Brain Training Programs: A Path to Help Children Thrive

Problems with the Modern World’s Landscape

There is a lot of greatness in the modern world, communication is easy, reach is larger, and access to resources is in abundance, however, along with this, there are also the hard, difficult and unpleasant that go hand in hand - with the world rapidly advancing, driven by constant innovation, intense competition, and significant technological progress.

The external stimuli we are all exposed to are immense, creating an environment filled with pressures for success and relentless stress. In addition to these advancements, our current education systems often remain biased toward logical thinking, neglecting other critical areas of cognitive and emotional development, and life skills to keep up with these changes.

The Alarming Rise of Mental Health Concerns in Children

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent mental health disorders in children.

Approximately 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years are diagnosed with anxiety, and 4.4% with depression, indicating that millions of children are affected. This early onset of mental health conditions can lead to more severe issues if left untreated.

Isn’t that concerning?

So now the question that I try to answer, or work with is: 

What are the possible strategies to help reduce the negative impact of stressors in a child’s environment? 

While there are numerous strategies for this, I will elaborate on one such approach - the Brighter Minds Alpha Program. This blog introduces the foundational module of Brighter Minds - the Alpha Program, focusing on its key aspects. 

Understanding Brighter Minds

Brighter Minds is an initiative that provides brain training for various age groups - the Alpha Program is one such course. Their goal is to strengthen the cognitive reserve and enhance the connection between the left and right hemispheres of the brain to promote whole-brain development. All of their programs are designed based on the principles of neuroscience and focus on holistic development.

What is the Alpha Program?

To enhance the sensory perceptions and cognitive functions of the brain, Brighter Minds offers the Alpha Program, a unique whole-brain wellness program designed for children aged 5 to 15. This brain training course is aimed at helping children reach their true potential by engaging them in activities that develop their cognitive abilities harmoniously and optimally. 

The program creates a loving and joyful learning environment, coupled with complete cognitive stimulation, to ensure that every child flourishes. Its goal is to help children discover and develop their hidden potential.

Brighter Minds recognizes a child’s potential uniquely - it is a mixture of certain cognitive, social and emotional skills, more specifically: 

Cognitive Skills:

• Observation Skills

• Attention and Focus

• Memory and Retention

• Concentration

• Creativity and Imagination

• Comprehension

Emotional Skills:

• Empathy and Compassion

• Intuition

• Self-Confidence and Esteem

Through the program, these skills are developed, strengthened and reinforced which contribute to improving social skills. 

Here’s an Anecdote:

After the fourth or fifth session, a child reported that she felt more confident and self-assured. As a result, she found the strength to share her opinions and answer questions in class without fear.

 The Value-Add of The Alpha Program

A program like this adds significant value to a child’s life. The skills developed or strengthened through the Alpha Program enhance emotional intelligence and heart intelligence, allowing children to discern between beneficial and harmful behaviours and environments. 

In a time where anxiety and depression levels in children are alarmingly high, and external pressures from comparison and competition are major stressors, the Alpha Program offers a supportive space for children to deepen their connections with themselves, their parents, and the world around them.

These skills are crucial for developing emotional intelligence and deeper self-awareness, enabling children to navigate their environments more effectively and make informed decisions. It equips them with the tools to work from a place of authenticity and develop higher-order thinking skills.