Do you notice that some children are particularly sensitive, slow-to-adapt, persistent, energetic, or intense at times? Are there elements of their behaviour that are frustrating and confusing? There are many different facets of temperament or how a child is ‘wired’, that have significant effects on their behaviour. Some children are exceptional in the strength of their temperamental traits. This workshop is designed to help educators understand these children on a whole new level, and will have plenty of practical ideas of how to help these unique children build self-esteem and be the best version of themselves.

We will explore different variables of personality and temperament, the ‘fit’ between caregivers’ personalities and those of the children they care for, the ‘why’ behind behaviours that appear baffling and oppositional, how to communicate limits without shame or frustration, how to handle meltdowns and emotional moments and specific ways to bring out a child’s natural strengths and abilities.

Living Inquiries:

Well-being and belonging.
Identities, social responsibility, and diversity.

Pathways:

Emotions, thoughts, and views.
Every child is a gift.
Interests and inquiries.
Individual differences.

Suitable for students, parents, intermediate and experienced early care and learning professionals working with children of all ages, from infants/toddlers to school age children, including children with extra support needs.

Facilitator: Kate Saunders

Kate has over 20 years of experience as a counsellor and educator, specialising in working with children and families. Kate completed her BA in Child Youth Care and her MA in Counselling Psychology, and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC. She works therapeutically with children in play therapy, with parents/adults, and with parents and children together to address challenging behaviours and emotion regulation. Kate is a sought-after presenter for the practical and effective strategies she offers, as well as her lively presentation style. Kate is a certified practitioner and trainer of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, one of the few empirically-valid treatments for disruptive behaviour in young children. She focuses particularly on supporting healthy attachment and emotional development with all of her clients.