For the Child Who Says I Hate You When the Screen Goes Off

Four lines you can say out loud tonight. Word for word. Free to save.

What to say

1. You can be angry with me and the screen still stays off.

2. Saying you hate me is the biggest thing you have, and you meant it when you said it.

3. I take one step back and let the words land without correcting them.

4. When you’re ready I’m in the kitchen, and we start again from there.

When to use it

This is for the moment it actually goes wrong — not the calm version you rehearse in the car. Pick one line. Say it once. Then stop talking and wait three seconds. If they push back, repeat the same line, not a new one. Say the same thing for five nights before you decide it doesn't work.