This is blog 2 of 4 in our series on the four well-being strands that guide Informed Early Years. Discover why these strands matter and how they support children's holistic development.
At Informed Early Years, we believe that behaviour is a form of communication, especially in young children who are still developing emotional regulation and language skills. Traditional behaviour management approaches, such as rewards and punishments, focus on controlling behaviour through external means. These methods often ignore the underlying emotional causes, offering short-term solutions but failing to address the root of the issue.
When children’s behaviours are misunderstood or managed through punitive systems, their emotional needs remain unmet, which can impact their long-term well-being.
In contrast, relational approaches focus on connection, empathy, and understanding. They prioritise building strong, trusting relationships between children and caregivers, offering the security children need to explore and express their emotions safely. Rather than seeking to 'correct' behaviour through time-outs or punitive measures, relational strategies aim to address why the behaviour is happening. In this model, behaviour is seen as a form of communication—often indicating unmet needs, emotional distress, or frustration that children are unable to articulate. By focusing on co-regulation (where the adult helps the child manage their emotions) and creating an emotionally safe space, relational approaches help children develop self-regulation over time.
A key aspect of this approach is the 'time-in' method, which focuses on spending time with the child to connect emotionally, providing comfort and understanding rather than isolating them during times of distress. This approach helps children feel seen and valued, reinforcing trust and encouraging emotional growth.
Why is this so important for young children? Research shows that children learn by observing the trusted adults around them. When children experience a relational approach, they learn empathy, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills. In the long run, these approaches lead to better emotional resilience, improved social skills, and a greater sense of well-being. As children model the behaviours they see in adults, relational practices foster an environment where compassion, care, and understanding are at the forefront. This not only supports children in managing their current emotions but also builds the foundation for lifelong emotional health.
At Informed Early Years, we advocate for relational practices because they align directly with children’s well-being. Children thrive when their emotional needs are met, and when they feel safe and supported by the adults around them. Our workshops, coaching, and e-learning courses provide professionals and caregivers with the tools and strategies to implement relational approaches, helping to create environments where children can flourish emotionally and socially.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Informed Early Years. We are excited about the journey ahead and hope you will join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of young children.
Warmest regards,
Carly Blackburn
Founder, Informed Early Years
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