Simple words that bring calm to chaotic moments.
If you’ve ever found yourself mid-meltdown — yours or your child’s — thinking, “I don’t even know what to say right now,” you’re not alone.
Parenting a neurodivergent or ADHD child can feel like trying to speak a second language while the house is on fire. You want to stay calm, but your body is flooded, your mind goes blank, and before you know it… everyone’s crying, yelling, or shutting down.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need perfect words.
You just need words that regulate first, teach later.
That’s what these three scripts are for.
They’re short, real, and designed to work even when your nervous system is fried and your patience is gone.
So take a deep breath, unclench your jaw, and let’s start with something that actually helps.
1. The Grounding Moment
When to use it: your child is in meltdown mode — crying, yelling, or completely overwhelmed.
This one’s about co-regulation — helping their body feel safe before their brain can listen.
Say:
“I see big feelings coming.
You’re safe. I’m right here.
Let’s take a slow breath together — in through your nose, out through your mouth.
Your body’s telling us it needs a break. That’s okay.
We’ll figure it out once your body feels calm again.”
Why it works:
You’re showing presence instead of power. ADHD and sensitive kids calm through connection, not correction. These words tell their body: “You’re not alone, and nothing bad is about to happen.”
2. The Reset Script
When to use it: when routines fall apart — mornings, transitions, homework time, bedtime chaos.
Say:
“Okay, pause. Let’s both take a reset.
That didn’t go how we wanted — and that’s okay.
Let’s try again together.
What’s one thing we can do right now to make this easier?”
Why it works:
ADHD brains respond better to a do-over than a lecture. “Reset” becomes a shared cue for self-regulation and repair. It interrupts chaos without shame — and gives both of you permission to start fresh.
Pro tip: Make “reset” a family word. It helps everyone switch gears faster because it signals safety and predictability.
3. The Repair Script
When to use it: after you’ve yelled, lost patience, or there’s disconnection.
Say:
“Hey love, I didn’t like how I spoke earlier.
I was feeling overwhelmed, and I raised my voice — that wasn’t fair to you.
I’m working on calming my body too.
Can we have a do-over and start fresh?”
Why it works:
Repair builds emotional safety faster than perfection ever could.
You’re modeling accountability and self-regulation. When kids see you calm after rupture, they learn that relationships can survive big feelings — theirs and yours.
Why These Scripts Matter
When you use words like these, you’re not just calming the moment — you’re rewiring your child’s sense of safety.
You’re showing them: “Big feelings don’t scare me. You’re still loved. We can handle hard things together.”
And you’re teaching yourself that calm isn’t about control — it’s about connection.
These three scripts can change how your home feels — not someday, but today.
Want More Tools That Actually Work?
If these scripts felt like a breath of fresh air, that’s exactly what The Regulated Parent was built for.
Start small — try one today.
Then, when you’re ready for deeper calm, explore:
Help, I’m Dysregulated! – learn how to regulate your own body in the moment.
The ADHD Starter Library – make sense of your child’s diagnosis without overwhelm.
From Chaos to Connection – 4-Week Reset – rebuild your family’s calm foundation in a month.
Or just book a FREE Intro Call today!
You deserve a home that feels peaceful again.
It starts with the words you say next.
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
— Squarespace