About Childhood Understood
My aim is to help parents, families, practitioners and teachers understand children more deeply and how to best support them, particularly when times get tricky.
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Sarah Emerson
Meet Sarah
I offer training and consultancy to early years settings, schools and local authorities. My work is informed by up to date research into children’s neural development and emotional well-being.
I also offer support to families on all aspects of a child’s development. Sometimes parents may be in crisis mode, looking for urgent help with sleep, communication or a child’s stressed/distressed behaviour, and at other times they may simply want advice on an aspect of their child’s development.
I aim to work with parents and professionals in a way that brings balance, clarity, and a sense of calm and well-being for all. I advocate for responsive, connected parenting and teaching that enables children to develop emotional well-being, resilience, happiness and self-esteem.
I also offer support to families on all aspects of a child’s development. Sometimes parents may be in crisis mode, looking for urgent help with sleep, communication or a child’s stressed/distressed behaviour, and at other times they may simply want advice on an aspect of their child’s development.
I aim to work with parents and professionals in a way that brings balance, clarity, and a sense of calm and well-being for all. I advocate for responsive, connected parenting and teaching that enables children to develop emotional well-being, resilience, happiness and self-esteem.
What I Offer…
- Training sessions on attachment, big feelings, supporting behaviour, co-regulation strategies and emotional well-being tools.
- A focus on understanding children as much as skill development because this is where change to practice starts.
- 1-1 appointments to answer your questions and help problem-solve.
- Ask specific questions about practice, or seek advice on strategies for individual children
- 1-1 appointments via Zoom
- Help with problem-solving anything from sibling relationships to listening, transitions to toileting, and emotional “meltdowns” to sleep
- Support and guidance when you are not sure what else to try
- Parent Workshops and Q&A Sessions
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Created by a qualified, experienced early childhood and parenting specialist
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Research and evidence-based information and strategies that really work
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Connected, responsive approaches with well-being at the heart of everything we do
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Our mission is help make every childhood understood
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Professional Qualifications
Qualifications
- MA Early Childhood Studies and BA (hons) focusing in Children & Young People
- Postgraduate Certificate in Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Well-being
- Montessori Teaching Diplomas (AMI) for 0-3 and 3-6 years. Montessori Certificate (AMI) for 12-18 years.
- Early Years Teacher Status
- Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector
- Holistic Sleep Coach (Feed, Sleep, Bond - Lyndsey Hookway)
- Fully insured and DBS checked.
Parent Support
We just wanted to say thanks so much! We love talking to you and value your opinions so much! I feel like my mind has got a breath of fresh air to it and feel like I understand him so much more!
Parent
Sarah has been phenomenal and I honestly couldn’t recommend her more highly. She brings so much warmth and empathy into the discussion. She really held our child’s perspective at the centre of conversations which was such a relief as there is always the worry that people will judge or dislike your child when you explain the challenging behaviour. After each session she provided a comprehensive plan based on her observations, with practical steps to improve things. And while her suggestions were always completely spot on, I think the most helpful thing was not feeling alone with the challenges - knowing there was someone who gets it and who is aligned with how I want to parent. Sarah is honestly just the loveliest person and brilliant at what she does. You could never regret approaching her for support.
Parent L
I came away feeling confident and equipped with tips. Sarah is so gentle in approach and yet shares such deep wisdom.
Parent R
Everything you said has made so much sense and he seems so much more content! He listens a lot more now and we feel more like a team! I don't know how to put into words how glad I am that we have found you and your advice! We are so, so grateful and you've made our family so much more like a team and happy…”
Parent
New for 2024: Online Content & Courses for Toddler Parents!
Our experience of parenting – and our children’s experience of being parented – changes when we change the way we see children. Our online content is easy to watch, in bite-size chunks that work for a busy parent lifestyle, and it contains lots of incredible tips and strategies that really work.
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Cocoro is committed to:
- Anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice
- Responsive parenting and teaching strategies
- Connected parenting and teaching relationships
- Economic and environmental sustainability