Juvenile adaptive behavior can be described as the process of a particular cognitive activity which leads towards changing one’s conduct with the intention of adapting to the normalcy of their surroundings. As a matter a fact, it can be said that the clichéd expressions, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” and “like mother, like daughter” which are used in colloquial conversation, are derived from human observations of specific adaptive demeanors within the society of the family. Since our social influences shape our behavioral traits, what is it that is responsible for molding our train of thought? Essentially, the combined elements of nature and nurture work together in order to help our brains evolve into the logical reasoning organs God created them to become. In other words, in order for a child’s brain to develop properly, parents need to be active participants in the lives of their children. “An integrated brain results in improved decision making better control of body and emotions, fuller self-understanding, stronger relationships, and success in school.” (Siegel, 2011) All in all, in this brief essay, I intend to analyze my new understanding of the brain by exploring how children think, act, and how this information can be a great tool for counseling as parents or for those in the mental health field of child psychology.

To begin with, when we enter into this world our cells go through the scientific process of bonding with one another while ultimately being immersed within the womb of the mother. If we take careful note of God’s equation here, we can see that God has directed us as parents to be immersed within the lives of our kids from the very genesis of procreation between man and woman. Once the child is born it is necessary for the parents to help them develop, grow, and mature into independent adults. In order for this to take place we need to understand our child’s wants and needs by placing ourselves in their shoes. Simply stated, we need to immerse ourselves into their thought process, in order to help them manufacture their own logic. “One big parental temptation is to make decisions for our kids, so that they constantly do the right thing. But as often as possible we need to give them the practice at making decisions for themselves.” (Siegel, 2011) A perfect example of this can exist when a child is having difficulty getting along well with others at school. The child’s brain most likely will not understand why other people do not like them. This can be very trying on parents, but they can be actively engaged with their kids when they come home in such a manner to help them process their daily activities. Communication is an important function within the family model, and many attend therapy to learn how to become better communicators with one another. If we take this previously mentioned scenario, and place a child within a family that lacks full engagement with them, then chances are likely that the child will grow up with deficiencies in relaying information. This can impact their future employment and even their own children because human beings are literally creatures of habit. However, if a family purses therapy regarding communication, the counselor can use reverse psychology to immerse themselves into the family, and create an active plan with the counselee(s) to counter the dominant behavioral norm in play. Now the child will learn to make mistakes on their own, and come home to an environment which can help their brains develop. “Studies have clearly shown that the very act of recalling and expressing an event through journaling can improve immune and heart function, as well as general well-being.” (Siegel, 2011) A sound contention can be made here that, if kids are taught to communicate early on in life that it can enhance their critical thinking skills.

Ultimately, parents are the central key to helping and understanding how their child’s brain is functioning. In The Whole-Brain Child the author states, “By encouraging integration in your children and helping develop their upstairs brain, you prepare them to be better friends, better spouses, and better parents.” (Siegel, 2011) We need to remember that when children come into the world they are infants along with the parents because everyone is experiencing a certain sense of newness in the stages of life. God wants both parents and children to mature together as one with Him. John 15:5 of the King James Version states, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (Holy Bible , 1997) To explain, our walks with the Lord will be reflective of how we take care of our children, and develop them because we are His children. We are His sheep. When children act up by showing us their worst, it is when they need us the most. We need to constantly be immersed in them while they are maturing to help keep clutter in their brains from building up. By constantly asking our kids questions, we inadvertently are training them to ask themselves questions which can allow their brains to present new perspectives to them with the purpose of promoting growth.

Works Cited

Holy Bible . (1997). Thomas Nelson Publishers .

Siegel, D. J. (2011). The Whole Brain Child. New York,NY: Delacorte Press.