Is this about discipline or punishment strategies?

No. This workshop focuses on understanding what is happening for your child emotionally and developmentally, not on consequences or punishment. The aim is to respond in a way that helps your child learn to manage feelings over time.

My child seems to have big feelings more than other children their age. Is that covered?

Yes, we talk about the wide range of what is typical at different ages, and when it might be worth seeking additional support. This session is educational rather than diagnostic, so if you have ongoing concerns we can point you toward appropriate services.

Will this help with tantrums specifically?

This workshop gives you the underlying understanding of big feelings generally. If you want a closer focus on tantrums and meltdowns specifically, including triggers and escalation, our dedicated workshop on that topic goes deeper.

Is the online version as useful as attending in person?

Yes, the content and booklet are the same. Some parents prefer the in-person version for the chance to ask questions in the room, but both formats cover the full hour of material.

Do I need to bring anything?

Just yourself and something to write with if you would like to take notes alongside the booklet. There is no equipment needed for this session.

For parents

Understanding Big Feelings in Young Children

Big feelings can arrive without warning and leave parents unsure of what just happened, let alone how to help. This workshop looks at why young children become overwhelmed so quickly and what their behaviour is actually communicating in that moment. You will leave with a simple, practical way of thinking about calm, connection and consistency that you can use straight away, without needing perfect timing or the right words.

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 roughly one to seven who want to understand emotional overwhelm rather than simply manage it. Also useful for grandparents and childminders who spend regular time with a young child.

What we cover in the hour

Why a young child's brain struggles to manage strong emotion without adult support.
The difference between a child who is being difficult and a child who is having difficulty.
How to read early signs of overwhelm before a situation escalates.
What staying calm actually looks like in practice, including what to do with your own frustration.
Why connection needs to come before correction, and what that looks like in real moments.
How consistency across the week builds a child's sense of safety over time.

What you'll leave with

A three-step way of thinking through big feeling moments: calm, connect, consistency.
Three phrases to use instead of common ones that shut a child down.
A short checklist to help you spot early warning signs.
One reflection exercise on your own responses under pressure.
A take-home booklet to revisit when things feel hard.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes a calm-connection-consistency reference card, common trigger examples, and space to note your own child's early warning signs.

This workshop is grounded in the Aistear theme of Wellbeing, which supports children in building resilience and managing emotions with the help of a trusted adult.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Understanding Big Feelings in Young Children
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 discipline or punishment strategies?: No. This workshop focuses on understanding what is happening for your child emotionally and developmentally, not on consequences or punishment. The aim is to respond in a way that helps your child learn to manage feelings over time.
My child seems to have big feelings more than other children their age. Is that covered?: Yes, we talk about the wide range of what is typical at different ages, and when it might be worth seeking additional support. This session is educational rather than diagnostic, so if you have ongoing concerns we can point you toward appropriate services.
Will this help with tantrums specifically?: This workshop gives you the underlying understanding of big feelings generally. If you want a closer focus on tantrums and meltdowns specifically, including triggers and escalation, our dedicated workshop on that topic goes deeper.
Is the online version as useful as attending in person?: Yes, the content and booklet are the same. Some parents prefer the in-person version for the chance to ask questions in the room, but both formats cover the full hour of material.
Do I need to bring anything?: Just yourself and something to write with if you would like to take notes alongside the booklet. There is no equipment needed for this session.

Related workshops

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.

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