2014 Women + Girls Research Alliance Summit

Powerful Parenting:

The Psychology of Parenting

Powerful Parenting• Agenda:– The Psychology of Parenting

• Understanding the Human brain– “Generation Jobless”

• A brain-based problem– Executive Function

• Preparing your child for success

Powerful Parenting: Understanding the Brain

Understanding the BrainThree parts:Brain stem- (LIVING) sits on top of the spinal column at base of skull; overseas reproduction, self-preservation, circulation of blood, breathing, sleeping, etc.

Limbic System- (EMOTIONAL LIVING)surrounds the brain stem. Generates emotions; especially fear and aggression.

Cerebral Cortex- (INTELLECTUAL LIVING) large mass of grey matter that surrounds the Limbic System. Does not completely control the limbic system but can moderate some of its instinctual reactions. This cerebral cortex is conscious and alert and in contact with surroundings.

Understanding the Brain• Function of the Limbic

System (Emotional):– obtain pleasure and avoid pain;

instinctual, primitive – Does not accurately identify sensory

data– It is up to the new brain to refine

information

Understanding the Brain• Function of the Cerebral Cortex

(Intellectual):– Receives input from the bodies 5

senses to “processe” input– Use experiential and intellectual

knowledge to think critically– Control the instinct of the Limbic

System

Understanding the Brain• Function of the Cerebral Cortex

– Prefrontal Cortex (A.K.A)Executive Function is responsible for:• Decision-making and problem solving• Innovation, planning, goal-setting• Emotional intelligence, team-work, collaboration,

delayed gratification, impulse control, reasoning skills, etc.

• Not Instinctual; MUST BE DEVELOPED– Employers refer to these skills as Soft Skills

Powerful Parenting: Generation Jobless

“Generation Jobless”• Executive Function and Soft Skills– Soft Skills are behavioral competencies

or Emotional Intelligence – Soft Skills are governed by one’s

Executive Function• Communication, Attitude, Adaptability,

Teamwork, Goal-orientation • Strategic-Thinking, Analytics, etc.

“Generation Jobless”• Millennial Branding

Experience, Inc. surveyed 100,000 US companies (2012).

• Employer responses (225) reveal a gap between Employers needs for Soft Skills and New Hires Soft Skills abilities:

• 98% Communication skills• 97% Positive Attitude• 92% Flexible• 92% Teamwork• 88% Goal Oriented

Soft Skills

Application of

Executive

Function to

Govern self and relations

hip between

others

Executive FunctionApplication of Character Education to life: goal setting, planning, creativity,

attitude, communication

Character Education Application of Social Skills to Relationships

(Respect, Responsibility, Fairness and Justice etc.) (Self Control and Interpersonal Relationships)

Social Skills (Please, Thank you, Excuse Me, Wait, Listen, Sit)

(Self Control & Self Governed)

Powerful Parenting: Preparing your Child For Success

What’s the BIG DEAL?

Preparing for Success

Powerful Parenting:

• Powerful Parenting is:– Developing your child’s character from Social Skills

to Soft Skills through:• Communication, Decision Making, Delayed

Gratification, Goal Setting, Problem Solving…..– Powerful Parenting IS using your Executive

Function!