Understanding Why Children Behave the Way They Do
Behaviour is a form of communication, and understanding what lies beneath it changes how adults respond in the moment. This workshop looks at the developmental reasons behind common challenging behaviours and offers a practical framework for responding rather than reacting. You will leave with tools to use straight away at home or in a setting, plus a take-home booklet for ongoing 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 puzzled by their child's behaviour at home, and for early years educators managing behaviour across a group in a busy setting.
What we cover in the hour
- Understanding behaviour as communication rather than defiance.
- Common developmental reasons behind typical challenging behaviours.
- The difference between behaviour that needs a boundary and behaviour that needs support.
- A simple framework for pausing before responding to behaviour.
- Setting consistent, age-appropriate boundaries without harshness.
- Working with, rather than against, a child's temperament.
What you'll leave with
- A framework for interpreting what behaviour might be communicating.
- Confidence setting boundaries calmly and consistently.
- A pause-before-responding technique for challenging moments.
- A clearer view of typical developmental behaviour by age.
- A take-home booklet with a behaviour reflection framework.
Inside the booklet
The booklet includes a behaviour-as-communication framework, a boundary-setting guide, and reflection prompts for common challenging moments.
This workshop is anchored in Aistear's Identity and Belonging theme and Síolta's Standard on interactions between adults and children.
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 give me a script for dealing with tantrums?
- This session focuses more broadly on understanding behaviour and setting boundaries, and complements the dedicated tantrum-focused workshop for anyone wanting deeper detail on that topic specifically.
- Is this suitable for behaviour that seems more persistent or serious?
- The session covers typical developmental behaviours and general strategies. Persistent or serious concerns are best discussed individually with a relevant professional, as this workshop is educational rather than a behaviour assessment service.
- Will boundaries be discussed alongside understanding behaviour?
- Yes, the session is careful to balance both: understanding what sits behind behaviour, and still holding calm, consistent, age-appropriate boundaries.
- Is this suitable for a childcare staff team?
- Yes, it gives teams a shared language and consistent approach to behaviour, which is particularly useful across a room with multiple educators.
- What age range is covered?
- The session covers behaviour typical of children from toddlerhood through to early primary school age.
Related workshops
- Play as a Child's LanguageHow children communicate emotions, experiences and inner conflicts through play — observing without directing or interrogating.
- Positive Boundaries Without ShoutingClear, age-appropriate limits while protecting connection, modelling regulation and reducing power struggles.
- Sibling Conflict and Problem-SolvingSupport children through sharing, turn-taking, frustration and repair without expecting them to resolve every conflict alone.
- TopicBehaviour is communicationWorkshops on behaviour is communicationExplore
- WorkshopPlay as a Child's LanguageHow children communicate emotions, experiences and inner conflicts through play — observing without directing or interrogating.Explore
- WorkshopPositive Boundaries Without ShoutingClear, age-appropriate limits while protecting connection, modelling regulation and reducing power struggles.Explore
- WorkshopSibling Conflict and Problem-SolvingSupport children through sharing, turn-taking, frustration and repair without expecting them to resolve every conflict alone.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: 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.
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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