A cheerful presentation about the inner workings of the adolescent brain and wat adults should know about it. About planning; about sleeping schedules; about their disarming honesty and their incredible sense of humour.
In 2009, Aletta Smits started giving theater-style interactive presentations about the teenage brain. The Adolescent brain - A Manual was the first presentation she ever gave. While the title has remained the same over the years, the content and stories have evolved.
A guaranteed cheerful and engaging hour and a half, filled with plenty of relatable moments and reassurance. Answers to questions like: Why don't they go to sleep on time? Why can't they get out of bed? Why don't they start their work on time? Why can they magically get up when they're going to an amusement park with friends? And why, oh why, do they always argue?
Through the lens of biology (what is physically different in a teenager's brain?) and evolution (how did teenagers come to be this way?), this presentation offers a lighthearted yet insightful explanation of why teenagers behave the way they do. Some challenges have solutions—we'll discuss those. Others simply require patience—we'll identify those too.
Aletta has given this presentation over a thousand times in different settings: for teachers, parents (in all forms), police officers, judges, truancy officers, military personnel, internship supervisors, and employers of young workers. You're more than welcome to attend as well!
Aletta, wat ben jij fijn om naar te luisteren. Bedankt voor een geweldige avond humor, maar ook zeer handige tips om om te gaan met onze puberbreinen thuis! Ik zie je graag nog eens weer.Rijssen - 2026-01-29
We rijden nu terug van een hele mooie avond op Reggesteyn. We hebben genoten van je lezing. Bedankt!Rijssen - 2026-01-29
Erg interessant en heel leuk verteld. Bedankt Aletta.Rijssen - 2026-01-29
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The adolescent brain - a manual