Understanding Early Years Behaviour: Why It Happens and How to Get Support

May 19, 2025

From clingy crying in the newborn months to full-blown tantrums, defiant outbursts and bedtime battles in the toddler and preschool years, behaviour is one of the most talked-about (and often misunderstood) parts of parenting.

That’s why this month in The Nest — my expert-led support space for families — we’re diving into all things behaviour. Because whether you’re caring for a 6-week-old who only sleeps in arms, a 2-year-old biting at nursery, or a 4-year-old screaming “no” at every turn, behaviour is communication. And understanding what’s really going on underneath it can be transformative.

Behaviour: Not “Naughty”, But Nervous System

Children are not giving us a hard time. They’re having a hard time. Behaviour isn’t about attention-seeking or manipulation. It’s a language. And from birth to age five, that language is raw, emotional, and often dysregulated.

Here’s what I want every parent to know:

  • Newborns don’t manipulate. They communicate through crying, fussiness, and contact needs.
  • Toddlers don’t throw tantrums because they’re spoiled. They do it because their emotions are bigger than their coping tools.
  • Preschoolers who backchat, shout, or push limits aren’t “naughty”. They’re testing boundaries while their brain rapidly matures.

The goal isn’t to stop the behaviour. It’s to understand what it’s telling us — and how we can support both the child and ourselves through it.


This Month’s Focus Inside The Nest

Our June focus in The Nest is all about behaviour across the early years. We’re covering:

  • What’s developmentally typical from birth to five
  • How emotional regulation develops over time
  • How connection, routines, sensory needs, and transitions affect behaviour
  • Gentle, effective strategies to use in tricky moments

Members will have access to:

  • Exclusive content and resources for each age and stage
  • A community of non-judgemental, like-minded parents
  • Weekly guidance and voice note support from me
  • Free access to the Tricky Behaviour Masterclass

The Nest is your safe place to ask questions, build confidence, and feel supported through every messy, magical moment.


Join the Tricky Behaviour Masterclass – Friday 14th June

If behaviour has been feeling like a lot lately, I invite you to join me for the Tricky Behaviour Masterclass on Friday 14th June at 10.30am (BST).

This session is for parents of children from birth to age 5, because let’s be honest—those big behaviours can start long before toddlerhood.

We’ll cover:

  • 🔍 What’s developmentally normal vs what might need extra support
  • 🧠 Why your child’s brain reacts the way it does
  • 🤯 What to do in the moment—whether they’re hitting, screaming, or melting down
  • 🧹 Real-life scripts and gentle strategies you can use right away
  • 🪴 Emotional support for you, too

The masterclass is live on Zoom, costs £35, and includes a recording if you can’t join live. The Nest members attend for free.


1:1 Behaviour Support Packages

Sometimes a masterclass or blog post isn’t enough. You need someone in your corner, listening to your story, and helping you work out what will actually help your child.

That’s why I offer three levels of 1:1 behaviour support, tailored to your needs and your child’s stage:

🟡 Calm Foundations – £100

Perfect if you need a reset and a plan.
Includes:

  • 1 x 60-minute personalised consultation
  • A tailored summary guide with practical, gentle strategies

This is ideal if you’re wondering whether what’s happening is normal, or you want a confident starting point to move forward.

🟠 Calm & Connected – £195

Best for families dealing with recurring challenges.
Includes:

  • 2 x 60-minute coaching calls
  • A personalised behaviour support plan
  • 1 week of WhatsApp or email support
  • Real-life tools, scripts and routines that actually work

This is a good fit if you’re stuck in cycles of tantrums, defiance, bedtime resistance, or sibling clashes.

🔴 Calm & Thriving – £325

For complex needs or ongoing struggles.
Includes:

  • 3 x 60-minute coaching calls
  • Unlimited WhatsApp support for 2 weeks
  • Fully personalised plan, resources and coaching tools
  • Bonus materials: behaviour tracker, emotional coaching kit, play-based strategies

This is my most comprehensive support option—ideal if you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck.


You’re Not Alone

The truth is, parenting is hard. And parenting in a world full of opinions, pressures, and unrealistic expectations makes it even harder.

You’re not doing it wrong. Your child isn’t broken. And you don’t have to do this on your own.

Whether you join the masterclass, dive into The Nest, or book 1:1 support, I’m here to walk alongside you. Calm is possible. Connection is powerful. And support changes everything.

#EssentialParenting #BehaviourSupport #ParentingHelp #TrickyBehaviour #ToddlerTantrums #PreschoolParenting #ParentingCoach #TheNest #GentleParenting

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