#6: Having their back

#7: Parenting without Support

This episode is for the parents doing it without a village. Practical Support Mentioned in This Episode Free School Meals & Pupil Premium It’s not just about lunch. Schools often receive additional funding that can support: * * Uniform costs * School trips * Breakfast & after school clubs * Holiday food vouchers * Supermarket vouchers during school holidays * HAF (Holiday Activities and Food provision) Speak to your child’s school directly or go here to check if you are eligible here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals [https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals] Your Council’s “Local Offer” Every UK council has a Local Offer page listing: * * Clubs & groups for children (including SEND support) * Subsidised activities * Parent support services * Family hubs * Youth groups Search: “[Your council’s name] Local Offer” Social Prescribing You may be referred (via GP or support worker) to: * * Gym memberships * Exercise classes * Walking groups * Community activities Often used for mild depression, isolation, diabetes, high blood pressure and more. Peanut App/Facebook Parent Groups/Mumsnet? An app connecting local parents for friendship and support. Safety first!! * Meet in public * Share your location * Don’t give out your home address initially Organisations for single parents https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/ [https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/] https://www.familylives.org.uk/ [https://www.familylives.org.uk/] Recime App About £35 a year, but so worthwhile. NOT an Ad. Search it in Google Play or Apple Store. I can only share a link that benefits me so… Shall we build our own village? I’m considering starting a closed Off Script Parent community Facebook group. Safe, supportive, not an echo chamber of doom, but something real. Would you join? If so…do you wanna be an admin? (Come on, let’s go and play…. Frozen?) I’ll run a poll over on Instagram after this episode drops. Go vote and DM me your thoughts. If this episode resonated with you, please: * * Follow / Subscribe * Leave a review * Share it with a parent who might benefit from my 2 pence. Follow me on socials if you so wish: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ej_ismotherdearest [https://www.youtube.com/@ej_ismotherdearest] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ej_is_mother_dearest/ [https://www.instagram.com/ej_is_mother_dearest/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ej_is_mother_dearest [https://www.tiktok.com/@ej_is_mother_dearest] You’re not alone here. Much Love, Mother Dearest X

#5: Being what you needed

In this episode of The Off Script Parent, we talk about what it really means to be what you needed growing up — and why parenting has a way of dragging up old stuff you didn’t realise was still there. This isn’t about blaming your parents. It’s about noticing the moments where your reaction feels bigger than the situation, and understanding why that happens. We explore how childhood experiences shape our nervous system, the difference between everyday irritation and genuine triggers, and how unprocessed grief can show up as snapping, shutting down, or guilt. Being what you needed doesn’t mean parenting perfectly — it means choosing awareness, repair, and connection over autopilot. 🖤 PATREON For exclusive bonus episodes, deeper dives into topics like this, monthly The Yute Dem episodes, shoutouts, stickers and more: 👉 https://patreon.com/TheOffScriptParent [https://patreon.com/TheOffScriptParent] 📱 INSTAGRAM! COME AND CHAT, SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: * Podcast account: * 👉 https://instagram.com/the_off_script_parent_podcast [https://instagram.com/the_off_script_parent_podcast] * Personal / parenting chaos: * 👉 https://instagram.com/ej_is_mother_dearest [https://instagram.com/ej_is_mother_dearest] ✉️ GET IN TOUCH! FEEDBACK, EPISODE IDEAS, OR JUST TO SAY HI: 📩 THEOFFSCRIPTPARENT@GMAIL.COM [theoffscriptparent@gmail.com] THANKS SO MUCH FOR LISTENING — AND REMEMBER, AWARENESS IS WHERE THE CYCLE BREAKING STARTS. Much love, Mother Dearest 🖤

