Parenting is hard!
Understanding your child can make it easier.
I'm Maria, a parenting educator helping parents of children aged 0–12 understand behaviour, navigate big emotions and build calmer, more connected relationships through evidence-based parenting education.
Parenting doesn't come with a manual.
Parenting can be fun, exciting, exhausting and overwhelming — sometimes all before breakfast.
Maybe you're dealing with big emotions, challenging behaviour, sibling conflict, anxiety, power struggles or simply wondering, “Am I doing this right?”
At Reaching for Calm, I help you understand what's happening beneath your child's behaviour and learn practical, evidence-based ways to respond with more confidence, connection and calm.
Understand
Make sense of your child's behaviour and what might be happening beneath the surface.
Connect
Build a stronger relationship with your child while staying connected to yourself.
Respond
Learn practical strategies you can use in real-life parenting moments — not just when everyone is calm and listening.
What parents are saying!
“I was lucky enough to watch one of Maria’s webinars through my children’s childcare centre and then follow up with a discovery call to learn more about her other services. Maria’s knowledge and passion is second to none, and I would highly recommend to all parents with small children. Her warmth, kindness, and patience to help parents have compassion for themselves is wonderful, and I look forward to continuing to learn more about navigating the adventures of parenting!”
Samantha – Mum of two young kids
What Educators are Saying!
“It was amazing. We learnt about co-regulating emotions and practical strategies we could use to help children regulate their emotions. Maria's session was interactive, our voices were heard and our questions were answered. It felt more like talking and getting advice, tips and tricks from a close friend than a training session.”
Brooke — Centre Director, Bambini Early Learning Centre
What organisations are saying!
“More Calm, More Connection – Real-Life Parenting Support
Maria facilitated a highly engaging and informative parent workshop that strengthened meaningful partnerships with families. The session was responsive to family input, with content shaped by survey feedback, demonstrating practice embedded in service operations and informed by ongoing critical reflection. Strategies shared were practical, evidence-informed and applicable to everyday parenting, supporting children’s wellbeing and positive relationships. Parent feedback indicated increased confidence and connection, reflecting a collaborative approach to continuous improvement.”
Julia — Centre Director, Kinderclub Early Learning Centre
About me
Hi! I’m Maria Dillane
I'm a mum of two young kids, Registered Nurse and parenting educator. I’m originally from Cork and now living in Meath after 15 years in Melbourne.
Alongside my professional experience, I've undertaken further study and training in Positive Psychology, parenting, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Tuning Into Kids and trauma-informed approaches. My passion is helping parents make sense of the science behind children's behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
My own experience of motherhood included burnout early in my parenting journey. This significantly impacted me and was what brought me to this work.
I know that understanding the theory is one thing — trying to use it when you're exhausted, your child is losing it and you're already stretched is another.
Reaching for Calm draws on evidence-based tools and strategies and turns them into practical approaches that make sense in real family life.
I work with parents, early years educators and organisations through workshops, group programmes and parent education, helping families and educators build greater understanding, confidence and connection.
Education & Professional Training
- Advanced Practice Certificate in Child Mental Health and Trauma — Emerging Minds, 2026
- Tuning Into Kids® Facilitator — University of Melbourne, 2025
- Mental Health First Aid Accreditation — Mental Health First Aid Australia, 2023
- A Comprehensive Course in Interpersonal Neurobiology — The Mindsight Institute, 2023
- Neurodevelopmental Care Practitioner — The NDC Institute (formerly Possums Program), 2023
- Parenting Coach Certification — Jai Institute for Parenting, 2022
- Professional Certificate in Positive Psychology — University of Melbourne, 2021
- Registered Nurse — University College Dublin, 2007
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Want to know more?
Parenting can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it all out on your own.
I provide evidence-based parenting education, workshops and support to help you better understand your child's behaviour, navigate big emotions and build a calmer, more connected relationship.