Big Feelings, Small Children
Young children feel everything at full volume, and it can be hard to know how to respond in the moment. This workshop looks at why big emotions show up the way they do and how adults can respond calmly and consistently. You will leave with simple, practical language and steps to use straight away at home or in your setting, alongside a take-home booklet for future reference.
Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.
Who this is for
Suitable for parents managing tantrums and meltdowns at home, and for early years educators supporting groups of children with a wide range of emotional needs.
What we cover in the hour
- Why young children's emotions escalate so quickly and what is happening developmentally.
- The difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, and why the distinction matters.
- Simple scripts and body language for staying calm during an outburst.
- How to name and validate feelings without giving in to unwanted behaviour.
- Practical calming strategies suited to different ages and settings.
- When and how to talk about feelings after the moment has passed.
What you'll leave with
- A set of go-to phrases for responding to big emotions in the moment.
- Confidence to stay steady rather than escalate alongside the child.
- A simple way to tell tantrums and meltdowns apart.
- Ideas for a calm-down space at home or in the setting.
- A take-home booklet to revisit strategies after the session.
Inside the booklet
The booklet includes calming scripts, a feelings vocabulary list, and a simple step-by-step guide for responding to outbursts.
This workshop is anchored in Aistear's Well-being theme, supporting children to understand and manage their feelings.
How it can be delivered
| Format | Price |
|---|---|
| Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed | €20 per person |
| Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand | €35 per person |
| Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135) | from €25 |
| Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5 | €35 per person |
| Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6 | €45 per person |
No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.
Common questions
- Will this help with tantrums specifically?
- Yes, tantrums are covered directly, including what tends to trigger them and how to respond without escalating things further. You will also learn to spot the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, as the response for each is different. Practical, age-appropriate strategies are included for both.
- Is this suitable for children with additional needs?
- The strategies are general and can be adapted, but this session is not a substitute for individual assessment or support planning. Parents and educators supporting a specific child are welcome to ask questions relevant to their situation during the session.
- Do I need any materials beforehand?
- No preparation is needed. Everything required is provided during the session and in the take-home booklet.
- Is this workshop suitable for a staff team session?
- Yes, it works well as a team session, giving educators a shared, consistent approach and language to use across a room or setting.
- How is this different to general parenting advice online?
- The content is grounded in early years development and the Aistear framework, and delivered in a structured hour with a booklet you can return to, rather than scattered tips.
Related workshops
- Understanding Big Feelings in Young ChildrenWhy children become emotionally overwhelmed, what their behaviour communicates, and responding with calm, connection and consistency.
- Helping Children Manage Tantrums and MeltdownsTantrums vs meltdowns, common triggers, co-regulation strategies and responses that may unintentionally escalate distress.
- Building Emotional Regulation Through PlaySensory activities, movement, breathing, stories and imaginative play to strengthen regulation in everyday family life.
- TopicEmotional regulationWorkshops on emotional regulationExplore
- WorkshopUnderstanding Big Feelings in Young ChildrenWhy children become emotionally overwhelmed, what their behaviour communicates, and responding with calm, connection and consistency.Explore
- WorkshopHelping Children Manage Tantrums and MeltdownsTantrums vs meltdowns, common triggers, co-regulation strategies and responses that may unintentionally escalate distress.Explore
- WorkshopBuilding Emotional Regulation Through PlaySensory activities, movement, breathing, stories and imaginative play to strengthen regulation in everyday family life.Explore
- CourseBig Feelings: Calm Responses to Toddler TantrumsA short, practical course on why tantrums happen, what a child's brain can and cannot do mid-meltdown, and a repeatable way to respond that protects both the limit and the relationship.Explore
- BlogHow to handle toddler tantrums calmly (without giving in)When tantrums start, why they happen, what to do in the middle of one, and what actually reduces them over time — for 2, 3, 4 and 5 year olds.Explore
More in this theme: Emotional regulation · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates
Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.
Trusted early years resources
Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.
- Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NCCA)
- Síolta: the National Quality Framework
- Children First national guidance (Tusla)
- First 5: Ireland's strategy for babies & young children
- Early Childhood Ireland
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