Neuro-Nurture

We now have remarkable insight into what the growing brain needs to thrive from infancy through adolescence and beyond. Professionals, educators and carers can ‘neuro-nurture’ the developing child/adolescent and dramatically influence the growth and development of the young brain to better provide the foundations for successful learning, relationships, and behaviour. This dynamic workshop is intended for anyone who works with children and adolescents. It will demonstrate how the latest neurodevelopment research can be integrated into practical brain-based approaches to treatment, education and care. Karen Young will translate contemporary neuroscience into powerful insights and practical strategies to support the holistic development of children and adolescents. 

Participants will learn:

• The latest knowledge on how the brain develops from infancy through childhood and adolescence.
• The needs of children according to their specific stage of neurodevelopment.
• The importance of attachment in building the strong neural foundations for essential areas of development including the ability to form meaningful relationships , emotional regulation, self-control, empathy, independence and resilience, and how to build healthy attachments.
• How behaviours and skills are built in the brain and the simple explanation for young people that can build resilience and grit.
• The essential foundations for learning.
• Neuroscientific explanations for challenging behaviour.
• Why many common behaviour management techniques don’t work, and what to do instead.
• The impact of trauma on the developing brain.
• How the brain changes during adolescence and how these affect mood, behaviour, friendships, relationships, sleep, motivation, self-concept, and decision-making.
• Understanding family conflict during adolescence through a neuroscientific lens, and how to strengthen relationships.
• How to use our knowledge of the adolescent brain to forge stronger, more meaningful, more influential relationships with adolescents.
• The brain and social media.
• Impulse control and risky behaviour during adolescence.
• Anxiety and the adolescent brain.
• How addiction happens in the brain (incl. social media, screens, gaming) & how to explain addiction to young people in a way they will hear.
• The impact of drugs and alcohol on the developing brain, and how to engage and empower young people towards healthier behaviour.
• How resilience happens in the brain, and how this can be strengthened. 

Karen Young has worked as a Psychologist in private practice, and organisational and educational settings. She is now a sought-after speaker, educator and consultant both at home in Australia and internationally. Karen is the founder of ‘Hey Sigmund’, an internationally acclaimed online resource that provides contemporary, research-driven information on Anxiety and the neurodevelopment of children. She has written three books, including the best-selling ‘Hey Warrior’ and ‘Hey Awesome’. Karen is one of Compass Seminars most acclaimed and requested presenters.