Actress Jessica Biel is among the few who are not on board with the Jessica trend, which has taken over social media. Jessica Biel has added her opinion on the now viral toddler tantrum trend, urging parents to think twice before using the unusual practice to stop their kids from crying, which has spread across platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
The viral trend, which is being referred to as the “Jessica trick,” includes parents yelling a random name, most commonly “Jessica”, when their kid is having a tantrum. The child’s emotional outburst seems to be interrupted by the unexpected call, causing them to stop, take note of their surroundings, and temporarily forget what was upsetting them.
Videos that are making the rounds on the internet show toddlers crying out loud for a little while before quickly stopping as they hear the name. Some even start looking around the room, seemingly confused about who “Jessica” is.
Some parents have also noted that the name itself isn’t important, but any unfamiliar word can work, as long as it disrupts the child’s focus.
Why does the trend seem to work?
The technique functions as a cognitive disruption, also known as a “pattern interrupt,” according to child development experts. Toddlers who are having a tantrum are frequently unable to control their emotions because they are so focused on their distress.
Parents can temporarily stop the loop by introducing something unexpected and unrelated. The breakdown pauses when the child’s brain transitions from emotional overload to curiosity or confusion. Psychologist Sarah Lebovitz Suria explained to Yahoo:
“When a toddler is in the middle of a meltdown, their brain is completely overwhelmed and they cannot calm themselves down yet. Shouting a random name like ‘Jessica’ catches them off guard and pulls their attention somewhere new. Their brain stops and thinks, Wait, what just happened?”
Because babies’ attention is still very malleable, experts claim this works especially well with them. Suria added:
“They are not yet stuck in their feelings the way older kids or adults can be. A good surprise can genuinely reset the moment.”
Their attention can be quickly diverted by an unexpected change in their surroundings, even if it’s just a said name. They do note, though, that this effect is probably brief. The approach may cease to function completely as kids become used to it.
Jessica Biel’s reaction sparks debate
As the trend gained popularity, the actress took to social media to express her opinions on it. Jessica Biel, in a video, said:
“Guys, I am not sure how I feel about this, like, ‘Jessica’ trend with moms and toddlers and now dogs, apparently, that it’s working for — which is kind of amazing, I’m going to try it on my dogs. Because I feel like half of these kids in these videos look petrified.”
Though Jessica Biel acknowledged that, somehow, the trend works. She then added:
“I really love that I can come into your household with my name that I share with so many other incredible Jessicas around the world, I’m sure, and help you with your kids’ tantrum. But I sorta feel like these kids are terrified. They look terrified and hopeful that Jessica is not going to show up.”
Jessica Biel also made a lighthearted plea on behalf of people named Jessica, joking that the trend could create unintentional fear amongst the children around the name. Jessica Biel asked parents not to scare children unnecessarily:
“Part of me wants to say, ‘You’re welcome, glad I can be helpful. Glad all us Jessicas can be helpful.’ And also, ‘Please, please, please don’t make your toddler terrified of people named Jessica. Because we’re good people. We’re nice people. We want to help you with the tantrum but we don’t want to scare the s*** out of your kid.”
Jessica Biel also added that this technique does not work on her kids, who instead react with amusement when she tries it:
“Of course it’s not working with my kids. My kids are like, ‘What? Why are you yelling your own name, you weirdo? You’re, like, weirder than you already are normally.’”
Jessica Biel concluded:
“So yeah, I’m conflicted. I don’t know what to say, what do you guys think? No other name works? You’re welcome? It’s a — it’s a toss up.”
Concerns about emotional development, filming and social media
The technique “Jessica trick” might do wonders and help overwhelmed parents to stop their child from crying, but experts have cautioned against it, as it fails to address the root cause of the child’s emotions.
According to experts and researchers, tantrums are a normal part of emotional development, and a child needs to learn how to process frustration, overstimulation, and disappointment over time. Psychologist Suria said:
“It stops the behavior, but it doesn’t teach the child anything about identifying or managing the feeling that triggered the tantrum in the first place.”
These techniques could interrupt the development that a growing child needs. Experts have recommended interrupting the distraction with emotional validation.
Other than that, some psychologists have also expressed their concerns regarding the privacy and filming of children at their most vulnerable moments. According to Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist, who spoke to Yahoo about the trend, said:
“Even at 2 or 3 years old, kids are entitled to privacy, and you don’t have a kid’s permission for it.”
Adding to this, Suria said:
“When a child is dysregulated, what they need is a present, attuned parent, not one stepping back to document the moment. There’s also a real consent issue: A young child has no meaningful say in having their behavior on display publicly — and that content doesn’t disappear.”
As the trend continues to go viral as a quick parenting hack, experts suggest against it. Jessica Biel’s response to the trend added a different perspective to it, regarding effectiveness and benefits.
Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.
Edited by Zachary D. Lyngdoh