Event Details

Big behaviour can be exhausting and maddening for even the calmest of parents... 

The capacity to emotionally regulate is something that will develop with age and with the loving support of important adults. Emotional regulation involves the capacity to manage feelings in a way that doesn’t cause breakage for ourselves or others. In the meantime things can get messy, not only for children and teens, but also for the adults who care about them.

Big feelings can drive big behaviour. Understanding how to respond when our young people are overwhelmed can drive calm and connection over conflict. Ultimately, our responses have enormous potential to build important neural pathways that will strengthen them for life. As part of this workshop we will explore:

- Where big feelings and behaviours come from and why they are a normal part of development,
- How to respond in the moment to make way for calm and connection,
- Practical strategies to deal with big feelings and challenging behaviour;-
- Connection after conflict - how to repair after an emotional or relational ‘collision’ with our children,
- The neuroscience of co-regulation - how to co-regulate and why it matters,
- How to establish meaningful boundaries with love and leadership, and how to respond when those boundaries are challenged,
- How our own emotional temperature will affect theirs and how to gently collect ourselves in challenging, stressful times;
- Brain to brain - how to use our own capacity to self regulate as the circuit breaker for big feelings and big behaviour;
- Practical ways to help children understand big feelings;
- Building their emotional toolbox - the strategies that will build their capacity to tolerate big feelings and respond effectively.

Bookings are essential so register today!

Registrations for this session will close once capactiy has reached.

Presented by: Karen Young of Hey Sigmund

Karen began her career as a psychologist in private practice. She has worked extensively with children teens and families, and in educational and organisation settings. She has lectured and has a Masters in Gestalt Therapy. It is through her work with children, teens and families, that she learned the power of solid information when it is placed in the solid, loving hands of parents or any important person in the life of a child. 

Karen created Hey Sigmund, an internationally popular online resource, as a way to provide contemporary, research-driven information on the art of being human, and being with humans. The website has a particular emphasis on strengthening the mental wellness of children and adolescents.

Karen is often invited to comment by Australian and international media outlets, including The Project and as a regular guest on ABC Radio.

Please note that Carer KaFÉ can cover the cost of babysitting while you attend a Carer KaFÉ training session.  You need to organise for an approved babysitter via your agency.  This needs to be organised and approved by Carer KaFÉ at least one week prior to the training session.