Temper tantrums? Here's what to say.
Your child is screaming on the floor and every parenting tip has left your head. RootWise gives you the words for that exact moment, word for word.
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Sound familiar?
- Everyone's staring, and you're thinking: give in, or carry them out?
- You've read the books. In the moment, all of it is gone.
- Then the guilt, because you got loud after all.
A tantrum is communication, not manipulation. Your child isn't giving you a hard time, they're having a hard time.
From the app, free
The script for the grocery store
Scenario
Child has a tantrum in public, attracting stares and making shopping impossible.
Ages 2 to 8 years
Stay and Support
Grocery Store Meltdown · intermediate · 5 to 10 minutes
What to say
- 1
You're having such big feelings right now. I'm right here with you.
- 2
I can see you really wanted [item]. It's disappointing when we can't have what we want.
- 3
I'm going to stay close while you have these feelings.
- 4
When you're ready, we can finish our shopping together.
Why it works
Staying present shows the child they're not alone in their big emotions. It models that feelings are manageable and temporary.
The line for you, when you're about to lose it
This is temporary. I'm teaching them they're safe to have big emotions with me.
35 more scripts, free in the app.
One of 36 scripts, three approaches per scenario, plus what helps before it tips over. All free in the app.
And when it doesn't go by the script?
Then you describe your situation in the chat and get an answer for your child, their age and your moment. Even on a Saturday morning in the parking lot outside the store.
Ben (2) throws himself on the floor at checkout and everyone's staring. What do I say?
Summary
Ben isn't screaming to get at you: at two, the checkout line after a whole shopping trip is often simply too much. Get down to his level, say very little, and let the groceries wait a minute.
What to do
- Get down to his level: "This is all too much for you right now, isn't it? I'm right here."
- Step outside: "Let's go outside for a minute where it's quieter." The cart can wait.
- Name the feeling, keep the limit: "You really wanted the gummy bears. It's disappointing when we can't have what we want. And they're still staying here."
- Back to the day: "When you're ready, we'll finish our shopping together. You can put the apples in the bag."
The chat is part of RootWise Premium: 7 days free, then a monthly or yearly plan, cancel anytime. The scripts stay free.
Built by Luisa and Philipp
Parents of two who know the 6pm chaos. The same tools we use with our own kids.
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Word-for-word scripts, free
Articles for ages 0 to 10
Answers for your child in the chat
How it goes at the next tantrum
No chapter to read. One script to open.
Tap the scenario
Grocery store, daycare pickup, bedtime: you pick the moment that is happening right now.
Read the lines as they are
Four short lines for your child, one line for you. Short enough to read one-handed.
“You're having such big feelings right now. I'm right here with you.”
Same again next time
Same words, same calm. Your child learns what comes next, and you stop improvising.
What it looks like in the app
The scenario and three approaches. You pick what fits your child.
What to say, line by line, plus why it works.
The chat knows your child's age and topic.
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Questions parents ask us before downloading
The app and all 36 scripts are free. Chat and library are part of Premium: 7 days free, then $9.99 a month or $49.99 a year in the US App Store. Other countries see their local price in the store. The trial only starts when you confirm it in the App Store or Google Play.
In the subscription settings of your App Store or Google Play account, in under a minute. Cancel during the 7 days and you pay nothing. After that, your access runs until the end of the paid period.
From birth to age 10. Every script names its age range, and the lines are written the way a two-year-old or a seven-year-old actually understands them.
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From RootWise's own scripts and articles, matched to your child's age. The answers are generated by an AI and are not medical or therapeutic advice. Read them the way you would read a suggestion from a well-informed friend, and talk to your pediatrician if you are worried about your child's health.
That is what it is built for. The scripts are short enough to read one-handed on your phone while your child is losing it next to you. The line for you at the end helps you stay calm yourself.
What happens after the download
Five questions about your child, then your plan is ready. You create an account at the end.
Tell us a little about your child
Name, age, what is hard right now. Takes about a minute.
See your plan
Three scripts and two topics, matched to your child's age and your moments.
Read the scripts, free
All 36 scripts are free. Chat and library come with a 7-day free trial, if you want them.
The words for the next tantrum, before it comes.
Download RootWise, answer five questions about your child, and you have the grocery store script with you on the next shopping trip.
Scripts free. Premium: 7 days free, then a monthly or yearly plan, cancel anytime.