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Parent Scripts For Hard Moments

The document provides affirming and validating scripts for parents to use during challenging moments with their children, particularly those who are neurodivergent. It includes specific phrases for various scenarios such as general hard moments, morning or bedtime routines, sensory stressors, school or homework stress, and perceived unfairness. The aim is to help parents communicate understanding and empathy, reducing shame and promoting emotional validation.

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146 views4 pages

Parent Scripts For Hard Moments

The document provides affirming and validating scripts for parents to use during challenging moments with their children, particularly those who are neurodivergent. It includes specific phrases for various scenarios such as general hard moments, morning or bedtime routines, sensory stressors, school or homework stress, and perceived unfairness. The aim is to help parents communicate understanding and empathy, reducing shame and promoting emotional validation.

Uploaded by

ly
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Scripts Series

AFFIRMING AND
VALIDATING
PARENTING
SCRIPTS
Written by
Dr. Danika Maddocks in collaboration with
Dr. Neff and Neurodivergent Insights

Updated November 2024

Neurodivergent Insights The Gifted Learning Lab


Updated
Affirming and Validating Nov. 2024

Scripts for Hard Moments

General Hard Moments


You weren’t expecting that.” / “That was unexpected.” / “That’s
not what you were expecting.”

“This is a hard moment.” / “This feels hard.” / “This is stressful /


overwhelming / exhausting / tough / tricky.”

“It makes sense you’re feeling that way.”

“Thanks for telling me.” / “Thanks for showing me this is hard.” /


“Thanks for letting me know you don’t like this.”

Silence - calm presence, nodding, space or validating noise -


“Mm-hmm,” “Oh,” sympathetic groan.

“You hate that.” / “I know you hate that. / That’s not your jam. /
“That’s not your favorite.” / “No one likes [fill in the specific
stressor/thing here].”

“This is no fun / no good.” / “This sucks/stinks.” / “This [task,


situation, event] sucks/stinks.”

"Who designed it this way? / Who designed this?! / What were


they thinking?”
This helps protect the child from shaming themselves for struggling with
an object or a sensory struggle.

Blame the item or situation - “That [item] is tricky.”


This helps externalize rather than turning inward with shame.

Name what would be better / provide verbal wish fulfillment -


“It would be better if [what they wished for would happen].”
Updated
Affirming and Validating Nov. 2024

Scripts for Hard Moments

Morning or Bedtime Routine

“Brushing teeth is no fun.”

"This is a lot to keep track of."

“Getting through all these bedtime things can feel


exhausting.”

“Those sandals are tricky to buckle.”

“I know, showering is your least favorite activity.”

“Someone should design pajamas that put themselves on.”

Sensory Stressors

“Yuck, right?” “Nope!” / “Not that!” (said to the


uncomfortable item / sensory
“Oh, that’s awful.” stressor, while taking it away)

“Way too rough!” “Who designed hair brushes?!”

“Uncomfortable.” “They should design something


that cleans our teeth without us
“Seams are tricky.” noticing.”
Updated
Affirming and Validating Nov. 2024

Scripts for Hard Moments

School or Homework Stress


“Homework is no fun.”

“You already worked hard all day.”

“This is a lot.”

“You probably just want to relax.”

“Why did they write it this way? It’s confusing.”

“Hm…I can see why you solved it that way. That’s what I
would have done too.”

“It would be better if there was never any homework.”

“It would be better if the computer could just read your


thoughts and write them down for you.”

Perceived Unfairness
“Yeah, that rule’s not fair.”

“I messed that up.”

“It would be better if it were equal.”

“You hate when things aren’t even.”

“It makes sense you’re upset about that.”

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