Researchers previously believed that the brain stopped growing by puberty. Now researchers know that the brain continues to develop well into your 20’s. In fact, the frontal lobes, which are imperative for planning and impulse control, are one of the last parts to fully develop. Little wonder you may have made some bad judgement calls in your teen years, like a regrettable tattoo or tongue piercing.

The brain constantly matures and thickens throughout adolescence—specifically the areas responsible for memory, language, creativity and attention.

Gray matter growth peaks at approximately 11 years old for girls and 12 years old for boys. After this stage, the prefrontal cortex, which makes up the part of your brain responsible for judgement, becomes more developed.

Although children already have some impulse control and are able to plan and set goals, over time their ability to use these skills becomes more consistent. So don’t be surprised if you only started to get better at decision-making well into your 20’s.

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