Do screens help or hinder children's development?

In an age of omnipresent technology, one of the most pressing questions for parents, educators, and health professionals is: do screens help or hinder the development of children? The answer, although complex, must be built on scientific evidence, careful observation, and, above all, human sensitivity. This article aims to offer a balanced, inspiring, and motivational perspective on this topic, valuing not only data but also affection and creativity in the relationship between adults and children.

In recent decades, neuroscience has significantly advanced our understanding of how the child’s brain develops. We know, for instance, that the early years of life are marked by intense synaptic formation—connections between neurons that are strengthened through interaction with the surrounding world. This interaction must be rich in sensory, social, and motor stimuli—meaning it requires movement, touch, eye contact, listening, and affection. When a child spends hours in front of a screen, they miss out on exploring the real world with all their senses, which can compromise the full development of cognitive, emotional, and social functions.

Studies conducted by Harvard University and Stanford University have shown that excessive screen time can negatively affect children’s attention span, working memory, sleep, and even behavior. A 2019 study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that children aged 2 to 5 who spend more than one hour a day in front of screens are more likely to exhibit delays in language and social skills. This does not mean all screen time is harmful; rather, unmoderated and purposeless use can lead to significant impacts. The key lies in quality, intentionality, and duration of exposure.

To make this reflection more concrete, it is worth mentioning the experience of playwright and educator Antônio Carlos dos Santos, who created the play “Screens, only with health” (see by clicking here). In it, through playful, fun and accessible language, children and adults are invited to reflect on the conscious use of technologies. The play is an invitation to self-regulation, balance and intergenerational dialogue. Despite addressing issues that plague today, “Screens? Only with health!” draws on classical philosophy, Socrates and the Myth of the Cave to emphasize how education can ensure the sustainable use of contemporary technologies.

From the play emerged the method TBMB – Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater, a methodology applied in schools and cultural centers to address sensitive issues with children, such as screen time, bullying, and healthy eating. With handcrafted puppets and popular theatrical language, the methodology connects with children’s emotions, capturing attention and promoting lasting learning. Field studies conducted in partnership with the Federal University of Minas Gerais showed that children who participated in TBMB workshops developed greater critical awareness about screen time and showed increased interest in physical activity and reading.

Another educational approach inspired by the works of Antônio Carlos dos Santos is the MAT Method – Mindset, Action, and Theater. Through MAT, parents, educators, and children are invited to act out real-life situations based on true stories. Through dramatization, socio-emotional skills such as empathy, active listening, self-regulation, and conflict resolution are developed. In one MAT exercise, for example, a child plays the role of a video game that always wants to play, while another plays the child who needs to sleep, study, and talk to their parents. At the end of the scene, everyone reflects on the importance of setting boundaries and valuing time.

The ThM – Theater Movement method further reinforces the importance of the body as a learning tool. In a world that is increasingly sedentary—where children spend hours immobile in front of tablets and smartphones—ThM proposes a return to creative movement, body expression, and sensory awareness. In workshops with young children, movements inspired by screen characters are transformed into dances and physical games, helping integrate body and mind in a joyful and healthy way. Neuroscience has already shown that physical movement stimulates higher cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and logical reasoning.

It is crucial to remember that when we talk about screens, we are also talking about family bonds. A child who watches a cartoon with their parents, talks about the plot, and relates it to their life is making enriching use of technology. A child left alone for hours with a screen as a digital babysitter, however, is being deprived of essential interactions. Mediation is the key. According to the 2020 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the ideal for young children is less than one hour of screen time per day—always accompanied by an adult who guides, explains, and interacts.

So, yes—screens can support children’s development, as long as they are used wisely. There are educational apps, games that stimulate logical thinking, and videos that teach languages, science, or music. But all of this must be part of a broader pedagogical project that includes play, nature exploration, family and school interaction, silence, and quality sleep. No technology replaces eye contact, the touch of a hug, the scent of a new book, or the sound of laughter during a backyard game.

