Children thrive when they experience two things at the same time: freedom and safety. They need opportunities to explore, experiment, move, take risks, make mistakes and discover what they are capable of. At the same time, they need adults who provide clear, predictable boundaries that protect safety, relationships and belonging. Many adults assume these needs are in competition with one another. We can find ourselves wondering whether we should allow more freedom or provide more structure....

If you work with young children, chances are you’ve heard the phrase self-regulation a lot. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, why does self-regulation matter in early childhood? Self-regulation is one of the most important developmental foundations for learning, relationships, emotional wellbeing and behaviour. It shapes a child’s ability to cope with frustration, manage big feelings, focus their attention, transition between activities and engage socially with others. But...

In early childhood settings, we're often understaffed, overworked, and holding a whole group of children at once. We're trying to keep everyone safe, meet educational goals, and move through the day. When challenging behaviour shows up, it can feel disruptive, intense, and at times completely overwhelming.