Alpha Children
Sessions: 4
Lecture: 4h 23m
Certificate: 8+ hrs
100 CAD
A growing number of children and youth are presenting as demanding, prescriptive, bossy, and controlling. Alpha children are more challenging to parent and predisposed to a number of problems including anxiety, aggression, oppositionality, and eating problems. An understanding of the alpha dynamic opens the doors to change in the family, classroom, and society.
As is the case with all our courses, this course features lectures by Dr. Neufeld, carefully curated support for enriched study, study aides, the opportunity to ask questions of trained faculty or course facilitators, a year's access to the campus to enable study at one's own pace, and a certificate of attendance upon completion. For more information, consult the 'about our courses' page.
A special scheduled class offering* of this course begins September 30, 2025
Alpha Children
Starts September 30, 2025
Tuesdays 01:00PM - 02:00PM PT
Runs for 4 weeks
With Lisa Weiner and Robin Brooks-Sherriff
$135 CAD early bird (regular $150)
Alpha children are not only more challenging to parent but also predisposed to a number of problems including anxiety, aggression, oppositionality and eating problems.
* although students can take this course anytime on their own, this is a special opportunity to benefit from a guided learning experience with Neufeld Institute Faculty. Former and current registrants can enroll in this class for an additional $50 CAD only.
COURSE SUMMARY
The alpha and dependent instincts are an essential component of the attachment drive, but very well hidden in today's society because of a lack of supporting language and a blinding preoccupation with independence. This powerful attachment dynamic impacts every relationship: parent-child, sibling-sibling, teacher-student, even our marital relationships. When unrecognized, our reactions to alpha manifestations actually tend to be counterproductive, fuelling the root problem. Because of the widespread ignorance of this dynamic, we are giving rise to an epidemic of alpha children either by making dependence an adverse experience or by putting children in charge where they shouldn't be. Children stuck in alpha instincts are not only more difficult to parent but also prone to a plethora of problems that tend to persist despite our well-intended interventions. An understanding of the alpha dynamic reveals some of the pitfalls of styles of parenting that have become more popular among the educated. It also paves the way to subtle shifts in the dance that can right the relationship, rendering it more fulfilling for both. While the focus is on children, the revelations and challenges are for us as adults.
SUITABILITY/APPLICABILITY
This course has implications and applications for every single relationship, including marriage and friendship, and provides a unique opportunity for self-understanding. The principal focus of the course is children and the primary venues of application have to do with parenting and teaching. This course will be directly relevant to all those involved in raising and teaching children, or supporting those who do.
SAMPLE TOPICS
- the purpose and meaning of alpha and dependent instincts
- the inherent but maligned hierarchy of attachment and its purpose
- what an ideal alpha/dependent dance looks like
- an understanding of an ‘alpha complex’ as deriving from alpha instincts that are stuck
- the many faces of an alpha complex, from benign to the most perverted
- the role of emotion and the flight from vulnerability in the manifestation of alpha instincts
- the primary causes of the alpha instinct and the reasons why today’s children are becoming more alpha
- the role of the alpha complex in various problems including anxiety, oppositionality, elevated frustration, and eating problems
- how stuck alpha can develop into various syndromes like the helper/rescuer syndrome or the bully syndrome
- guidelines for taming the alpha complex and restoring right relationship
COURSE OUTLINE
The course is divided into four sessions, each containing approximately one hour of instructional video by Dr. Neufeld.
- Session 1 - Making Sense of Alpha
This session reveals how the alpha instincts were meant to sensitize us to the needs of others as well as move us to assume responsibility and to care for our offspring. The construct of an alpha complex is introduced. - Session 2 - The Many Faces of Alpha
There are at least five significantly different manifestations of the alpha complex, depending primarily on the person’s flight from vulnerability and perceptions of responsibility. - Session 3 - The Causes and Consequences of an Alpha Complex
The two main causes of an alpha complex are presented with the various conditions and situations leading to this complex. The myriad of problems stemming from an alpha complex are discussed. - Session 4 - Taming an Alpha Complex
Taming an alpha complex involves reversing the conditions that give rise to it. In addition, ten guidelines are given for reclaiming our rightful place in our children’s lives.
Inquiries
If you have questions or require additional information that you cannot find on our website or FAQ page, you may contact our office on our Inquiries page.
Charity & Non-Profit Status
The Neufeld Institute is a registered Canadian charitable organization under the name Neufeld Institute Foundation and is also registered as a NPO in British Columbia. If you would like to make a contribution to us, please go to our donation page.
Stay Connected with the Neufeld Institute
Sign up for our newsletter to receive insights, editorials, and updates on new courses, webinars, and scheduled classes—all rooted in the Neufeld approach. Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional, our resources are here to help you make sense of the children in your care.
You can also follow us on...
Vancouver, BC V6M 1L3
Canada