Healthy distractions: Simple tools for settled children

• Ideal for early years practitioners, childminders, and anyone supporting young children's emotional wellbeing.

Children experience big emotions as they learn and grow. Using healthy distraction techniques alongside supportive relationships can help children regulate their emotions, develop resilience, and feel safe. This course explores practical strategies that can be used every day to support positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

• Understand what healthy distractions are and when they should be used
• Recognise how distraction can support emotional regulation and self-control
• Build a toolkit of practical calming and redirection strategies
• Respond positively to challenging behaviour while supporting children's emotional development
• Embed healthy distraction techniques into everyday early years practice

1. 1What It Is and Why It Matters
2. 2Understanding Distraction and Regulation
3. 3The Healthy Distractions Toolkit
4. 4Embedding Healthy Distractions in Practice
5. 5Knowledge Check