In a dayhome, big feelings can show up at any time—and often in the middle of busy routines or with several other children watching. How we respond in these moments can shape a child’s emotional growth and strengthen the trusting relationships we build with families. This session will focus on strategies tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of home-based, mixed-age care. You’ll learn how to validate children’s emotions, set clear boundaries, and teach age-appropriate coping skills, all while maintaining the flow of your day. We’ll discuss practical techniques for supporting emotional literacy, encouraging self-regulation, and navigating big feelings without letting them take over the whole group. You’ll leave with tools and confidence to handle emotional moments in a way that supports the child, protects your own energy, and keeps your dayhome environment calm and connected.