How To Talk To Teenagers About Their Brains with Dr Sarah McKay

How can we talk to teenagers about their brain in a way that actually helps, rather than making them roll their eyes? In this episode, I am joined by Dr Sarah McKay, a neuroscientist and author specialising in brain health, with a particular focus on women’s brain health across the lifespan. Together, we explore what’s really going on in the teenage brain, and why the way we talk about it matters more than we might think. Rather than asking parents to explain neuroscience to their teenagers, Sarah offers a more helpful approach: using what we understand about the brain to shape how we respond. We discuss the risks of common myths, such as teenagers being “ruled by hormones” or “unable to make good decisions”, and how these narratives can shape behaviour in unhelpful ways. Instead, we reframe adolescence as a period of learning, growth and social development, where motivation, belonging and experience play a central role. With relatable parenting examples and clear, evidence-based insights, this conversation will help you better understand teenage behaviour and respond in a way that supports your relationship with your child. You can find out more about Dr Sarah McKay and her work here: https://drsarahmckay.com/