Let’s Try That Again: The Phrase That Saves Me Daily

One simple sentence that helps me hold boundaries, repair after blow-ups, and reconnect when everything feels off track.

Some days in parenting feel like a constant loop of mess, meltdowns, and moments we wish we could rewind. You’re tired. You’ve repeated yourself 87 times. You just want everyone to put their shoes on! If you’ve ever wanted to hit the reset button mid-chaos, this one’s for you.

There’s a little phrase that I come back to again and again with the families I work with—and in my own parenting too. It’s simple. Gentle. Powerful.

“Let’s try that again.”

Not in a sassy, roll-your-eyes way. Not in a “you better fix this” tone. But in a grounded, I-still-love-you-and-we-can-do-better kind of way. It's the ultimate do-over invitation—for them, and for us. Here's how you can use it. 

1. When Your Child Is Struggling

Kids are learning. Their brains are still wiring up how to manage big feelings, speak respectfully, and cope with disappointment or frustration. So when your child snaps at you, or shouts, or throws their backpack across the room—it’s not because they’re trying to be “bad.” It’s because they’re overwhelmed.

And that’s when this phrase comes in:

“Let’s try that again. I know you’re frustrated. Tell me again—I want to hear you.”

You’re not letting the behavior slide. You’re holding the line and giving them a safe chance to course-correct. You’re saying: I see your struggle, and I’m going to help you practice doing it differently.

It’s not magic. It won’t always work the first time. But over time, this approach builds connection and teaches your child what emotional regulation actually looks like—because you’re walking it with them, not punishing from a distance.

2. When You’re the One Who Lost It

Let’s be honest. We don’t always get it right, either.

We raise our voices. We snap. We say something we wish we hadn’t. Not because we’re bad parents—but because we’re human, and this job is incredibly hard.

And here’s where "Let’s try that again" becomes a gift for you, too.

“Let’s try that again. I didn’t like the way I spoke just now.

I was feeling overwhelmed. Can we start over?”

This kind of repair—real, honest, and humble—is one of the most powerful parenting tools there is. You're not pretending you didn't lose it. You’re owning it and showing your child how to come back from hard moments.

You’re modelling something so much more powerful than perfection: accountability, repair, and resilience.

Why It Works

Because it creates a pause.
Because it invites reflection—without shame.
Because it says: We’re still connected, even when things go wrong.

It gives both of you a moment to breathe, reset, and reconnect.
And maybe most importantly, it teaches that relationships aren’t about getting it right all the time—they’re about knowing how to come back together.

Try This…

• When your child is rude or demanding:
  “Let’s try that again. I want to help, but I need you to ask kindly.”

• When you shout out of stress:
  “Let’s try that again. I don't like how I sounded then. I’m going to speak more calmly now.”

• When things are totally spiralling:
  “This is getting a bit wild. Let’s all pause and try again.”

It's not about perfection, it's about connection. 

Parenting doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. If you’re trying your best, showing up with love, and willing to try again when things go sideways—you’re doing better than you think.

“Let’s try that again” is a little phrase with big impact. It gives you a way to hold boundaries and hold onto the relationship. It’s a reset button, a repair tool, and a parenting superpower all in one.

So next time things get messy—and they will—try it. Breathe. Reset. Begin again.

You’ve got this. And you don’t have to do it perfectly. Just one loving do-over at a time.