The mission of parents and educators is not to demonize screens but to teach children to use them consciously. It is to prepare them for the digital world without losing sight of what makes us human: empathy, movement, affection, and curiosity for the real. As Antônio Carlos dos Santos says, “The best technology is still love—and love requires time, presence, and listening.”

May we be inspired by creative pedagogical practices, reliable scientific studies, and methodologies that value childhood in all its richness. And may every adult who loves a child ask themselves: am I offering screens… or presence? Because, in the end, what truly shapes a child’s brain and heart is the quality of time spent with those who care for them. And that, no screen can replace.

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Building the future: how financial education ensures a secure retirement

             An inspiring journey on how knowledge, planning, and creativity can turn the dream of a peaceful retirement into reality

Imagine reaching retirement with serenity, knowing that your financial choices guarantee quality of life. This article explores how financial education, combined with innovative methodologies like theater, empowers workers and leaders to plan a sustainable and fulfilling future.

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Retirement is a horizon everyone aspires to, but few adequately prepare to reach. In a world of economic uncertainties and rapid changes, financial education emerges as an essential tool to transform dreams into reality. Recent studies, such as those published in the Journal of Financial Planning (2024), show that individuals with financial literacy are 40% more likely to maintain a comfortable retirement. Financial education is not just about numbers; it’s about empowering people to make informed decisions, plan strategically, and live with purpose. For workers, leaders, and the general public, mastering this skill is the first step toward a secure future.

Retirement planning requires more than saving money; it demands a clear vision of the future and consistent actions in the present. This is where innovative methodologies, such as those developed by writer and educator Antônio Carlos dos Santos, come into play. His Quasar K+ Strategic Planning approach combines science, creativity, and practice to create robust plans. Quasar K+ uses scenario analysis and goal-setting tools, inspiring individuals to visualize their long-term objectives. Additionally, Santos proposes theater as a laboratory for ideas, with methodologies like MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater), ThM (Theater Movement), and MBPT (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater), making financial learning engaging and transformative.

Scientific Tidbit: Research from the Journal of Behavioral Finance (2023) indicates that people who engage in creative activities, such as theater, make more thoughtful financial decisions, as they develop greater self-awareness and emotional control.

The Quasar K+ methodology is particularly effective for structuring a sustainable retirement plan. For example, imagine Ana, a 40-year-old teacher who wants to retire at 65 with quality of life. Using Quasar K+, Ana begins by identifying her goals: maintaining a comfortable lifestyle, traveling once a year, and supporting her grandchildren’s education. Next, she maps her income, expenses, and investments, adjusting them based on economic projections. The unique aspect of Quasar K+ is its creative visualization stage: Ana participates in a theatrical exercise, acting out her “future self” in a play guided by MAT. This experience helps her internalize her goals and maintain financial discipline, turning planning into a motivating process.

Practical Tip: Create a “retirement journal.” Write down your future goals, such as travel or hobbies, and calculate how much you need to save monthly to achieve them. Revisit the journal quarterly to adjust the plan.

Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ work also provides tools to communicate and internalize financial concepts. In his book Strategic Communication: The Art of Speaking Well, he teaches leaders how to convey complex ideas clearly, inspiring teams to adopt healthy financial practices. Breathing, Voice, and Diction helps individuals gain confidence to negotiate investments or discuss plans with financial advisors. Finally, Moving Letters: The Art of Writing Well encourages reflective writing, essential for documenting retirement goals and strategies. These communication skills, combined with financial education, create a solid foundation for planning.

Inspiring Story: Nelson Mandela, despite facing decades of adversity, carefully planned his actions to achieve a better future for his nation. His discipline and long-term vision are an example of how strategic planning can transform realities, just as financial education can shape a successful retirement.

Theater, as proposed by Santos, is a bridge between theory and practice. The ThM (Theater Movement) methodology uses body movement to teach financial concepts, such as balancing spending and investments. In a workshop, participants might “act out” cash flow, moving to represent money coming in and going out. Meanwhile, MBPT (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater) uses puppets to tell stories about saving and conscious consumption, making learning accessible and fun. A study from the Journal of Economic Education (2024) suggests that creative approaches like these increase financial knowledge retention by up to 30%, especially among adults with low financial literacy.

