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BANI stands for Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible. It describes a world where systems we thought were stable can suddenly break, where many things feel overwhelming, cause and effect aren’t always clear, and some situations are just too complicated to fully grasp.
While BANI may sound a bit bleak, there’s no reason to despair. As parents and educators, understanding BANI is key to helping our children not only survive in today’s world but also thrive—and be part of building a more stable tomorrow.
Let’s break down what BANI means and why it matters:
1. Brittle – Fragile
Things that seem stable and permanent can suddenly fall apart. This could mean technological systems failing, or sudden societal changes caused by climate shifts or biodiversity loss. To navigate a world where old plans no longer work, children need to develop flexibility and adaptability.
2. Anxious – Overwhelming
The constant news cycle, social media, and global crises are fueling anxiety—not just in kids, but in adults too. Now, more than ever, it’s important to help children manage stress and build emotional resilience.
3. Nonlinear – Unpredictable
Life doesn’t follow a straight path. There are no guaranteed career tracks or lifelong jobs. Small actions can lead to big outcomes, but sometimes, even major efforts don’t bring immediate results. Teaching kids critical thinking and how to embrace unexpected outcomes helps them navigate this unpredictable world.
4. Incomprehensible – Hard to Understand
Some things are just too complex to fully grasp. Think of the rapid rise of AI and the structural shifts it’s causing, or sudden global political changes. There are things we can’t control—or even understand. But we can teach our children to accept that. And that doesn’t mean giving up or being indifferent. On the contrary! We can encourage curiosity, help them see opportunities behind the chaos, ask questions, and stay open to new ideas and learning.
Why Does This Matter?
This post—and diving deeper into BANI—isn’t meant to scare anyone. It’s about preparing our children with the skills they’ll need to succeed in a world that’s more chaotic than the one we grew up in. The good news? They don’t need magic tricks, lightsabers, or wands to get through it. The skills they need are already within them—resilience, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
In our next blog post, we’ll show how games and gaming can play a key role in teaching these skills to kids. (Stay tuned!)