The Wise Owl: Better known as your Thinking Brain

In this three-part series, Lauren talks about parts of the brain that relate to emotions and behavior: 

• Prefrontal Cortex – Thinking Brain or “Wise Owl”
• Limbic System – Emotional Brain or “Barking Dog”
• Brainstem – Reptilian Brain or “Fight or Flight”

This episode is about the Prefrontal Cortex, often called the Thinking Brain, Wise Owl, or Upstairs Brain. Logic, reason, thought, and communication live here. And...it’s harder to access when we are upset. 

The brain develops from top to bottom and back to front. That means the Thinking Brain is the final part of the brain to develop. Emotions and “Fight or Flight” develop first, while logic and reason are last. 

The Thinking Brain is responsible for learning, concentration, focus, and listening. When our bodies and brain are calm, it is much easier to access this part of the brain. As a result, we can better control our impulses and focus on regulating our emotions.

The Thinking Brain is the final part to develop and continues developing well into our 20’s. It’s also the hardest part to access when we need it. When reacting to something that is emotional or sensory, it’s processed in the order the brain was developed. Translation: the Fight or Flight part of your brain often responds BEFORE your Thinking Brain does. 

When our body or brain is NOT calm, we cannot easily access the Thinking Brain. So, when a child is having a breakdown and is told to “calm down”, it won’t work. 

Here’s why: 
Communication lives in the Thinking Brain. If they are stuck in their Emotional Brain (the Limbic area/Barking Dog), they can’t access logical thought or communication. They are so emotional, they literally cannot hear you. 

Instead, model ways they can help themselves calm down. You want them to “catch YOUR calm”.  Examples are deep breathing, calming touch, and movement. (Detailed examples are explained in this episode.) 

Be sure to check out our next two episodes where Lauren continues the conversation about our amazing brain!

Lauren answers this week’s listener question during the episode:
How do we balance social-emotional practices and academics?

Try-at-home tip:  Eat something flavorful.

Other related resources from The Behavior Hub: 

Blog Post: 

• Thinking Brain: The Wise Owl 
• Emotional Brain: The Barking Dog
• Reptilian Brain: Better known as the Brainstem

Our Online Courses: 

• From Wild Emotions to Tamed Feelings – How to Self-Regulate (5 Needs Areas)

 

• Do you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode!
  Email questions to podcast@thebehaviorhub.com or send via text to 717-693-7744.
• Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.
• Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children 
• The Behavior Hub website
• The Behavior Hub blog

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