Motivational Quote: “Education is the key to unlocking the door to freedom.” – Maria Montessori

Financial education also plays a crucial role in reducing stress associated with retirement. A study from the Financial Planning Review (2023) reveals that individuals with clear financial plans report 25% lower anxiety levels as they approach retirement. MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater), for instance, helps develop a positive mindset, encouraging practical actions like investing in pension funds or diversifying income sources. In a theatrical exercise, participants might stage “conversations with the future,” dialoguing with an older version of themselves, reinforcing the importance of decisions made today.

Organizational leaders have a special role in this process. They can promote financial education among their teams by creating programs based on Santos’ methodologies. For example, a company implemented MBPT in corporate training. Employees watched a play featuring the Mané Beiçudo puppet, which told the story of a worker learning to save for retirement. After the performance, the company offered financial planning workshops, resulting in a 20% increase in participation in private pension plans. This approach shows how theater can engage and motivate behavioral changes.

Practical Tip: Organize a “finance club” at work or in your community. Meet monthly to discuss retirement goals, share tips, and invite experts for talks. Use theatrical activities to make the meetings more interactive.

The connection between financial education and retirement also involves cultural issues. In many societies, talking about money is taboo, which hinders planning. Santos’ methodologies, by using theater, break these barriers, creating safe spaces to discuss finances. In a school, for instance, ThM was used to teach teenagers about personal budgeting, preparing them to think about retirement early. This preventive approach is essential, as, according to the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (2024), young people with financial education are more likely to accumulate wealth over their lives.

Historical Tidbit: In Ancient Greece, philosophers like Aristotle already discussed the importance of resource management for well-being. This idea of financial balance is the foundation of modern financial education, which seeks harmony between the present and the future.

Ultimately, financial education is an act of autonomy and responsibility. Planning for retirement is not just about securing resources but also ensuring quality of life, health, and personal fulfillment. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ tools, such as Quasar K+ and theater, offer a creative and human path to achieve this goal. As John Dewey said, “The aim of education is to enable individuals to continue their education.” May each of us, inspired by these ideas, take control of our own future and build a retirement that is synonymous with freedom and fulfillment.

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The great advantages of ‘positive discipline’ in early childhood education

Raising a child is like planting a rare tree: it takes time, patience, affection, and, above all, consistency. One of the most valuable tools in this process is positive discipline, an approach that, instead of relying on severe punishment or authoritarianism, focuses on mutual respect, emotional bonding, and the development of social and emotional skills from early childhood. Inspired by principles developed by Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs in the 20th century, and widely studied by universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia, positive discipline is gaining ground in schools, homes, and child development centers around the world.

Positive discipline is based on the premise that every child, when misbehaving, is trying to communicate something—whether it’s a need for attention, safety, or connection. Therefore, punishment does not teach. What teaches is dialogue, example, and firm yet gentle guidance. This approach stimulates the development of emotional self-regulation, a crucial skill for children’s academic and social success, as demonstrated by long-term studies from the American Psychological Association.

A practical and inspiring example of this approach comes from Fred Rogers, the beloved educator and host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Instead of harsh reprimands, Rogers communicated with children empathetically, always acknowledging their feelings, validating their emotions, and showing them alternative ways to express themselves. He understood that a child needs to be heard in order to feel safe—and that this sense of security is the first step toward meaningful learning.

In this context, the methodologies developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos offer practical and creative tools to apply positive discipline in everyday life. Through TBMB – Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater, for example, children are invited to engage with narratives that reflect common childhood conflicts—such as tantrums, jealousy, or defiance—and learn, through the characters, more empathetic and cooperative ways to resolve issues. Theater becomes a mirror through which the child sees themselves, understands themselves, and transforms.

The MAT – Mindset, Action, and Theater method goes even further: it combines principles of positive psychology and neuroscience with theatrical practices, helping parents and teachers foster a growth mindset in children—a term coined by Stanford researcher Carol Dweck. By encouraging the idea that mistakes are part of the learning process, MAT strengthens children's self-esteem and transforms the fear of failure into the courage to try.

