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hvparent.com n Hudson Valley Parent 29 to the latest research he adolescent brain is still developing, especial- ly the executive functioning of the brain that controls emotional reactivity - a part that is highly reactive and primed for stimulation while the part of the brain that controls these impulses is not yet fully formed, unfortunately. In other words, the adolescent brain is like a car with a powerful engine, a very sensitive gas pedal and a braking system is highly faulty. Throw in the powerful effect of adolescent first experiences and you truly have quite a difficult car to stop. 7. Don't give up - I've spent my entire career studying, teaching about and counseling adolescents (as well as having raised a few) and it's never easy, but it doesn't have to always be conflict-laden and frus- trating. The precious little kids that you nurtured are in there some- where. They will reemerge and come back to you if you just have patience. Try to smile and look back on your own teen years with humor and the wisdom you have attained. It will help you keep a perspective on your adolescent's behavior. We can't prevent our teens from experiencing the mistakes we'd like to see them avoid, but the support given by parents can lead to greater reality-based thinking. As George Harrison said, "All Things Must Pass" - even your child's adolescence. Paul Schwartz, Ph.D., is a profes- sor of Psychology and chairperson of the Division of Social Sciences at Mount Saint Mary College. As parents, we need and want to be needed, and as adolescents their need is not to need us. NEWBURGH THE BELLS' AN AUTHORIZED ETHAN ALLEN RETAILER ROUTE 32 94 NORTH PLANK ROAD 845.565.6000 bringthemagichome TM I N T R O D U C I N G It's fab! It's fresh! It's smiles by the gallon! Designed, made, and curated only at Ethan Allen. All styles now at introductory prices. Ask a designer or visit ethanallen.com/disney for details. Introductory pricing ends March 31, 2017. ©2016 Ethan Allen Global, Inc. ©Disney