The Off Script Parent

EJ New

A parenting podcast for cycle-breakers, neurospicy families and anyone who wants to raise kids with connection . Hosted by EJ aka Mother Dearest, The Off Script Parent Podcast is all about communication, connection and doing what actually works in the real world. No BS, No judgement, just encouragement to keep your kids on side! We don’t parent by the book here.

Episodes

  1. #3: Teaching confidence & autonomy, without raising arseholes!

    09/12/2025

    #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/ 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/

    14 min
  2. #1: How to Listen, so They'll Talk!

    25/11/2025

    #1: How to Listen, so They'll Talk!

    Ever wondered why your kid will chat absolute waffle to their mates but gives you the emotional equivalent of a grunt?  Yeah. Same.  This episode dives into how to actually get your kids and teens talking — honestly, openly, and without the whole “parent vs child showdown”.  We’re flipping the script today:  Not “how to talk so they’ll listen”…  But how to listen so they’ll talk.  In this episode I cover:  ✨ Why lecturing shuts them down (and why listening opens them up)  ✨ What “autonomy-supportive” parenting actually looks like (don’t panic, no fairy-godmother energy required)  ✨ The seatbelt sentence that saves every heated conversation  ✨ The 6 questions that work like psychology cheat codes  ✨ How to talk to your kid about risky behaviour (like trying a cigarette) without them wanting to crawl into a hole  ✨ How YOUR emotional regulation sets the tone for theirs  ✨ Why this whole approach actually works according to research, not Instagram memes  It’s calm, it’s honest, it’s sweary, and it’s the episode I wish parents had when we were teens doing dumb shit ourselves.    📚 Research Moments (for the nerds or the nosy)  Grolnick & Ryan (1989)  Rogers & Farson (1957)  Soenens & Vansteenkiste (2005)  Miller & Rollnick (1991) — Motivational Interviewing  Deci & Ryan (2000) — Self-Determination Theory  Bandura (1977) — Social Learning Theory  Eisenberg et al. (1998)  These support everything I talk about today — honesty, autonomy, emotional safety, and why your tone matters more than your punishment.  📄 Patreon Bonus  AHHHHH! - shock, she isn't on the ball! - if you want the download before I get Patreon up to speed, EMAIL ME!! 💌 Come Say Hi  Instagram: @the_off_script_parent_podcast  Email: theoffscriptparent@gmail.com  Be kind to yourself and your kids — neither of you asked to be here and it’s wild out there.  Much love, Mother Dearest xxx

    19 min

About

A parenting podcast for cycle-breakers, neurospicy families and anyone who wants to raise kids with connection . Hosted by EJ aka Mother Dearest, The Off Script Parent Podcast is all about communication, connection and doing what actually works in the real world. No BS, No judgement, just encouragement to keep your kids on side! We don’t parent by the book here.