Meanwhile, ThM – Theater Movement is a bodily and sensory approach that integrates movement, emotion, and language, promoting empathy and active listening. In a ThM circle, for instance, children can express emotions like anger or frustration through their bodies, learning to name and manage them with more awareness. This kind of somatic learning is strongly endorsed by researchers at Columbia and Yale as essential for the development of self-control.

Recent studies from Harvard University confirm that children raised with positive discipline tend to develop better social behavior, leadership and cooperation skills, and show a lower incidence of emotional disorders during adolescence. This is because they feel a sense of belonging, are heard, and are treated with respect—decisive factors for building self-esteem and a sense of responsibility.

Furthermore, Antônio Carlos dos Santos' vast literary production, focused on children, offers a universe of support for the practice of positive discipline. Books such as “Ui Ghur, the little bear that liberated books”, “Happy pets” and “Screens? Only healthy!” address themes such as emotional self-regulation, respect for diversity and cooperation, always with playful, sensitive and deeply humanizing language.

Applying positive discipline is not about being permissive—it’s about setting boundaries with both firmness and affection. It’s about guiding children like a lighthouse, not a whip. It means seeing mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for humiliation. Above all, it means believing that every human being, from a very young age, is capable of learning to respect—if they are respected first.

Therefore, positive discipline is more than a teaching method. It is a philosophy of life, an invitation to mutual transformation between adults and children. To educate with respect, attentiveness, and presence is to sow the seeds of a more just, kind, and conscious world—a world where children grow not in fear, but in courage and love.

If we hope to build a more empathetic and cooperative society, the path begins with how we speak to our children today. Positive discipline is, without a doubt, one of the most promising trails—and the fruits it bears are everlasting.

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The step-by-step guide to defining the organization's Future Vision

Defining an organization's Future Vision is an essential process to ensure sustainable growth and relevance in the market. More than just a set of inspiring words, the vision should represent a clear and mobilizing direction capable of engaging leaders, employees, and partners. Recent studies from Harvard and Stanford universities highlight that organizations with a well-defined vision are 35% more likely to achieve their strategic goals. But how do you build a vision that truly makes sense and inspires everyone?

The first step is to understand the essence of the organization. This means identifying its values, purposes, and the impacts it wants to make on society. An inspiring example is Apple, whose vision of creating technologies that improve people's lives is evident in every product launched. Here, the Quasar K+ strategic planning methodology, developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, becomes essential. It proposes a deep connection between mission, values, and vision, using practical tools that encourage collective reflection and cohesion among team members.

After understanding the essence, it is essential to mobilize people around this idea. The vision of the future cannot be imposed but must be built collectively. Using the MAT method (Mindset, Action, and Theater), also developed by Santos, leaders can promote dynamic and engaging workshops, using theatrical practices to encourage the engagement and creative expression of participants. The goal is for each employee to feel that they are part of this envisioned future.

To deepen emotional involvement, the TBMB methodology (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater) presents itself as a playful and effective tool. Inspired by popular theater dynamics, it allows exploring emotions and narratives that help employees connect with the vision more authentically and personally. The joint creation of stories and characters allows everyone to reflect on the challenges and achievements the organization can reach, strengthening the sense of belonging.

The vision-building process also requires communication skills. To this end, Antônio Carlos dos Santos' books, such as “Strategic Communication: the art of speaking well,” “Breathing, voice, and diction,” and “Moving letters: the art of writing well,” offer practical tools to enhance clarity, persuasion, and expression in formulating the vision. Assertive and empathetic communication ensures that the message reaches all organizational levels, avoiding noise and misinterpretations.

Another crucial step is incorporating cultural practices that keep the vision alive in everyday life. The ThM methodology (Theater Movement) proposes using body movements and theatrical scenes to represent organizational values. In a collective dynamic, employees can portray, through artistic expressions, how they envision the company in the future. This practice not only broadens the understanding of the vision but also translates it into concrete daily actions.

