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Keeping Kids Engaged During a NeurOptimal® Session with Life Brain Training

Carlie Byrom

At Life Brain Training, we love welcoming children for NeurOptimal®sessions, knowing how incredibly beneficial they can be—especially for improving focus, emotional regulation, and overall brain function. However, keeping kids still and engaged during a session can sometimes be a challenge. Whether your child is energetic or struggles with attention, we want to share some practical strategies we use to help them stay calm and interested throughout their NeurOptimal® experience.


Sitting on our relaxing chair enjoying a NeurOptimal® session.
Sitting on our relaxing chair enjoying a NeurOptimal® session.

1. We Create a Comfortable Environment

Children respond well to a cozy and familiar space.

We will chat with you prior to your appointment and find out what things your little one likes to do. We will suggest that you bring their favourite toy if they have one

Our office is set up with a comfortable rocking chair and floor cushions where they can relax. We offering a variety of different blankets if required, depending on the mood.

There is a chair for one of the parents to stay in the room during the session or you are welcome to play a game with us on the floor if that's where the mood takes you.

Bottom line is, everything is done in the best interest of your child to make sure they feel comfortable and relaxed.




Watching Cartoons while doing a  NeurOptimal® session with her favourite toy.
Watching Cartoons while doing a NeurOptimal® session with her favourite toy.

2. We Use Engaging Visuals and take the time to get to know Your Child.

Since NeurOptimal® sessions can involve watching a screen, you have the choice to watch a cartoon or something else that interests your child. Alternatively, we can choose to listen to the relaxing music that has been specially composed for the system. The option is yours to decide what your child would respond to best and we will have that discussion with you at the time of booking.


NeurOptimal® session with headphones
NeurOptimal® session with headphones

3. We Offer a Range of Headphones

Some children are more likely to cooperate when they have something new and exciting to use. We have a range of different headphones to use, all child friendly. And if headphones aren't their thing, that is also ok - the training can be used without headphones.



Playing while doing a NeurOptimal® session
Playing while doing a NeurOptimal® session

4. We Use Toys for Hands-On Kids

If your child struggles with sitting still, don't worry!

They can play with fidget toys. Any toys really... just as long as the toy keeps them still, so no playing tip! If they like to play video games, bring along their Nintendo Switch (or whatever they are called) and let them play it, after all they are also doing something good for their brain at the same time.

We will monitor them during the session, and have toys on hand to keep them interested.

If you have concerns about your child staying still, discuss this with Carlie at the time of booking and we will come up with a solution.


5. We Suggest A Snack Prior to the Session

A light, non-messy snack like crackers, fruit slices, or a smoothie can help keep kids relax and feel more content prior to a session. Avoid sugary treats that might make them too energized to sit still. And just to make sure they are comfortable in every way possible, make sure they have gone to the toilet prior to their session.


6.We Explain the Process in a Fun Way

Children are more likely to cooperate when they understand what’s happening. We never talk over your child and make sure they feel welcomed and comfortable in the room, so will make sure they feel involved in the conversation. We will explain the session in a playful and age-appropriate way and can even hook their teddy up for a session if they want too. If you would like to discuss anything with us without your child hearing, we are always available on the phone prior to your session or after.


7. Make it a Routine

Kids thrive on routine. If possible, schedule NeurOptimal® sessions at the same time and in the same setting. Knowing what to expect can reduce resistance and increase their willingness to participate. If you have any concerns about this, we are always happy to work with you to make this as seamless as possible.


8. Offer a Reward or Incentive

Positive reinforcement can work wonders. Let your child know that after completing their session, they’ll get a small reward, infact they get to choose something special out of our prize bucket to take home.


9. Keep Sessions Short When Needed

If your child struggles to stay engaged for a full session, that is ok, we will do our best to try different things to keep your child engaged. But if it doesn't work, it's important to know any amount of training is better then nothing.

We can work our way up to a full session by gradually increasing the time. Overtime they will come to recognise that a NeurOptimal® session makes them feel good and they will want to do it.

It is important to remember that every child is different, and some may take longer to adjust to the process.

By implementing these strategies, our aim is to help your child remain calm and engaged, ensuring they get the most out of their NeurOptimal® neurofeedback sessions. The key is to make the experience as enjoyable, comfortable, and stress-free as possible for you and your child!


Interested in finding out more or booking a session - Call Carlie on 0404 091 510 or visit our webpage for more information : www.lifebraintraining.com.au

If you are renting a system, the above strategies will also work - feel free to reach out if you have any questions.




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