Jessica Biel Urges Parents to End Viral Toddler Tantrum Trend
Jessica Biel has made an impassioned request to fellow parents, urging them to cease the use of the viral “Jessica” toddler tantrum trend.
“Honestly, I’m not quite sure how to feel about this ‘Jessica’ trend involving moms, toddlers, and now even dogs, which is kind of fantastic — I’ll have to try it on my dogs too,” Biel, 44, mentioned in a TikTok video posted on Friday, April 10. “But it seems like many of the kids in these videos look absolutely terrified.”
The star of Valentine’s Day was addressing the now-famous parenting fad where parents suddenly yell the name “Jessica” loudly and repeatedly while their young child is throwing a tantrum. The intent, it seems, is to confuse or distract the child enough that they stop their outburst.
“I really appreciate that I can bring my name, which I share with many wonderful Jessicas around the world, into your home to help with your kids’ tantrums,” she added. “However, I can’t shake the feeling that these kids look frightened. They look hopeful that Jessica won’t actually appear.”
She elaborated, “On one hand, I want to say, ‘You’re welcome, I’m glad I can help. Glad all Jessicas can assist.’ On the other hand, I urge you, please, please don’t instill fear in your toddler regarding people named Jessica. We’re good people. We’re kind people, here to help with tantrums, not scare your child.”
Biel has two sons, Silas and Phineas, with her husband, Justin Timberlake. According to the proud mother, the viral trend does not have the same effect on her own children.
@jessbiel On behalf of all Jessicas, we are nice people
“Naturally, it doesn’t work with my kids,” she clarified. “They’re like, ‘What? Why are you shouting your own name, you weirdo? You’re even stranger than you usually are!’”
She wrapped up by saying, “So yeah, I feel torn. I’m not sure what to say — what do you all think? Is there no other name that works? You’re welcome? It’s a — it’s a mixed bag.”
Biel, who welcomed her first child with former boy band star Timberlake in 2015, has been concentrating on parenting her sons following Timberlake’s DWI arrest on June 18, 2024, which occurred just two days after Father’s Day.
“Jessica is really upset,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly after Timberlake’s legal issues. “She was taken aback by the news and was totally unaware as she was working. She’s genuinely worried about him.”
The source further shared, “She always extends Justin the benefit of the doubt.”
The singer later discussed the arrest during a court appearance in September 2024.
“I strive to hold myself to high standards — and this incident was not one of those,” he told reporters at the time, according to ABC News. “I found myself in a situation where I could’ve made a better choice. But I’ve had time to reflect on it.”
He went on, “To everyone watching and listening: Even if you’ve had just one drink, please don’t get behind the wheel. There are countless alternatives. Call a friend, use Uber, take a taxi. This was a mistake on my part, but I hope others can learn from it.”
Timberlake pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired (DWAI), a noncriminal traffic violation. He was fined $500, ordered to complete 25 hours of community service, and received a 90-day license suspension.
