Do you feel like you’re holding the emotional regulation of 30 children right now?

Are You Holding the Emotional Regulation of 30 Children Right Now?

Every year, around this time, I start having the same conversations with early years educators.

The exhaustion creeps in.

The noise levels rise.

Children seem more emotional, more reactive, more tired.

And practitioners are quietly running on empty.

After more than 20 years in early years education, leading teams, supporting settings and now as a mum myself, I've come to realise something important:

December isn't just busy for children.

It's busy for us too.

Because in the run-up to Christmas, we're not simply teaching.

We're holding emotions.

The glitter is out.

The routines wobble.

The excitement builds.

The tears arrive more quickly.

The behaviour feels bigger.

And often, we become the emotional regulation system for an entire room of children.

You can feel it in your bones.

It's beautiful.

It's magical.

And it's utterly exhausting.

I remember feeling this when I was leading a setting. We'd reach the final weeks of term and everyone was running on goodwill, coffee and Christmas spirit. Even now, as a mum, I notice how much more support children need during busy seasons.

If you're feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or just a little more tearful than usual, please know this:

You're not failing.

You're human.

And what you're feeling makes complete sense. 💛

My Top Hygge Tips for Surviving December

✨ 1. Slow the pace right down

One of the biggest misconceptions in early years is that children need more stimulation when they're excited.

Actually, they often need less.

Less noise.

Less rushing.

Less clutter.

Less pressure.

Create pockets of calm wherever you can.

✨ 2. Prioritise play — real, deep, child-led play

When emotions are running high, children need long stretches of uninterrupted play more than ever.

Play helps them process excitement, worries, anticipation and change.

It is regulation.

✨ 3. Get outside as much as possible

Fresh air regulates overwhelmed nervous systems in ways that indoor environments often can't.

Wrap up warm.

Chase the daylight.

Let nature carry some of the load.

✨ 4. Create cosy spaces

Soft lighting.

Blankets.

Books.

Cushions.

Warm drinks.

A hygge-inspired environment isn't about aesthetics.

It's about helping children feel safe, settled and held.

✨ 5. Make time for connection

Children have so much to tell us in December.

The stories.

The excitement.

The worries.

The questions.

Slow down enough to truly listen.

✨ 6. Save your energy for what matters

Nobody needs a Pinterest-perfect Christmas provision.

Children won't remember the elaborate activity.

They'll remember how they felt.

Choose meaningful over memorable.

✨ 7. Expect the wobbliness

Tiredness.

Excitement.

Disrupted routines.

Big emotions.

It's all developmentally normal.

When we expect it, we can respond with empathy instead of frustration.

✨ 8. Protect your breaks

Even five minutes matters.

Step outside.

Drink your tea while it's hot.

Sit in silence.

Your nervous system deserves care too.

✨ 9. Lean into belonging

Children don't need perfection.

They need connection.

A calm, connected adult becomes the anchor they return to throughout the day.

✨ 10. Go gently with yourself

You are holding so much.

You are giving so much.

And you are doing it because you care.

Please don't forget that.

If You're Craving a Calmer December...

This is exactly why I created my free training.

Over the years, I've seen so many educators become trapped in the cycle of doing more and more in an attempt to solve behaviour, engagement and wellbeing challenges.

Yet often the answer isn't more.

It's less.

Less rushing.

Less overstimulation.

More connection.

More calm.

More understanding of what children actually need.

🌿 Join My Free Training:

3 Steps to Creating a Calmer, More Engaged Early Years Environment

In this free session, I'll share:

✨ Why children become overwhelmed in busy environments

✨ The Scandinavian-inspired principles that support regulation and wellbeing

✨ Practical changes that create calmer days and deeper play

✨ How to support both children and practitioners to thrive

👉 Join the free training here: Watch now

Because sometimes the most powerful thing we can do at Christmas isn't add more magic.

It's create more calm. 🤍