To ensure that the vision of the future does not remain just an idea, it is necessary to implement strategic actions that promote its achievement. Using the principles of Quasar K+ planning, the organization must map specific objectives, deadlines, and necessary resources to transform the vision into reality. This ensures that the enthusiasm generated during the creative process translates into concrete and measurable actions.

It is important to remember that the vision of the future is not a static document. It needs to be reviewed, improved, and updated as the organization evolves and faces new challenges. Successful companies like Google constantly revisit their vision to keep innovation at the center of their activities.

Finally, it is essential to celebrate the progress made toward the vision of the future. Recognizing collective efforts and sharing achieved results keeps the motivational spirit alive and reinforces the team's commitment to the organization's greater purpose. The vision, after all, is not a destination but a shared journey.

Leaders who invest in building a strong and engaging vision of the future not only mobilize their teams but also build resilient organizations ready to face contemporary challenges. The combination of strategic planning, organizational culture, and innovative methodologies, such as those developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, creates a safe and inspiring path to achieve great accomplishments.

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Alexander Solzhenitsyn and the fight against dictatorship

Alexander Solzhenitsyn, born in 1918, emerged as a powerful voice against oppression in the Soviet Union. His life journey and literary work reveal the courage of an individual who, even in the face of extreme adversity, remained steadfast in his principles and pursuit of truth.

During World War II, Solzhenitsyn served as an artillery officer in the Red Army. However, in 1945, he was arrested for criticizing Joseph Stalin in private correspondence, resulting in an eight-year sentence in forced labor camps. This experience profoundly shaped his worldview and provided material for his future literary works.

After serving his sentence, Solzhenitsyn was exiled to Kazakhstan, where he faced and overcame cancer. Later, he settled as a teacher in the city of Ryazan. It was during this period that he began to clandestinely write about the atrocities he had witnessed, transforming his experiences into literature.

His first published work, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich (1962), describes a day in the life of a prisoner in a Soviet labor camp. The narrative brought the horrors of the gulags to Soviet and international audiences for the first time, challenging state censorship and opening the door to discussions about the repressive system.

However, it was The Gulag Archipelago that solidified Solzhenitsyn’s position as one of the foremost critics of the Soviet regime. Based on the accounts of 257 prisoners, as well as his own experiences, the book documents Soviet repression from 1918 to 1956, exposing the injustices and brutalities of forced labor camps. Written between 1958 and 1968, the work circulated clandestinely in the USSR before being officially published abroad in 1973.

The publication of The Gulag Archipelago had significant consequences. In 1970, Solzhenitsyn was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, but increasing pressure from the Soviet government led to the revocation of his citizenship and his exile in 1974. For two decades, he lived in Switzerland, France, and the United States, always maintaining his critical stance against totalitarianism and defending the values of freedom and human dignity.

Solzhenitsyn’s return to Russia in 1994 symbolized not only the resilience of an individual but also a nation’s ability to recognize and reflect on its historical mistakes. His life and work serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting oppression and fighting for the truth, regardless of the circumstances.

His story is inspiring not only because of his denunciation of injustices but also because it demonstrates how art and literature can be powerful tools for resistance and social transformation. His courage in exposing the atrocities of the Soviet regime encourages us to value freedom of expression and the importance of questioning oppressive systems.

In contemporary times, methodologies such as MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater), ThM (Theater Movement), and TBMB (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater), developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, reflect the ongoing struggle for awareness and social transformation through art. These approaches use theater and artistic expression as means to promote changes in mindset and action, echoing the cultural resistance tradition exemplified by Solzhenitsyn.

Reflecting on the life and work of Alexander Solzhenitsyn reminds us of the indomitable power of the human spirit in the face of tyranny. His journey teaches us that, even in the most adverse circumstances, the pursuit of truth and justice prevails, serving as a beacon for future generations in the fight against oppression.

