💥 It’s Not Bad Behaviour... It’s a Body Asking for Help

When George has a meltdown, it’s easy to assume he’s just “being naughty.”

But what if George’s outbursts, the flailing limbs, the shouting, the crashing into furniture... weren’t misbehaviour at all?

What if they were a nervous system crying out for help?

This week, we’re diving into how proprioception, the Zones of Regulation, and the power of co-regulation can help children like George (and grown-ups like us!) feel safer, calmer, and more connected.

Jodi with Luna and Ivy in their cosy corner

💣 Why George (and real kids!) sometimes explode after calm activities

At first glance, it doesn’t make sense.

You’ve just finished crafting, screen time has been peaceful, and suddenly ... BOOM 💥

George throws a toy. Or hits. Or runs in circles and knocks something over.

But here's the thing: calm on the outside doesn’t always mean calm on the inside.

When children spend long periods sitting still or focusing quietly, they often store energy in their body like a volcano holding in lava. If there’s no chance to release that energy… it erupts.

🤸 What is Proprioception (and why some kids crave it)?

Proprioception is a fancy word for your body’s ability to know where you are in space.

Some children have under-sensitive proprioceptive systems, which means they seek out big movement and deep pressure to feel regulated.

That’s why George might:

• Crash into the sofa (again and again)

• Climb all over you like a jungle gym

• Push his hands or feet really hard against the floor, the wall, or even you

• Get carried away in rough and tumble play and struggle to know when to stop

• Jump constantly, on the bed, off the stairs, across the room

• Wrap himself up in blankets or ask for “squishes”

• Knock toys over or throw things when he’s overwhelmed

  
  

💡 These aren’t random or attention-seeking, they’re his body’s way of trying to regulate.

🎨 Making Emotions Easier: The Zones of Regulation (Worley Style)

At Worley’s World, we don’t just talk about feelings, we monster-fy them!

Using the Zones of Regulation, George and Worley help families understand emotions in a simple, visual way:

Zone	Feeling	What Might Help
💙 Blue	Sad, tired, poorly, flat	Hugs, cuddly toy, quiet time
💚 Green	Calm, happy, ready to learn/play	Keep doing what you're doing!
💛 Yellow	Silly, worried, frustrated	Brain breaks, movement, cosy corner
❤️ Red	Angry, explosive, out of control	Safety, co-regulation, quiet space

💡 Why this matters: Traditional charts (good/warning/bad) can cause shame. Zones give kids language and choice, they help the brain process, not defend.

✨ What about sticker charts?

Sticker charts can still have a place...when used positively. The key is that stickers should never be taken away. They should be earned through effort, and used to work towards a goal, not to control or punish.

It’s a subtle shift, but a powerful one.

(We could go down a whole rabbit hole on this… but for now, just know: if your child loves them and they’re helping? Keep going, just keep the focus on encouragement, not fear of failure.)

🧠 Brain Breaks That Support Regulation (Not Disruption)

Here are some of George’s favourite proprioceptive “brain and body” breaks, easy, accessible, and effective:

• Jumping onto cushions or off steps

• Pulling a basket of toys across the room

• Pushing palms together (“Let’s see who’s stronger!”)

• Tug of war with a towel or blanket

• Hammering playdough

• Scooter rides, crawling, or chair races

• Carrying something heavy (hello “strong helper!” moment)

  
  

💛 These aren't “rewards” — they’re tools for a dysregulated body.

🛋️ Cosy Corners & Monster Role Play: Why They Work

George doesn’t need a naughty step.

What he needs is you, even when he’s in the red zone.

That’s why we use cosy corners in Worley’s World. These aren’t punishment spaces. They’re “time-ins”, places that say:💛 “You’re safe.”💛 “I’m here.”💛 “Your feelings are valid.”

When kids feel angry, sad, overwhelmed or out of control, they don’t need fixing, they need to feel understood.

Try saying:

“I can see you’re angry and sad right now — and that’s OK. I’m here to help your body feel calm again.”

This normalises emotion, not shame.

Set up your corner with:

• A tent or blanket fort

• Squishy monsters, teddies or fidgets

• Music headphones or a storybook

• A Zones chart featuring George & Worley

• A sensory jar or calming glitter bottle

Pair this with monster role play to help kids reflect without pressure:

“Oh no! George got a bit wild and climbed on mummy too hard. What could he try next time when he's feeling yellow?”

This gives your child a safe, playful way to process emotions, build awareness and learn from experience instead of punishment.

🧡 A Final Note for Grown-Ups: Regulation Starts With You

In every meltdown, there’s a moment we want to walk away. That’s human. But co-regulation starts with us.

And we can’t do it if we’re running on empty.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, carer or magical helper — remember:

• You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present.

• You’re allowed to step away to calm down.

• Your needs matter just as much as theirs.

  
  

💬 One of our lovely grown-ups recently said,

“I’ve learned that even 10 minutes alone helps me reset, so I can be the calm my child needs.”

That’s what this work is about, meeting the moment with curiosity, not control.

💌 Want to Try These Tools in Your Family?

Our Underground World is packed with printables, games and videos to help your child build emotional awareness, self-regulation, and confidence (while you sneak in a cuppa).

Or, if you want tailored support like this week's family received, check out our 1:1 sessions — they bring all the magic of Worley’s World directly into your home.

👉 Join the Underground World

or Book a Session

You’ve got this. And we’ve got you 💛With big kid energy and monster-sized

love,

Jodi & the Monster Crew