Podcast by EJ is Mother Dearest
25 March 2026
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:
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
Your Council’s “Local Offer”
Every UK council has a Local Offer page listing:
Search: “[Your council’s name] Local Offer”
Social Prescribing
You may be referred (via GP or support worker) to:
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!!
Organisations for single parents
https://www.gingerbread.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 me on socials if you so wish:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ej_ismotherdearest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ej_is_mother_dearest/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ej_is_mother_dearest
You’re not alone here.
Much Love,
Mother Dearest X
00:00
24:51
24 January 2026
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.
For exclusive bonus episodes, deeper dives into topics like this, monthly The Yute Dem episodes, shoutouts, stickers and more:
👉 https://patreon.com/TheOffScriptParent
Much love,
Mother Dearest 🖤
00:00
16:12
24 January 2026
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:
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/
If there’s a quote from the podcast you want on a tee, DM or email me.
⚠️ Strong language throughout.
📩 Email: theoffscriptparent@gmail.com
📸 Instagram: @ej_is_mother_dearest or @https://www.instagram.com/the_off_script_parent_podcast/
00:00
10:11
17 December 2025
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
🎙️ 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
00:00
10:40
09 December 2025
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/
00:00
13:59
02 December 2025
Rules for No Reason – Why They Won’t Respect Them… or You
In this episode we’re flipping the script on those classic “because I said so” rules we all grew up with — the pointless, inconsistent, power-trippy ones that kids sniff out as BS within 0.3 seconds.
We’re talking:
• why kids don’t actually hate rules — just unfair ones
• how pointless rules ruin trust and lead to sneaking/lying
• the difference between a boundary and a power move
• how to get respect without being a dictator
• what to do with strong-willed / PDA-style kids
• real examples straight from my house
• scripts you can use TODAY
If you want the PDF guides, worksheets, cheat sheets and one-page summaries from this episode, just drop me a message and I’ll send them over.
And if you feel like you’d benefit from 1:1 parent guidance sessions, I’m now offering personalised support for your specific family dynamics.
📩 DM me on Instagram:
@the_off_script_parent_podcast
📧 Email:
theoffscriptparent@gmail.com
Thanks for listening babes — let’s raise kids who respect us because we’re fair, not because we’re feared.
00:00
12:55