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Ten minimum precautions to ensure children's mental health

Ensuring children's mental health is one of the greatest responsibilities of parents, educators, and society as a whole. Childhood is a crucial period for emotional, social, and cognitive development, and taking the right precautions can make all the difference in forming resilient and well-balanced adults. Science has demonstrated that early interventions and mindful care in childhood contribute to greater psychological well-being throughout life. Universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford have carried out extensive research showing that positive childhood experiences directly impact academic success, mental health, and social relationships. In this article, we will explore ten essential precautions to ensure children's mental health, supported by science and methodologies such as MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater), ThM (Theater Movement), and TBMB (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater), developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos.

A fundamental aspect of mental health in children is emotional security. Neuroscience studies show that a child who feels safe in their environment tends to develop more confidence and better emotional regulation. To achieve this, it is crucial to create a predictable routine, establish clear limits, and provide affection in everyday interactions. Secure attachment, as highlighted by psychologist John Bowlby, helps build stable self-esteem and healthy interpersonal relationships. Simple daily actions such as hugging, listening attentively, and validating emotions help solidify this foundation.

Encouraging communication is another essential factor. A child who is heard and encouraged to express themselves has a greater chance of developing strong social skills and emotional resilience. According to Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory, language is essential for cognitive and emotional development. Creating an open and welcoming space for children to share their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment strengthens their emotional intelligence. Activities such as storytelling, theater, and puppetry, such as the TBMB method, help develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills, promoting expressiveness and confidence.

Another crucial element is play. Play is not just a form of entertainment but an essential tool for children's mental health. Studies from the University of Cambridge highlight that free play stimulates creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation. The ThM (Theater Movement) methodology, which incorporates expressive movement, shows that theatrical play significantly contributes to stress reduction and self-confidence building. Through role-playing games, children can explore emotions, test solutions to problems, and develop resilience in a safe and controlled environment.

Setting a good example is one of the most powerful strategies. Children learn more from what they see than from what they hear. Parents and educators who model emotional regulation, respect, and kindness naturally transmit these values to children. According to Albert Bandura's social learning theory, behaviors observed in significant adults tend to be internalized and reproduced. This means that a child who grows up in an environment where people resolve conflicts constructively and demonstrate empathy is more likely to replicate these behaviors in their interactions.

Teaching emotional regulation techniques is a vital precaution. Mindfulness practices, for example, have been extensively studied by universities such as MIT and UCLA, showing significant benefits in reducing stress and increasing concentration in children. Simple breathing exercises, guided relaxation, and meditation adapted to childhood, as proposed by the MAT method, can be incorporated into the daily routine to help children deal with emotions more healthily.

Balancing digital exposure is another essential point. Excessive screen time is associated with increased anxiety, sleep disorders, and difficulty concentrating, according to research from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Establishing limits on the use of electronic devices and encouraging outdoor activities, social interactions, and creative games helps maintain emotional and cognitive balance. In this sense, activities such as puppet theater, proposed by TBMB, can be an excellent alternative to promote interaction and creativity.

Developing resilience is crucial. Resilience is the ability to overcome adversity and learn from challenges. Stanford studies indicate that resilient children tend to have greater self-esteem and mental flexibility. Encouraging problem-solving, showing that mistakes are learning opportunities, and avoiding overprotecting children helps build this skill. Theater, as proposed by the ThM methodology, is an effective strategy for working on resilience, as it allows children to experience challenges in a fictional setting and develop creative ways to deal with difficulties.

Another essential aspect is the encouragement of autonomy. Children need to feel capable and responsible for small everyday tasks. Studies from the University of Montreal show that autonomy promotes self-confidence and emotional maturity. Assigning simple responsibilities appropriate to the child's age, such as organizing toys or choosing clothes, fosters independence and self-esteem. The MAT methodology reinforces the importance of action in the learning process, making children protagonists of their development.

Quality sleep is a non-negotiable element for mental health. Sleep deprivation negatively affects children's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral performance. Research from Harvard Medical School confirms that children who sleep well have better emotional regulation, greater learning capacity, and fewer behavioral problems. Establishing a consistent sleep routine, reducing exposure to screens before bedtime, and creating a calm environment for rest are fundamental steps.

