Why Scripts Aren’t Working—and What Moms Really Need Instead
When my son was little, I remember Googling phrases like:
“What to say when your child doesn’t listen.”
“How to stop toothbrushing battles.”
“Best script for tantrums in public.”
I was exhausted, frustrated, and desperate to feel like I knew what I was doing. And what I got?
Scripts.
Short, sweet lines that seemed like they should help.
“Wow, you’re having some big feelings.”
“I won’t let you hit.”
“I’m right here when you’re ready.”
Don’t get me wrong—these scripts aren’t bad.
They’re well-meaning. Sometimes they do help.
But over time, I noticed something else.
I wasn’t feeling better as a parent.
I didn’t feel more confident.
I wasn’t really understanding my child any better.
And when a new behavior popped up—I was right back at square one.
Searching. Copying. Doubting. Second-guessing myself.
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of coaching moms:
Scripts give you the words.
But they don’t give you the wisdom.
They don’t give you the clarity to know what your child needs.
They don’t help you regulate yourself when you’re being triggered.
They don’t teach you how to lead—with warmth and boundaries.
And they don’t stick when the situation changes… because parenting is never one-size-fits-all.
Here’s an example:
Let’s say your child is hitting.
The script might be: “I won’t let you hit. I’m here to help.”
Okay. But then what?
Are they hitting only you? Or also their sibling?
Does it happen after transitions? During roughhousing? When they’re tired?
Do they look angry—or do they immediately burst into tears?
All of those details matter.
Because behavior is communication.
And the “right” thing to say or do depends on what the child is trying to tell you.
Scripts don’t ask you to be curious.
They skip the questions.
They often bypass you.
That’s why I started teaching a framework I call NURTURE—a process I come back to again and again in my own parenting and in my work with clients.
Because parenting isn’t about memorizing phrases.
It’s about understanding patterns.
It’s about noticing what’s underneath.
And it’s about feeling empowered to show up with curiosity and clarity, even in the messy moments.
If you’ve ever thought:
“Why doesn’t this script work with my kid?”
“Why does this feel better on paper than it does in real life?”
“Why do I still feel unsure, even when I’m saying the ‘right’ thing?”
You’re not doing it wrong.
You probably just need a process to help you make decisions from the inside out.
That’s what I help moms build in Groundwork.
I’ll share more about the NURTURE Framework on the podcast this Friday—why it’s helped so many parents feel more confident, connected, and aligned with themselves.
More soon,
Jess
If you’re ready to stop grasping for the perfect script and start parenting with more clarity, confidence, and connection—I’d love to support you inside Groundwork.
It’s my signature 1:1 coaching experience designed to help you understand your child’s behavior, build emotional resilience, and feel empowered in your role as a parent. Together, we’ll walk through the NURTURE framework so you have a process you can rely on—no matter the situation. Spots are limited, and I’m offering a special bonus to the first five moms who sign up. You can learn more or grab your spot here.
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