Emotional regulation workshops

Big feelings are not bad behaviour. This one-hour workshop looks at what happens in a young child's body during overwhelm, why co-regulation comes before self-regulation, and the everyday moments where regulation is genuinely built.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy. One hour, live online from Ireland, with a booklet to keep and a certificate of attendance.

What you'll take away

• Recognise the difference between a tantrum and a genuine meltdown
• Use co-regulation language that calms rather than escalates
• Build sensory, movement and breathing routines into an ordinary day
• Set warm, clear limits without shouting

What we cover

• What emotional overwhelm looks like at 2, 3 and 4 years old
• The adult's nervous system as the child's first regulation tool
• Calm corners, sensory tools and visual supports that actually get used
• Repair after a hard moment

Common questions

What age is the emotional regulation workshop for?

It focuses on children from roughly 18 months to six years, which covers toddlers, preschool and the first years of primary school.

Is this suitable for a whole staff team?

Yes. It can be booked as a private small-group or setting session, which includes a 10% discount for early years settings.

Workshops in this theme

• 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.
• Supporting an Anxious ChildSigns of anxiety and building emotional safety through predictable routines, preparation, connection and coping tools.
• Supporting Children Through Change and SeparationCoping with starting preschool, moving house, family separation, bereavement or significant changes in routine.
• Bedtime, Routines and Emotional SecurityCalmer evenings through predictable routines, sensory regulation, preparation and meaningful connection.
• Creating Emotionally Safe Early-Years EnvironmentsRelationships, predictable routines, transitions, calm spaces and emotionally responsive practice.
• Supporting Emotional Regulation in the SettingPractical co-regulation strategies, visual supports, sensory tools and calming experiences throughout the day.
• Preventing Burnout in Early-Years TeamsEmotional load, workload, team communication, reflective practice and realistic staff wellbeing.
• Big Feelings, Small ChildrenClear, relatable and suitable for parent evenings and staff sessions.
• Calm Adults, Calm ChildrenAdult self-regulation as the foundation of co-regulation.
• Supporting Children's Mental Health From the Early YearsBuilding strong foundations for lifelong emotional wellbeing.
• Helping Children Cope With ChangeTransitions, endings and beginnings, big and small.
• Simple Breathing, Movement and Mindfulness ActivitiesGentle regulation practices children genuinely enjoy.
• Creating Calm-Down BoxesCurate sensory, tactile and visual supports for tricky moments.
• Creating Emotional-Literacy ResourcesVisuals, cards and prompts to name and normalise big feelings.

Other workshop topics

• Schemas in play
• Sensory play
• Outdoor learning
• Behaviour is communication
• Curriculum planning

All 53 workshop themes · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog