Top tips to support children through the highs of joy

A new year is often a time of growth, resilience, and joy as children embark on new adventures in settings or groups. It’s a time for developing relationships and connections, uncovering each child’s unique personality, and setting expectations. We have begun to create a haven of safety and stability, where children feel a sense of belonging and are ready to play and learn, however, a new year calendar after all the festivities, celebrations, and events, can still stir excitement, requiring resilience and stamina in both children and adults alike.

This time is filled with much energy and excitement: calm and steady children transform into “bottles of pop,” brimming with emotion. Those routines that create a safe and positive learning climate are tested as heightened joy threatens to spill over into dysregulation. Understanding and navigating this energetic shift is essential for fostering emotional growth and maintaining a balanced learning environment. 

The science of joy 

Joy is a core emotion alongside anger, fear, and sadness, and it plays a critical role in our wellbeing. Yet it is not an emotion we explore so much. The body releases a cocktail of chemicals during joyful experiences, creating optimal conditions for learning. These include:

• Oxytocin and Opioids: Enhancing feelings of love, trust, and connectedness while reducing loneliness, fear, and anger. Oxytocin also buffers the effects of the stress chemical cortisol.
• Dopamine: Boosting focus, motivation, and pleasure, reinforcing positive behaviours.
• BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): Often referred to as ‘brain fertiliser’, it supports neuron growth and strengthens synaptic connections, particularly during physical play and belly laughter.

Joy activates the brain’s reward pathways, motivating us to repeat experiences that promote happiness…which is great news for learning! However, the accumulative effect of these ‘feel-good’ chemicals, combined with adrenaline, can lead to over-arousal and potentially dysregulation. While some children can self-regulate, others may struggle, leading to what Dan Siegel refers to as ‘flipping the lid’, where the brain shifts into survival mode (fight, flight, freeze), bypassing any rational thought.

Supporting children through the highs of joy

Recognising and managing the impact of joy is crucial for us as educators and caregivers. It’s not uncommon to hear that some children ‘can’t handle’ exciting events. However, rather than withdrawing opportunities for joy, it’s vital to teach children how to navigate these powerful emotions and make sense of these big feelings. This social and emotional learning is key to their development.

Top Tips:

1. Be an emotionally available adult

• Use Dan Hughes’ PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) to co-regulate with children.
• Validate the feelings underlying behaviours before addressing the actions themselves. For example, acknowledge a child’s excitement or frustration without dismissing their experience.

2. Structured environments

• Maintain predictable routines to provide a sense of security. Be mindful of how changes in structure, both at school and home, can affect children.

3. Visual prompts

• Incorporate emotion cards or visual aids to help children identify and understand their feelings. These tools offer a tangible way to connect emotions to their experiences.

4. Play and role modelling

• Encourage play as a method for practising emotional regulation and problem-solving. Demonstrate a calm presence and model self-regulation skills.

5. Positive reinforcement

• Recognise and celebrate moments when children successfully self-regulate after a joyful experience. This reinforces these desirable behaviours and builds confidence.

6. Mindfulness practice

• Introduce activities that calm the nervous system, such as simple yoga exercises, body scans, or outdoor observation. These practices help children ground themselves and manage over-arousal and potential dysregulation.

The lifelong value of joy

As adults, we recognise the profound impact of joy on our mental wellbeing, whether through the thrill of a game or the peace of a walk in nature. The same holds true for children. Joy not only enriches their present experiences but also lays the groundwork for effective learning and emotional health as they move on into adulthood.

When we teach children to embrace joy and navigate its effects, we’re equipping them with the tools to manage both the highs and lows of life. This autumn term, as the classroom buzzes with energy, remember that supporting children through their ‘fizzy’ moments is more than classroom management—it’s a vital part of nurturing self-regulation and resilience.

By being present, patient, and proactive, we help children transform their excitement into meaningful growth, ensuring that joy remains a real joy.

About the author

Pam’s educational leadership spans multiple local authorities, with experience teaching from nursery through Year 6. As a former Deputy and Head Teacher and Thrive Practitioner, Pam embedded neuroscience, attachment theory, and child development insights into classroom practices, championing SEL as fundamental to children’s well-being and academic success. Pursuing her passion in her later role as Thrive Relationship Manager and Thrive Trainer, she has provided tailored SEL support to schools across the Midlands. Currently, as an Evidence Lead for Education at Staffordshire Research School, Pam promotes evidence-informed approaches to enhance school improvement, with SEL as a key focus. Additionally, she facilitates programmes for two local teaching school hubs, focusing on Early Career Framework (ECF) and National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), where she emphasizes the critical role of SEL in developing resilient, successful learners.