Off Syllabus

Is your child’s identity being built on "likes" or life experiences? As a parenting podcast that goes beyond the classroom, this episode of Off Syllabus tackles the "Validation Game." We bring together two varied perspectives: Ms. Anoushkaa, a Grade 12 student, and Dr. Beena Roopak, a parent of a teenager and a primary schooler.We explore anxiety in the digital age and how modern friendship challenges are often amplified by social media algorithms. This isn't just a discussion about screen time; it’s an educational podcast segment on the psychology of "Echo Chambers" and "Rage Baiting."Key Discussion Points for Parents:Navigating childhood anxiety: Moving from the playground to the profile page.Parental Monitoring vs. Privacy: How Dr. Beena manages digital safety without losing trust.Helping teens build self-belief that doesn't rely on virtual validation.How Anoushkaa used boredom to fuel her passion for dance and design.Whether you are looking for a parenting podcast for moms and dads or an educational podcast for kids to watch with their parents, this episode provides the "Syllabus" you need for the modern home.The full episode is out now! Subscribe for more heart-to-heart conversations on the things they are not a part of the syllabus.

Is your child’s worldview being shaped by a feed or a family?In this episode of Off Syllabus, we tackle the "Validation Game." To get the full picture, we’ve brought together two very different perspectives: a Grade 12 student navigating the final hurdles of school life, and a parent of two (a teenager and a primary schooler) managing the daily digital tug-of-war.As a parenting podcast committed to more than just surface-level advice, we dive into the anxiety in the digital age that affects both Gen Z and parents alike. From the dopamine hit of a "like" to the quiet pressure of "story" views, we explore how modern friendship challenges are often playing out behind a screen.In these parenting podcast segments, we discuss:Navigating childhood anxiety: Moving from primary school worries to high-school social pressure.The Echo Chamber: Why social media makes it harder for kids to see different perspectives.The Comparison Trap: Why Dr. Beena Roopak warns that we must stop the cycle of comparing and criticising.Whether you’re looking for an educational podcast for kids to understand their own habits or a parenting podcast for moms and dads seeking practical boundaries, this conversation bridges the generation gap.

Are we raising "mechanical" children? In this episode of Off Syllabus, host Sangeetha Karthik sits down with the "Master Storyteller" herself, Ms. Geeta Ramanujam, Founder of Kathalaya’s International Academy of Storytelling.In a world dominated by screens and instant gratification, Geetha explains why storytelling isn't just a bedtime ritual—it is a vital life skill and a bridge for communication within families. From the "Rahul and the yellow lollipop" anecdote to the powerful metaphor of the camel in the zoo, this conversation explores how parents and teachers can use stories to build empathy, discipline, and deep-rooted connections.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Difference Between Instruction and Dialogue: Why your child stops listening when you start "advising."Storytelling as a Teaching Tool: How to make "boring" subjects like History or Science come alive.The 10-Minute Rule: Practical tips for busy, working parents to incorporate stories into daily routines.The "Seed" Philosophy: How to accept and nurture your child's unique potential without "trapping" them in your own ambitions.Live Demonstration: Watch Geeta bring a simple story to life using voice modulation and puppets.About the Guest:Ms. Geeta Ramanujam is an Ashoka Fellow, TEDx speaker, and the academician behind Kathalaya. She has travelled to over 45 countries, reviving the ancient art of storytelling for the modern world.Storytelling for children, Parenting tips India, Off Syllabus podcast, Geeta Ramanujam, Kathalaya, Creative teaching methods, Emotional intelligence in kids.Art of storytelling, Communication gaps in families, Digital detox for kids, How to tell stories to toddlers, Innovative education India, Parenting in the digital age.

Are we raising "mechanical" children? In this episode of Off Syllabus, host Sangeetha Karthik sits down with the "Master Storyteller" herself, Ms. Geeta Ramanujam, Founder of Kathalaya’s International Academy of Storytelling. Full episode coming soon. ​

We tell first graders to "ask for help," but why do they stop by high school? Join us as we break the silence on the hidden struggles of today’s students.In the premiere episode of Off Syllabus, host Ms. Sangeetha Karthik and Ms. Bornono Sen sits down with expert counsellors Ms. Reshma Narayan (The Brigade Schools) and Ms. Renu Srinivasan (Trauma & Adoption Specialist) to discuss the "fulcrum" of healthy relationships: the courage to ask for help.From the "hoodwinking" of parents over screen time to the heartbreaking reality of self-harm and panic attacks, this episode provides a raw, unfiltered look at the modern parenting experience.In this episode, we cover:The Transition: Why children stop seeking help as they grow older.Digital Pressures: How social media, FOMO, and "brand status" impact teen identity.Recognizing Red Flags: Identifying the difference between "attention-seeking" and a "cry for help."The Brain Science: Why adolescents struggle with immediate gratification and rational choices.Self-Harm & Panic Attacks: Practical advice for parents and teachers on responding to crisis with empathy, not judgment.0:00 – Introduction to Off Syllabus 1:30 – Why kids stop asking for help in middle school 4:15 – Meet the Counsellors: Reshma & Renu 13:45 – Cultural differences in mental health awareness 18:00 – The "Screen Time" battle: Hoodwinking vs. Curiosity 31:00 – The truth about self-harm and emotional distress 43:00 – Academic pressure and the fear of failure 54:00 – Monitoring vs. Privacy: What is invasive? 1:05:00 – Final advice for parents: Connection over Correction#OffSyllabus #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingTips #TeenMentalHealth #SchoolCounselling #AskingForHelp #EmotionalIntelligence #Education

"My child is just seeking attention." But what if that attention is actually a desperate cry for help? In this powerful episode of Off-Syllabus, we peel back the layers of student mental health. From the hidden pressures of social media to the heartbreaking reality of self-harm and panic attacks, we discuss what students are really going through behind closed doors.Join counsellors Ms. Reshma Narayan and Ms. Renu Srinivasan as we break the stigma and learn how to bridge the gap between parents, teachers, and students.It’s time to listen. It’s time to talk. Full Episode coming soon!#OffSyllabus #StudentMentalHealth #ParentingTips #ItsOkayToAskForHelp

Are we focusing too much on grades and missing the bigger picture? Welcome to Off Syllabus, the podcast where we close the textbooks and open up conversations about the things that truly matter in your child's life.Produced by The Brigade Schools, this show is designed for parents, educators, and anyone raising the next generation. In every episode, we sit down with psychologists, educators, and experts to tackle the tough questions.Join us as we explore the lessons that aren't in the syllabus but are essential for life.🔔 Subscribe now so you never miss an episode!