Is this about being permissive instead of strict?

No, this workshop is about firm, consistent boundaries delivered calmly, not about removing structure. Children generally feel more secure with clear limits, and we look at how to hold those limits without shouting.

What if I already shout more than I'd like? Is it too late to change the pattern?

It is not too late, and this is one of the most common reasons parents attend. We cover practical ways to notice your own escalation early and repair the relationship afterwards when things do not go to plan.

Will this help with a specific issue like refusing to leave the playground?

Yes, we work through common flashpoint scenarios, including transitions like leaving somewhere fun, and how the same boundary-setting principles apply across different situations.

Does this work for more than one child with different temperaments?

Yes, we discuss how the same underlying approach can be adapted to suit different temperaments, since a boundary that works calmly for one child might need a different delivery for another.

Is shouting always harmful, or is some frustration normal?

Occasional frustration is a normal part of parenting, and this session is not about achieving perfection. The focus is on reducing how often you find yourself there and having a plan for repair when it does happen.

For parents

Positive Boundaries Without Shouting

Holding a boundary and staying calm can feel like they are in tension, especially in the heat of the moment. This workshop shows how age-appropriate limits, modelled regulation and a shift in approach can reduce daily power struggles without raised voices. Rather than offering rigid scripts, you will leave with an understanding of why certain boundaries work and how to hold them consistently in a way that suits your own family.

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.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

Parents and carers of children aged two to eight who find themselves shouting more than they would like or feel stuck in repeated battles over the same issues.

What we cover in the hour

What makes a boundary age-appropriate rather than arbitrary.
Why children push against limits, and what that pushing often signals.
How modelling your own regulation teaches more than words alone.
Common causes of repeated power struggles and how to interrupt the pattern.
Setting a boundary calmly and following through without shouting.
Repairing the relationship after a moment that did not go as planned.

What you'll leave with

A framework for setting boundaries that are firm but not harsh.
Three phrases that hold a limit without raising your voice.
A note on how to recover after you have shouted, without excessive guilt.
A short guide to spotting your own escalation triggers.
A take-home booklet with example boundary scripts for common scenarios.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes example scripts for common boundary situations, a reflection page on personal triggers, and a simple repair-conversation guide for after difficult moments.

This workshop draws on the Aistear theme of Wellbeing and Síolta Standard 3 (Parents and Families), recognising the role of consistent, respectful boundary-setting in supporting a child's emotional security.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Positive Boundaries Without Shouting
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

Is this about being permissive instead of strict?: No, this workshop is about firm, consistent boundaries delivered calmly, not about removing structure. Children generally feel more secure with clear limits, and we look at how to hold those limits without shouting.
What if I already shout more than I'd like? Is it too late to change the pattern?: It is not too late, and this is one of the most common reasons parents attend. We cover practical ways to notice your own escalation early and repair the relationship afterwards when things do not go to plan.
Will this help with a specific issue like refusing to leave the playground?: Yes, we work through common flashpoint scenarios, including transitions like leaving somewhere fun, and how the same boundary-setting principles apply across different situations.
Does this work for more than one child with different temperaments?: Yes, we discuss how the same underlying approach can be adapted to suit different temperaments, since a boundary that works calmly for one child might need a different delivery for another.
Is shouting always harmful, or is some frustration normal?: Occasional frustration is a normal part of parenting, and this session is not about achieving perfection. The focus is on reducing how often you find yourself there and having a plan for repair when it does happen.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Behaviour is communication · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

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Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

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