A PARENT GUIDE to BIG FEELINGS, BIG BEHAVIOUR & BUILDING BRAVE

Practical strategies that work

Early childhood is a period of extraordinary brain development. During these years, children encounter many new experiences - new environments, expectations, relationships, and challenges. While these experiences are essential for growth, they can also trigger anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and the big behaviours that often accompany big feelings. As magical as early childhood can be, navigating big feelings, challenging behaviour, and the anxiety that is a very normal part of development can be confusing and challenging for any parent. Remarkable advances in neuroscience have provided valuable insights into why children behave the way they do, and what their growing brains need from the important adults in their lives.

This engaging and practical parent session translates contemporary research from neuroscience, child development, and attachment science into clear, compassionate guidance for families raising young children. The session explores what young children need to feel safe, supported, and capable, and how parents and carers can respond in ways that strengthen emotional development and resilience.

Importantly, the program is designed to build a shared understanding and language between families and early childhood educators. When children experience similar approaches to emotions and behaviour across both home and preschool environments, they are more likely to develop the strong emotional foundations that support learning, relationships, and wellbeing. 

In this practical, evidence-based 1.5 hour session, we will explore: 

• your child’s developmental needs right now;
• the behaviours you might see, and why;
• what happens in the brain and body during emotional dysregulation;
• how to establish meaningful boundaries with love and leadership, and how to respond when those boundaries are challenged;
• changing the way we think about discipline - why traditional disciplines don't work and what to do instead;
• when behaviour is extra big - how to respond in the moment, and the practical strategies that will effect lasting change;
• brain to brain - why adults can be the circuit breaker for big feelings and big behaviour;
• why co-regulation will feel tough sometimes, and how to lead children in co-regulation, rather than co-dysregulation;
• a new way to think about feelings and behaviour that makes way for a more effective, compassionate response;
• building a relationship that strengthens our influence and promotes openness, closeness, and honesty for the long term;separation anxiety: why it happens and practical ways to build brave;
• why quick, confident goodbyes are important, and practical ways to make this feel safer and warmer for children;
• when anxiety means sore tummies and sick tummies - why and what to do;
• connection after conflict - how to repair after an emotional or relational ‘collision’ with children;
• building their emotional toolbox - the strategies that will build their capacity to tolerate big feelings and respond more effectively.

Presented by: Karen Young founded the popular website, Hey Sigmund, attracting millions of readers each year worldwide and is author of the best selling Hey Warrior book for young people with anxiety. She is a regular contributor to Parenting Magazine in New Zealand, and can often be heard on Australian radio and TV programs such as The Project and the ABC. Her articles have been translated into a numerous languages and her work has been published internationally. She is a sought-after international speaker to sold out events from New York to Newcastle. She has authored four books for kids and parents to help them understand anxiety and neuroscience. Karen translates the neuroscience of anxiety and every day life into meaningful advice for all ages.