Parenting Quote by Richard Guare
““frontal brain systems, and therefore executive skills, will require approximately 25 years to develop fully. Given these factors, children and adolescents cannot rely solely on their own frontal lobes and executive skills to regulate behavior. What’s the solution? We lend them our frontal lobes, acting as surrogate frontal lobes for our children. Although we might not think of it in these terms, parenting is, among other things, a process of providing executive skills support and coaching for our children.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Executive Skills for Children, Richard Guare, 2005
Children's brains aren't fully mature, so they need adult guidance to develop self‑control and decision‑making.
In simple terms: Kids need grown‑up help to learn self‑control.
Key Takeaway
Provide coaching and structure.
Themes
parenting
development
self‑control
Mood
supportive
pragmatic
Type
advice
instructional
When to use this quote
- school
- family routines
- discipline
- academic support
Key Concepts
executive function
neurodevelopment
coaching
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you give guidance without over‑controlling?
- What routines best model executive skills?
A Different Perspective
Adults must balance support with fostering independence.
