the process rather than the result.

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TED TALK: Grit, The power of passion and perseverance

by Dr Angela Duckworth

Angela Duckworth, who is professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, explains how IQ isn't the only criteria for success and how instead "grit" and self-control predict success both academically and professionally. This TedTalk is especially useful for those who need to realise that putting more effort into what they are doing is more important than they might think.

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TED TALK: Change your mindset, change the game

by Dr Alia Crum

Alia Crum is a psychologist and researcher at Stanford University. In this TedTalk, she presents research that show the influence of beliefs on the body and how changing your beliefs produces different outcomes. Dr Crum's research aims to understand how  mindsets affect important outcomes outside the realm of health such as behaviours and how mindsets can be consciously and deliberately changed through intervention to help people achieve their desired goals.

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TED TALK: Your body language may shape who you are

by Dr Amy Cuddy

Amy cuddy is a psychologist and professor at Harvard University and is famous for developing the concept of "power posing" - standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don't feel confident to boost feelings of confidence and help our chances for success. In this TedTalk, she explains how body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Even if her theory is sometimes controverted, it might be worth a try!

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INTERVIEW EXTRACT with Simon Sinek on phone addiction

In this video, professor at Columbia University, author and motivational speaker Simon Sinek (Start with Why and The Infinite Game), explains how technology is designed to be addictive and how millennials' addiction to technology, is costing them their relationships, jobs and personal satisfaction, like any other addiction would.

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DANIEL SIEGEL ON THE TEENAGE BRAIN

Daniel J. Siegel is a professor of psychiatry at UCLA, an award-winning renowned educator and the author of Brainstorm: the power and purpose of the teenage brain. In this video, he discusses the changes that take place within the adolescent period (up until the mid 20's) - Emotional Spark, Social Engagement, Novelty and Creative Exploration (ESSENCE) - and emphasises the importance of empathy and compassion in supporting our teenage children.

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BOOK: How to Talk so Teens will Listen & Listen so Teens will Talk

by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlich

"Feelings are never right or wrong... and should always be accepted." So if your teenager is in a state, don't jump in with judgment, solution or even comfort, the authors say: show you are really listening and acknowledge how they feel and wait. If he or she feels genuinely understood, the chances are your teenager will find their own solution - as they need to learn to do as they become adults. This book is especially useful for parents who want to open up the communication channels with their teen.

 

BOOK: The Teenage Guide to Friends

by Nicola Morgan

Those struggling with friendship issues, will find help in this book written for teens and their parents. The book covers issue such as making friends, keeping friendships strong, and what happens when they break down – as well as a look at online friendships, cyber-bullying, toxic friendships and frenemies, and empathy. A good starting point for teens and their parents when it comes to peer relationships.

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RESEARCH PAPER: Screen Time, A Health and Development Issue

by Dr. Aric Sigman

In this paper, Dr Aric Sigman, a chartered psychologist, PSHE lecturer and BMJ contributor writes about screen dependency. According to the WHO (2020 data), by age thirteen 18% of girls exhibit ‘problematic social media use’ and 21% of boys exhibit ‘disordered game use’. Screen time can lead to a reduction in attention span and brain development related to language processing, attention span, executive functions, emotions and reward. Share figures 3 and 4 from this paper with your teen to see the effect of screen time on their brain. For further reading on the same topic, read this article from Psychology Today.