Parents call out "Jessica" to interrupt toddlers' tantrums

A TikTok trend shows parents calling the name "Jessica" during toddler tantrums to redirect attention, and pediatricians describe the approach as a form of redirection that often works for younger children.

Parents on TikTok have started calling out the name "Jessica" when toddlers have tantrums. Videos typically show a crying child who quickly stops and looks for the named person. Pediatricians contacted for the story describe the tactic as a redirect that introduces novelty and can pause an emotional escalation. The trend has sparked both praise and criticism on social media. Key points: - The trend involves naming an imaginary person, most commonly "Jessica," to shift a child's attention during an outburst. - Several videos have drawn millions of views by showing rapid calming or curiosity from the child after the cue. - Pediatricians call the method a form of redirection that can interrupt a heightened nervous-system response by surprising the child. - Experts say the technique is most likely to work with toddlers and may become less effective as children get older and understand the tactic. - Some social media users criticize the approach as mere distraction, while doctors note it is unlikely to be harmful if it is not framed as a threat. Summary: The "Jessica" videos illustrate a widely shared redirection tactic that can quickly shift a young child's focus during a tantrum. Medical sources say it can interrupt emotional escalation but is not a universal or long-term solution and works best with younger children. Undetermined at this time.