This foundation course is a 2-part series, provided by Early Childhood Australia, that develops an understanding of the meaning of children’s behavior, which will in turn support educators in developing strategies and teaching techniques unique for each individual child, with the overall aim of empowering children to take control.

Tantrums can be intense, unpredictable, and emotionally draining for both children and adults. But beneath the noise and tears lies something deeper: a child overwhelmed by emotion, struggling to communicate what they feel. In early childhood education and care, how we respond to these moments shapes not just behavior but also emotional literacy, trust, and long-term well-being.

In the rhythm of early childhood, emotional storms are natural. Toddlers and preschoolers are still learning to navigate big feelings, and their expressions, whether tears, tantrums, or withdrawal, are often calls for connection, not correction. As educators, our role is to be the calm in their chaos, offering warmth, understanding, and safe spaces to feel. The following article explores emotionally intelligent strategies that educators can implement to support children during moments of overwhelm, with examples.

When a child becomes violent in an early childhood setting, de-escalation isn’t just about calming the moment—it’s about protecting safety, preserving dignity, and responding to distress with relational intelligence. Here’s a trauma-informed, regulation-aligned guide to de-escalation strategies for violent behaviour in young children.

Violence from a child in an early childhood setting can be confronting, destabilising, and emotionally exhausting. For educators committed to nurturing safe, responsive environments, such incidents often trigger a complex mix of concern, confusion, and self-doubt. This article explores how educators can protect themselves, support the child, and uphold their duty of care.

Teaching young children how to use their hands for kindness rather than harm is foundational to building a caring classroom culture. At ages four and five, children are still developing self-regulation and may act out physically when emotions feel overwhelming. As educators, we can guide them toward prosocial alternatives, equip them with emotional vocabulary, and partner with families to reinforce healthy touch at home.

Supporting a toddler through moments of heightened emotion requires patience and thoughtful strategies. Here are some effective de-escalation techniques you can try. The following article provides information on De-escalation Strategies During A Tantrum, De-escalation Strategies During Separation Anxiety, De-escalation Strategies When A Toddler's Crying, De-escalation Strategies When A Toddler Hits. De-escalation When A Toddler Screams, De-escalation Strategies When A Toddler Bites and more. 

Critical reflection is a powerful tool for understanding and addressing challenging behaviours in young children. Here are some reflective questions you might consider when analysing a child's behaviour. The following article provides information on: Reflective Question When Analysing A Child's Behaviour, Applying These Reflection Questions In Practice, Example in Practice, Example Of Reflection Questions In Action and more.

 Supporting toddlers aged 2–3 years with challenging behaviors requires understanding their developmental stage and using strategies tailored to their needs. Here are some effective approaches: