If you’ve ever locked eyes with your toddler mid-scream in the cereal aisle and thought “I would literally try ANYTHING right now” – good news. The internet has found something.
It’s called the Jessica trick. And yes, it’s as weird as it sounds.
What Exactly Is the Jessica Trick?
The trend exploded on TikTok in late March 2026 when parent creator @krislynakuhn posted a video trying it on her toddler. The clip racked up over 12 million views in under a month – and the comments are full of parents who went home and tried it the same afternoon.
Here’s what you do: when your toddler hits full meltdown mode, you casually call out, “Jessica? Are you there? Jessica?” in a normal, curious voice. Not panicked. Not trying to distract. Just… asking around for Jessica.
The toddler stops crying. Looks around. Tries to work out who Jessica is.
Tantrum interrupted. Peace (briefly) restored.
@krislynakuhn I don’t think we will ever find this Jessica because she literally started playing after this like no tantrum even happened😂 #toddlermom #toddlertantrums #tantrums #funnytoddler #relatablemom ♬ Tchaikovsky “Dance of the Reed Flutes”(1257471) – kzy
Why Does Calling a Random Name Actually Work?
Therapist Sheri Langston has the explanation parents have been looking for: “It’s pretty much impossible to stay in tantrum mode and enter curiosity mode at the same time.”
What’s happening is called a pattern interrupt. You’re throwing something so completely unexpected at your toddler’s brain that it has to shift gears. One second they’re mid-storm; the next they’re actively wondering who on earth Jessica is. The logical brain can’t resist a mystery.
It sounds too simple to work. But 12 million views say otherwise.
There’s a Catch (Because There Always Is)
The longer you use “Jessica,” the less effective it gets. Kids catch on fast – and once your two-year-old figures out that “Jessica” is your secret meltdown weapon, the curiosity disappears.
Use it sparingly and mix it up. “Gerald? Is Gerald coming over?” works just as well. Anything random and unexpected is fair game.
@oh_heyitsnicole She’s not here #jessica #toddlersoftiktok #threenager ♬ original sound – oh_heyitsnicole
Experts also point out that while the Jessica trick is great at stopping the behaviour, it doesn’t help your child learn to deal with the feeling that caused the tantrum in the first place. Once they’ve calmed down, use that window to do the real work. Even a simple “you were really frustrated back there, weren’t you?” is enough to start naming emotions without making it a whole thing. For more on this, our guide to childhood anxiety has some really practical strategies for helping kids identify and work through big feelings.
@fmgzrdfco The magical power of “jessica “#jessica #funnykids #cutebaby #funnyvideo #meltdown ♬ original sound – Funny time09
What About Older Kids?
Pattern interrupts work at every age – they’re just less adorable when your kid is 12. For older children, anything unexpected can snap them out of emotional overwhelm: a dumb joke, a totally off-topic question, even just moving to a different room. Today’s Parent reports that the technique lines up with well-established distraction and redirection strategies used by child therapists. The goal is always the same: get the brain out of the emotional loop long enough for the rational part to come back online.
Is the Jessica Trick Actually Good Parenting?
Short answer: It’s a solid tool, not a magic fix.
Used well, a pattern interrupt buys you the window you need to actually connect with your child. Used as a permanent shortcut to sidestep emotional conversations? You’re just delaying the inevitable. Lighthouse parenting principles remind us that kids need parents who acknowledge their big feelings, not just interrupt them and move on.
But in the moment – at 5 pm in the dairy aisle, when you’ve already tried reason, distraction, bribery, and a snack – Jessica is absolutely allowed.
Welcome to your new favourite parenting hack. Just don’t tell the other mums at school pickup. The moment everyone’s using it, Jessica loses her power.
