Building Emotional Regulation Through Play

Emotional regulation is a skill, and like any skill it develops through practice rather than instruction. This workshop shows how everyday play, including sensory activities, movement, breathing games, stories and imaginative scenarios, can build a child's capacity to manage strong feelings over time. You will come away with a set of simple, low-cost activities you can weave into your week rather than an extra task to add on top of everything else.

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.

What we cover in the hour

• Why play, rather than talking alone, helps young children build regulation skills.
• Sensory activities that calm an overstimulated nervous system.
• Movement-based games that help release built-up tension.
• Simple breathing techniques adapted into playful formats for young children.
• Using stories and characters to explore feelings at a comfortable distance.
• How imaginative play lets children rehearse handling difficult situations safely.

What you'll leave with

• Five regulation activities you can start using the same day.
• A breathing game adapted for children who won't sit still for traditional breathing exercises.
• A short list of books that support emotional understanding through story.
• Guidance on choosing activities that suit your particular child's temperament.
• A take-home booklet with step-by-step activity instructions.

How it can be delivered

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

Do these activities require special equipment?

No, almost everything covered uses items you already have at home, such as cushions, everyday household objects, or nothing more than open floor space. We focus on accessibility rather than special materials.

How long before I see a difference in my child's regulation?

Regulation develops gradually with practice, so this is not a quick fix but a set of tools used consistently over weeks and months. Many parents notice small shifts fairly quickly, such as a child reaching for a familiar calming activity on their own.

My child is very active and won't sit still for breathing exercises. What then?

We specifically cover movement-based alternatives for children who regulate better through activity than stillness. Not every technique suits every child, so the session gives you several options to try.

Can these activities be used in a classroom or childcare setting too?

Yes, the activities are equally suited to group settings and are often used by educators as part of a daily routine. Many are easy to adapt for a small group rather than one child alone.

Is this the same content as the tantrums and meltdowns workshop?

No, that workshop focuses on responding in the moment during an outburst. This one focuses on building the underlying skill of regulation over time through everyday play, which complements rather than repeats that content.

Related workshops

• Understanding Big Feelings in Young ChildrenWhy children become emotionally overwhelmed, what their behaviour communicates, and responding with calm, connection and consistency.
• Helping Children Manage Tantrums and MeltdownsTantrums vs meltdowns, common triggers, co-regulation strategies and responses that may unintentionally escalate distress.
• Supporting an Anxious ChildSigns of anxiety and building emotional safety through predictable routines, preparation, connection and coping tools.

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.