Hard Conversations
with Children
A Child-Centered approach to tough moments, big feelings, and everyday connection
Online
Saturday June 20th 2026
9am-12pm PST
Children often communicate through behavior before they have the words to explain what they are feeling. This interactive training introduces practical skills from Child-Centered Play Therapy that parents, educators, and caregivers can use in everyday interactions with children.
No clinical experience is required. Designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who works closely with children. For our clinician-focused training on a similar topic, check out Hard Conversations with Parents.
Presented by Jennifer Sims, MA, LPCC, RPT
Course Details
Participants will learn play therapy-inspired communication tools that help children feel seen, understood, and emotionally safe. Through demonstrations, reflection activities, and examples, attendees will practice skills including reflective responding, tracking behavior and feelings, therapeutic limit setting, and supporting emotional regulation.
The training will explore behavior as communication and examine how power struggles, shame, and disconnection affect relationships with children. Participants will learn ways to respond to difficult moments while maintaining both connection and boundaries.
Topics include reflective listening, emotional regulation, limit setting, imaginative play, and responding to difficult emotions with curiosity rather than control.
Date and time: Saturday, June 20th 2026 9am-12pm PST
Location: Online via Zoom
All ticket purchasers will receive access to the recording and materials for 30 days after the training.
Live Training
Saturday June 20th, 2026
9am-12pm PST
Open to parents, Allied professionals
and other people who care about kids.
All live event ticket purchasers will receive access to the recording and materials for 30 days after the live training.
All payments are final and non-refundable. If an unexpected emergency prevents you from participating, you may email us at trainings@theredwoodcenter.org to request an exception.
If a program is canceled by The Redwood Center, participants will receive a full refund.
For our complete cancellation and refund policy, view our Training Policies here.
The Redwood Center for Children and Families
Felton, California
Purchase the Recording
If the live training is full or you can't make the time, you can purchase access to the recording here. Recording and materials will be available by the end of the week following the training.
Meet Your Trainer
About Jen
Jennifer Sims is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Registered Play Therapist™ with nearly 20 years of experience supporting children and families. Known for her engaging, experiential teaching style, she helps parents and professionals turn challenging skills into approachable, hands-on learning.
Jen has advanced training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Gestalt Play Therapy, EMDR for children, and AutPlay. She regularly develops and presents trainings
on non-directive play therapy and related topics, and was featured at the Sixth Annual Innovative Child Therapy Symposium in 2025.