#6: Having their back

HAVING THEIR BACK What does “having your child’s back” actually mean? Because it’s not blindly defending bad behaviour. It’s not storming into school shouting “MY CHILD WOULD NEVER.” And it’s definitely not raising kids who think consequences don’t apply to them. This episode is about something quieter — and far more important. Having your child’s back means: * keeping connection without excusing behaviour * validating feelings without removing consequences * staying calm, curious, and honest when they mess up * making sure they know they’re supported, even when they’re wrong We talk about why over-defending kids backfires, how entitlement is created, and what actually helps children grow into accountable, emotionally safe adults. This is about the long game — so your child still comes to you when it really matters. 🛍 New merch drop live — link in my instagram Bio or you can check it out here https://the-off-script-parent-by-mother-dearest.myshopify.com/ [https://the-off-script-parent-by-mother-dearest.myshopify.com/] If there’s a quote from the podcast you want on a tee, DM or email me. ⚠️ Strong language throughout. 📩 Email: theoffscriptparent@gmail.com [theoffscriptparent@gmail.com] 📸 Instagram: @ej_is_mother_dearest [https://www.instagram.com/ej_is_mother_dearest/] or @https://www.instagram.com/the_off_script_parent_podcast/ [@https://www.instagram.com/the_off_script_parent_podcast/] TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ej_is_mother_dearest [ https://www.tiktok.com/@ej_is_mother_dearest]

#4: Mind your Language

Episode 4: Mind Your Language We worry so much about kids hearing the word “fuck”— but barely notice the things we say that actually stick. In this episode of The Off Script Parent, I’mtalking about: This episode isn’t about being polite or perfect. It’sabout being intentional with the language that lingers. Because kids don’t remember every word — they rememberhow those words made them feel. 💛 Support the podcast & get bonus content: Patreon→ https://www.patreon.com/TheOffScriptParent [https://www.patreon.com/TheOffScriptParent] 🎙️ Hosted by Mother Dearest 📩theoffscriptparent@gmail.com 📷 Instagram:@the_off_script_parent_podcast or ej_is_mother_dearest Jay, T. (2009). The utility and ubiquity of taboowords. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6924.2009.01115.x Stephens, R., Atkins, J. & Kingston, A. (2009). Swearingas a response to pain. https://doi.org/10.1097/WNR.0b013e32832e64b1 Teicher, M.H. et al. (2006). Parental verbal abuse andpsychopathology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2005.08.007 Bandura, A. (1977). Social LearningTheory. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1977-25733-000 📚 References mentioned

#3: Teaching confidence & autonomy, without raising arseholes!

In this episode of The Off Script Parent we’re getting into the good stuff: how to raise kids who are confident and independent without turning them into entitled little goblins. We talk about: * What real confidence actually is * How autonomy builds self-trust instead of constant battles * Why kids melt down when they feel controlled or unheard * The difference between empowerment and raising a tiny dictator * How to teach empathy so your kid can be strong and kind * Simple phrases you can use to hand over more choice without losing all control If you want to go deeper, chat through your specific family dynamics, or get support with communication, boundaries or meltdowns, you can reach me here: 📩 Email: theoffscriptparent@gmail.com 📸 Instagram (Podcast): @the_off_script_parent_podcast Come say hi, send your chaotic kid stories, or let me know what you want me to tackle next on the pod. 💗 Research Mentioned * Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy & confidence development — mastery builds genuine confidence. https://books.google.com/books/about/Self_Efficacy.html?id=J0E3AwAAQBAJ * Segrin et al. (2013–2015). Studies on over-parenting & reduced autonomy, resilience and increased anxiety. https://doi.org/10.1080/15295192.2013.789693 * Gottman, J. (1997). Emotion coaching & empathy development in children. https://www.gottman.com/blog/an-introduction-to-emotion-coaching/ [https://www.gottman.com/blog/an-introduction-to-emotion-coaching/] * Steinberg, L. (2014). Adolescent brain development & the importance of autonomy. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/06/teen-brain * Harvard Center on the Developing Child. Executive functioning & why younger children struggle with regulation. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/