What to say, for the moments that need it
The exact words for hard moments, with why each line works. Free in the app, no account needed.
- What to say when your child hitsChild hits, bites, kicks, or throws things when upset
- What to say when bedtime falls apartChild is screaming, crying, or having a full tantrum when it's time for bed
- What to say when siblings fight over a toyTwo children are fighting, grabbing, or screaming over the same toy
- What to say during a meltdown in the storeChild has a tantrum in public, attracting stares and making shopping impossible
- What to say when your child will not brush their teethChild clamps their mouth shut, twists away, or runs from the toothbrush every night
- What to say when your toddler hits the babyYour older child hits, squeezes too hard, or lashes out at the new baby - sometimes affection turned rough, sometimes clear frustration
- What to say when your child will not get dressedChild refuses every outfit, strips back off what you put on, or plants themselves half-dressed and won't move
- What to say when your child refuses the car seatChild refuses to get in car seat, arches back, or fights the safety straps
- What to say when your child says "I hate you"Child screams "I hate you!" or "You're not my friend!" during a conflict
- What to say when your child is scared of monstersChild insists a monster is in the room or under the bed and refuses to settle at bedtime
- What to say at drop-off when your child will not let goChild sobs, clings, and refuses to let go at the classroom door during drop-off
- What to say when your child talks back in front of peopleChild sasses, refuses, or talks back defiantly in front of other people - other parents, family, a checkout line - and you feel the stares
- What to say when your child refuses a bathChild cries, hides, or bolts the moment you announce it's bath time
- What to say when you catch your child in a lieChild flatly denies doing something despite clear evidence right in front of them
- What to say when your child asks about deathChild suddenly asks about death or dying, often at bedtime or in the car, catching you off guard
- What to say when your child is scared of the doctorChild is crying, clinging, or refusing to cooperate at a medical appointment
- What to say when your child is disappointed by a giftChild opens a gift in front of family, visibly deflates, and says out loud they wanted something else
- What to say when your child only wants the other parentChild suddenly rejects one parent, screaming "I want Papa, not you!" right in front of both of you
- What to say when your child cannot handle losingChild screams, throws pieces, or refuses to keep playing after losing a game
- What to say when your child is jealous of the new babyOlder child suddenly lashes out at or tries to push away the new baby in a jealous outburst
- What to say when screen time ends and they will not hand it overChild refuses to hand over the tablet or phone when it's time - clutching it, running off, or negotiating for 'just one more minute' long after the timer is done
- What to say when your child will not leave the playgroundChild sprints back to the climbing structure, goes limp, or melts down as soon as you say it's time to go
- What to say when your child holds in their poopChild is afraid to poop on potty, holds poop for days, or shows anxiety about pooping
- What to say after a potty training accidentChild has potty accident and is upset, embarrassed, or showing shame
- What to say when your child refuses to use the pottyChild refuses to try the potty, wants to stay in diapers, or resists potty learning
- What to say during a meltdown in publicChild dissolves into a full flood of tears, bolting, or shutting down in a public or social setting - a party, a family gathering, a crowded place - overwhelmed by big feelings
- What to say when your child will not apologiseChild hurt someone, a sibling or a friend, and goes silent, stiff, or defiant rather than say sorry
- What to say when your child takes something that is not theirsYou discover your child has pocketed a small toy from a friend's house or a playdate, without asking
- What to say when your child swearsChild drops a swear word or shock word out loud, sometimes in front of other people
- What to say when your child will not stop what they are doingChild refuses to stop current activity for transition (leaving park, turning off TV, ending playtime)
- What to say when the whining will not stopChild's whining escalates and repeats even after you've already answered, explained, or given what they asked for
All 36 scripts are free
No account, no trial clock. The wording for the hard moments is the free half of RootWise, and it stays free.
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