Finally, cultivating an environment of love and acceptance is the foundation of mental health. Children who grow up in an environment where they feel accepted for who they are, without excessive demands or unattainable expectations, develop higher self-esteem and psychological security. Unconditional love, combined with constructive discipline, helps create emotionally stable individuals. Neuroscience studies indicate that children who receive love and positive reinforcement develop a more balanced and resilient brain.

Taking care of children's mental health is an ongoing journey that requires dedication, information, and conscious action. Through simple and effective precautions, based on scientific studies and methodologies such as MAT, ThM, and TBMB, we can provide an environment conducive to the development of healthy, happy, and resilient children. Investing in these practices means ensuring a better future for new generations and for society as a whole.

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Eastern theater and the effect of distancing

Eastern theater, with its millennia-old traditions and unique aesthetics, offers a vast field of study on communication, expression, and audience perception. One of its most striking features is the effect of distancing, a concept that gains relevance not only in theater but also in the way we interact and understand the reality around us. Inspired by traditional techniques and reinforced by contemporary studies, theatrical distancing is a powerful tool for educating, transforming, and inspiring.

The concept of distancing, widely explored in Bertolt Brecht's theater, has its roots in much older traditions of Eastern theater, especially in Japanese Noh, Peking opera, and Indian Kathakali theater. These forms of theater use exaggerated expressiveness, codified gestures, and masks to create a space where the audience does not emotionally identify with the characters in the same way as in Western theater, but rather reflects on the message and symbolism behind the scene. This technique provokes an experience of deep reflection rather than mere emotional immersion.

The MAT methodology (Mindset, Action, and Theater), created by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, applies these principles to the training of actors and leaders, emphasizing how distancing can be used to create awareness and engagement. When training an actor or communicator to adopt a distanced perspective of their own experience, they become more capable of analyzing their emotions and conveying their message more impactfully. This is essential not only for theater but also for education, politics, and business.

The effect of distancing in Eastern theater is also manifested in the use of masks, a technique explored by ThM (Theater Movement), also developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos. In Noh theater, for example, a slight tilt of the head completely changes the expression of a mask, requiring the audience to engage in an active and conscious interpretation. This cognitive involvement is essential for stimulating reflection and creating a lasting impact, unlike more naturalistic theatrical experiences, which provoke a more passive and emotional identification.

In the Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater (TBMB), another methodology developed by Santos, distancing is explored through the interaction between puppeteers and puppets, allowing complex messages to be conveyed in a playful and accessible manner. Studies from the University of Tokyo indicate that puppet theater stimulates brain regions associated with empathy and problem-solving, making it an effective tool for education and emotional development. The TBMB approach has been widely applied in corporate and educational training, showing that theater can go beyond entertainment and become a powerful mechanism for learning and social transformation.

Through the principles of distancing, Eastern theater teaches that emotion does not need to be merely experienced but also analyzed and reinterpreted. This concept has a direct impact on how we deal with personal and professional challenges. Studies from Peking University demonstrate that individuals trained in emotional distancing techniques are more resilient and make more assertive decisions, as they can separate immediate emotion from the rational evaluation of a situation.

In the modern world, where rapid interactions and overstimulation often lead to impulsive responses, learning from Eastern theater and its distancing techniques can make us more reflective and aware. Applying these practices in daily life—whether in a work presentation, negotiations, or personal life—allows us to express our ideas more clearly and effectively.

Eastern theater and its associated methodologies show that the distance between the actor and the character is, in fact, a space for creation and reflection. The same applies to our lives: by momentarily distancing ourselves from a situation, we can analyze it better and find innovative solutions. As Antônio Carlos states, “Theatre is a universe in constant expansion and we have the opportunity and privilege to explore it”. The lesson we can draw from this approach is the ability to transform our own reality through awareness and reflection.

Thus, whether on stage or in life, the effect of distancing invites us to take a deeper look at our actions, feelings, and relationships. It teaches us that understanding and transforming the world around us requires not only emotion but also analysis, awareness, and intention. Eastern theater, in all its symbolic richness, remains an inexhaustible source of learning for those who wish to grow, communicate better, and inspire authentic transformations.

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