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December is a truly magical time at Scallywags.
Twinkling lights, festive stories, seasonal crafts, changes in routineโฆ it all feels exciting and joyful.
But for young children, December can also be overstimulating, emotional, and unpredictable.
Busy environments, later evenings, visitors, sugar, and excitement all contribute to big feelings and behaviour that may seem out of character.
Thatโs why our December Policy of the Month focuses on Behaviour Management and Supporting Big Feelings โ helping children feel grounded, safe, and regulated during a wonderfully busy time of year.
๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐น๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐ด๐ด๐ฒ ๐ช๐ฎ๐
At Scallywags, we draw inspiration from Hygge โ the Danish concept of warmth, comfort, softness, and simplicity.
During December, we make our spaces especially cosy and calm to balance seasonal excitement. This includes:
๐ฏ๏ธ Soft lighting
๐งฃ Snuggly blankets and cushions
๐ต Gentle music
๐ชต Nature-inspired play
๐งฆ Quiet corners and โcosy nooksโ
๐ Winter stories
These environments help children regulate their emotions, feel secure, and stay grounded โ especially when the world outside becomes a little busier and noisier.
๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐ผ๐น ๐๐ฎ๐น๐บ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ช๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ
Even in colder weather, we continue our Forest School approach.
Fresh air, movement, and nature are proven to:
โ Reduce stress and anxiety
โ Support emotional regulation
โ Improve behaviour
โ Build confidence and teamwork
A wintery walk, watching birds, finding frosty leaves, and simply being outdoors gives children time and space to settle and reset.
๐จ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐๐ฟ
In early years, all behaviour is communication.
In December, children may be:
- Tired from broken routines
- Excited about events and celebrations
- Overwhelmed by sensory overload
- Experiencing big emotions they canโt yet explain
- Picking up on adult stress or busyness
- Feeling the wobble that comes before a holiday change
By recognising this, we can respond with empathy, patience, and calm guidance.
๐๐ผ๐ ๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐ณ ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐น๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ปโ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐๐ฟ
Our staff follow a consistent, nurturing approach rooted in emotional wellbeing. This includes:
๐ผ Role-modelling calm, kindness, and respect
๐ผ Using positive reinforcement to celebrate cooperation and kindness
๐ผ Providing safe spaces for children to rest, reflect, or reset
๐ผ Supporting co-regulation โ helping children regulate by staying close, calm, and connected
๐ผ Using tools like Emotion Cards, The Colour Monster, calm jars, mirrors, timers, and visual prompts
๐ผ Discussing feelings openly:
โYouโre feeling frustrated โ Iโm here to help.โ
๐ผ Using gentle redirection and natural consequences
๐ผ Staying consistent, predictable, and emotionally attuned
We never shame, isolate, or punish.
We guide, teach, and support.
๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ
Just as nursery becomes busier, so do home lives โ and children can feel this shift strongly.
Here are some simple, supportive ways parents can help keep the month calm and magical.
โ Keep Routines Where Possible
Even 10โ15 minutes later to bed can impact behaviour the next day.
โ Balance Busy Days with Rest Days
Exciting activities need calm moments in between.
โ Provide Hygge at Home
Warm lighting, soft blankets, a cosy reading corner, or a calming bath can do wonders.
โ Keep Expectations Age-Appropriate
Children still need naps, downtime, simple foods, and predictability.
โ Acknowledge Big Feelings
A simple โI know it feels really excitingโ can calm heightened emotions.
โ Use Calm, Predictable Language
โI can see youโre feeling overwhelmed โ letโs take a moment together.โ
โ Avoid Over-Scheduling
Young children thrive on space, slowness, and familiarity.
โ Model Calm, Especially During Stress
Children feel our emotions deeply.
โ Offer Choices
โWould you like to wear the red jumper or the blue jumper?โ
This reduces conflict and increases cooperation.
โ Expect a Few Wobbles
And know they are completely normal.
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐น
At Scallywags, and with you at home, we work as a team to support children through this busy, exciting, emotional month.
By combining our behaviour management approach, our Hygge-inspired environments, and your support at home, we can help children feel:
โค๏ธ Safe
โค๏ธ Calm
โค๏ธ Connected
โค๏ธ Confident
Even during a month full of sparkle and excitement, we aim to keep December gentle, cosy, magical, and full of awe โ the perfect environment for little hearts and minds.
Supporting behaviour blog written by Demi Eastment
