What is this?

The words you wish you had in the moment

Say This Instead gives parents the exact script to use when toddlers hit, refuse bed, melt down, won't get dressed, or lose it at the park. No articles to read. Just the words.

Try it free. No account needed
7 scenarios free  ·  30+ with subscription  ·  works offline
How it works

Three taps to calm

1

Pick the situation

Tap whichever scenario matches what's happening right now — hitting, bedtime, meltdown, won't get dressed. Everything is one tap from the home screen.

2

Get the exact words

You see a calm, ready-to-use script written for that specific situation. Not theory. Not a five-step framework. Just what to say, right now.

3

Follow the simple steps

Each scenario includes what to do, what to avoid, what to say if they escalate, and a quick pro tip on why the approach actually works.

What you actually get

Scripts that work in real life

Here's an example, this one is for hitting.

🗣 Say this
"I won't let you hit. Hitting hurts."
⏱ What to do
1
Block or gently hold their hands
2
Stay calm and firm.
3
Keep your body between them and others if needed
4
Reconnect warmly once they're calm
⚠️ Avoid
❌Yelling or hitting back
❌Long explanations in the heat of the moment
❌Ignoring it completely
🔁 If they do it again
"Hands are not for hitting. If you're angry, you can stomp your feet or say 'I'm mad'."
→ Stay close, speak quietly, keep your body relaxed
💡 Pro tip
Stay physically calm and neutral. Your reaction teaches what's acceptable.

Every scenario follows the same structure so it's fast to read even when you're in the middle of it. The script is short by design. Toddlers can't process long explanations when they're dysregulated, and neither can you.

What's covered

30+ real toddler situations

Free scenarios are available immediately with no account. Premium unlocks everything.

👕Getting DressedFree
✊HittingFree
😴Bedtime RefusalFree
🚪Leaving the HouseFree
🛝Leaving the ParkFree
🍽Food RefusalFree
🗣Won't ListenFree
🌪️Full TantrumPremium
🛏Won't Stay in BedPremium
😱Screaming / YellingPremium
😢Crying Over Small ThingsPremium
🤯Overstimulation MeltdownPremium
🥺Separation AnxietyPremium
🤗ClinginessPremium
🧸Throwing ObjectsPremium
🧗Climbing Unsafe ThingsPremium
🏃Running AwayPremium
🤏SnatchingPremium
📱Screen Time EndingPremium
🚗Getting Into Car SeatPremium
🛁Bath Time ResistancePremium
🗯Interrupting AdultsPremium
🪥Brushing TeethPremium
💊Taking MedicinePremium
🤝Sharing at PlaydatesPremium
⏳Waiting Their TurnPremium
🧹Cleaning Up ToysPremium
🍪Only Wants SnacksPremium
🪑Refuses to Sit at TablePremium
🍽Throwing FoodPremium

New scripts added regularly with a premium subscription.

Add it to your home screen

Works like an app. Installs like one too

There's nothing to download from an app store. Add it directly to your home screen in about 10 seconds then it works exactly like an app, including fully offline.

🍎 iPhone / iPad

  • 1
    Open say-this-instead.com
  • 2
    Tap the Share button at the bottom of the screen
  • 3
    Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen
  • 4
    Tap Add

Available from Safari or Chrome.

🤖 Android

  • 1
    Open say-this-instead.com in Chrome
  • 2
    Tap the three dot menu in the top right corner
  • 3
    Tap Add to Home Screen or Install App
  • 4
    Tap Install

Chrome may prompt you automatically after a couple of visits.

Questions

Frequently asked

Is it free?▾
7 scenarios are completely free. A subscription ($4.99/month or $29.99/year) unlocks all 30+ scripts, lets you save favourites for quick access, and includes new scripts regularly. There's a 7-day free trial.
What age is it for?▾
The scripts are written for parents of toddlers aged roughly 1 to 4 years old. Many of the approaches (calm boundaries, simple language, giving limited choices) also work well with older children, but the situations and language are aimed squarely at the toddler years.
Does it work offline?▾
Yes. Once you've visited the site, everything is stored on your device. Install it to your home screen and it works even in aeroplane mode. This was a deliberate decision: you need it in the moment, not when you have perfect internet.
Who wrote the scripts?▾
The scripts are grounded in evidence-based approaches to toddler behaviour, drawing on child development research, attachment theory and positive discipline principles. They're written to be practical first: real words you can actually say under pressure, not textbook theory you have to translate in the moment.
Do I need to create an account?▾
No account needed for free access, just open the app and use it. If you subscribe, you'll receive a unique access code by email which you enter once to unlock everything. No username, no password to forget.
How do I cancel my subscription?▾
You can cancel any time through Stripe, which handles all billing. Cancel before your next billing date and you won't be charged again.
Will there be more scripts?▾
Yes, new scenarios are added regularly for premium subscribers. If there's a situation you'd love a script for, get in touch and suggest it.
How do I get in touch?▾
Email us at support@say-this-instead.com for help with your subscription, access code issues, or to suggest a scenario you'd like to see included.

Ready to try it?

Start with 7 free scenarios. Just open it and use it.

Open Say This Instead
Free to start  ·  Works offline  ·  iOS & Android