In a recent blog post, clinical psychologist Prof. Dr. Gordana Buljan Flander explores how children's brains are affected when they experience overwhelming situations. Parents often express frustration, believing their seemingly intelligent children are being deliberately defiant or challenging. However, Buljan Flander argues that this behavior can be rooted in the neurological reactions triggered by stress and emotional responses, rather than mere defiance or lack of understanding.

She explains that the brain is complex and operates through various systems, including the limbic system, which serves as the emotional center. In children and adolescents, the limbic system responds to threats such as criticism or feelings of shame by activating the amygdala, which acts as an alarm mechanism. When children perceive a threat, their bodies instinctively shift into survival mode, resulting in responses like fight, flight, or freeze. This neurological process does not involve rational thought; instead, it prioritizes immediate emotional and physical safety.

Buljan Flander's insights highlight the importance of understanding these reactions in children and adolescents, emphasizing the need for parents and educators to adopt a compassionate approach that considers the neurobiological aspects of behavior. Recognizing that overwhelming emotions can lead to seemingly illogical actions might empower adults to support children more effectively rather than viewing them as simply rebellious or lazy.