Off Syllabus

The Schools of Brigade Foundation

A platform by The Schools of Brigade Foundation where experts come together for real conversations about growing up, learning, failing, parenting, identity, and navigating modern childhood. It's part podcast, part YouTube show, and fully aligned with Brigade's belief that every child's journey is unique — and worth listening to. We host conversations — real ones — about parenting in the digital age, student anxiety, learning challenges, friendship, identity, even failure. We feature not just students and teachers, but parents, alumni, and external experts. We listen. We reflect.

Episodes

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    It’s Okay to Ask for Help: Navigating Teen Mental Health | Off Syllabus Episode 1

    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

    1h 37m

About

A platform by The Schools of Brigade Foundation where experts come together for real conversations about growing up, learning, failing, parenting, identity, and navigating modern childhood. It's part podcast, part YouTube show, and fully aligned with Brigade's belief that every child's journey is unique — and worth listening to. We host conversations — real ones — about parenting in the digital age, student anxiety, learning challenges, friendship, identity, even failure. We feature not just students and teachers, but parents, alumni, and external experts. We listen. We reflect.