In this episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into the complexities of parental anger and yelling sparked by a controversial social media post.They explore cycle-breaking, emotional regulation, and practical strategies for staying calm with kids. They share their personal experiences - Scott as someone who broke generational trauma patterns and Jess as a parent working through postpartum struggles. Listeners will gain valuable insights on visualizing the parent they want to be, understanding their triggers, and the power of repair after losing your cool. This honest conversation offers both validation and actionable tools for parents striving to create calmer, more connected relationships with their children while acknowledging that the journey isn't always perfect.Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First
In this episode, Jess and Scott discuss how to support anxious or worried kids. Jess, a psychotherapist, shares the "Mind Table" concept - a powerful tool for helping children manage anxiety and difficult emotions. She shares the story of her own daughter's fears and explains how visualizing different emotions as characters sitting around a table can help kids externalize and cope with their worries.Jess and Scott explore why this approach works so well for children and how it differs from simply suppressing emotions. They also include practical tips for parents supporting anxious kids.Listeners will learn about key signs of childhood anxiety, the importance of maintaining strong parent-child relationships when addressing fears, and why gradually exposing children to challenges (rather than total avoidance) helps build resilience.With practical, real-life examples and Jess’ clinical expertise, this episode provides valuable strategies for parents who want to help their children develop emotional awareness and healthy coping skills.Check out the post Jess reads at the beginning of the episode here.Click here to learn more about The Worry Toolkit Jess and the Nurtured First team created to help parents support their anxious children.Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.Learn more about The Body Safety Toolkit here! We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
Jess and Scott break down the nuanced reality of giving your kids screen time through personal experiences and research-backed insights about gaming, social media, and device use, offering practical guidance for parents.Key takeaways include the importance of being present during screen time, understanding age-appropriate limits, and protecting children through clear boundaries rather than expecting them to self-regulate.Whether you're struggling with screen time battles or trying to make informed decisions about devices and social media for your kids, this episode provides valuable perspective on finding balance in our digital world.Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.Learn more about The Body Safety Toolkit here! We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
Scott and Jess have a candid discussion about New Year's resolutions and goal-setting, particularly through the lens of parenting and personal growth.They share their plans to prioritize family dinners, create more one-on-one time with each of their three children, and discuss how to teach their kids about resilience and nuanced thinking in an increasingly polarized world.Jess opens up about her journey with people-pleasing and burnout, while Scott reflects on finding balance between his drive for constant learning and the need to slow down.Listeners will gain valuable insights about setting meaningful goals, the importance of self-reflection, and how to approach resolutions with both ambition and self-compassion.If you want to share your goals with the Robot Unicorn community, send us a DM with an audio message on @robotunicornpodcast and let us know your name, where you are from and what your goal is for the new year!Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.Learn more about The Body Safety Toolkit here! We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
CW: Death, suicide, miscarriageGrieving over the holidays can feel all-consuming and complex. Today, Jess and Scott are joined by returning guest Libby for a raw and honest conversation about navigating grief during the holiday season. They discuss various forms of grief, from the loss of loved ones to mourning relationships with living family members who are estranged or there is a complex relationship.Libby shares her experience losing her father three years ago around Christmas, while Scott opens up about childhood trauma and his grandfather's death. Listeners will gain valuable insights on coping strategies like allowing yourself to feel emotions fully, maintaining connections with trusted friends, and finding meaningful ways to honour memories.The episode also explores how to support grieving loved ones with practical advice on what to say (and what not to say) to someone who is hurting.If you want to hear more from Libby, check out the first episode she recorded with Jess and Scott here.You can also follow Libby at @diaryofanhonestmom on Instagram or visit her website.Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this episode, Scott and Jess discuss raising resilient children who are not entitled, a common concern they hear from people who are skeptical about the style of parenting Jess teaches.They explore how allowing children to experience natural disappointments and frustrations - while providing emotional support - actually helps develop crucial coping skills. Through practical examples like saying no to extra juice boxes and managing screen time boundaries, they demonstrate how parents can validate feelings while still maintaining limits.Key takeaways from this episode include: The importance of letting kids engage in appropriate risky play Avoiding the trap of constantly trying to make children happy Understanding that building frustration tolerance is a vital life skillJess and Scott also challenge the narrative of "entitled generations," highlighting how modern kids face unique challenges that require parental understanding rather than judgment.Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this episode, Jess and Scott tackle the polarizing topic of Santa Claus and holiday traditions as they answer the question: "Should we tell kids Santa is real?” They explore different approaches to discussing Santa with children - from treating him as a real person to presenting him as an imaginative character - all while emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust and connection with our kids.Jess and Scott share valuable insights on fostering genuine gratitude during gift-giving, managing children's expectations and behaviours during holiday celebrations, and navigating family dynamics when different belief systems clash.They also discuss why using Santa as a behaviour management tool can backfireand provide practical tips for making the holiday season magical regardless of your approach.This must-listen episode provides thoughtful guidance for parents seeking to create meaningful holiday traditions while staying true to their values.Jess mentions an episode where she introduces her hand puppet, “Grumpy Sean.” You can listen to the full episode about playfulness and teasing here.Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this episode, Scott and Jess explore the importance of creativity and play - both for children and adults.From strategies for protecting children’s creative spirits to understanding how play helps kids process their experiences to how they are beginning to rekindle their own sense of playfulness as busy parents, this episode is full of practical strategies and insights into the importance of play and creativity both for kids and adults.Jess finishes off the episode with a guided mindfulness exercise, offering a moment of calm reflection on finding a balance between productivity and creative expression in today's fast-paced world.If you want to hear more from Jess and Scott about how you can encourage playfulness with your kids, check out “Is It Ok To Tease Your Kids?”Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, hosts Scott and Jess explore the complex relationship between food, parenting, and childhood development. Inspired by a viral social media post about body image and food messaging, they explore how parents can foster healthy relationships with food by focusing on family rituals, mindful eating, and meaningful connection rather than restriction.Jess and Scott share personal experiences, including their own family dinner traditions and weekend donut rituals. They reveal how food struggles often point to unmet relational needs and offer practical ways to approach these challenges with empathy and understanding.Some important topics discussed in the episode include: Food as Connection: Discover how food issues often reflect underlying relationship dynamics. Positive Memories: Learn how to create meaningful rituals that build healthy associations with food. Mindful Eating: Equip your children with tools to develop a balanced and intuitive approach to eating.This episode offers valuable insights for parents looking to nurture a happy, healthy attitude toward food in their families.If you want to hear more from Jess and Scott about food and eating, listen to “Is It Healthy Eating, Or Is It Trauma? Unpacking Scott’s Relationship With Food”. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this episode, Jess and Scott answer a listener's question about sharing the mental load of parenting. Jess talks about times when she felt like she carried most of the mental load and how Scott and her now split the work of parenting. They discuss the challenges of balancing roles, especially when one parent feels like the default decision-maker, educator, and emotional support.Key takeaways for listeners include: How to approach conversations about mental load in a way that strengthens your partnership. Strategies to encourage reluctant partners to engage more fully in the parenting journey. Ideas for setting boundaries and creating shared responsibilities so neither parent feels solely responsible.Whether you feel overwhelmed as the default parent or want to be a more engaged partner, this episode offers practical wisdom for creating a united parenting team. Don't miss Jess and Scott's candid discussion of their own parenting journey and struggles!During the episode, Jess mentions an episode with Josh, a skeptical dad. You can listen to his episode here.Want more support on your parenting journey? Check out our incredible blog full of articles & advice here. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this laughter-filled episode, Scott and Jess dive into the delicate balance of teasing and playfulness with kids. They discuss how to be playful without going too far, share hilarious stories about their family's creative characters like "Sean" the hand puppet, and provide practical tips for connecting with children through humour.Some important topics discussed in the episode include: Recognizing how a child's understanding of humour develops with age Respecting boundaries around teasing Using playfulness as a tool to connect with kids and diffuse tense situationsListeners will gain valuable strategies for bringing more fun and laughter into their parenting while avoiding potentially hurtful teasing.Do you want to be a more playful parent but aren’t sure where to start? The Playful Parent Toolkit is full of easy games and playful tools to do with your kids. Learn more about The Playful Parent Toolkit here.Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into the challenges of parenting multiple children and giving each child the love and attention they need.Inspired by a viral social media post, they explore topics like balancing attention between babies and older kids, feelings of guilt and defensiveness as parents, and how children crave connection at all ages.They provide helpful tips for recognizing children's bids for quality time, healing past parenting missteps, and finding small moments to connect amidst the chaos of family life.This heartfelt discussion offers both validation and practical tips for parents in the thick of raising multiple kids.Check out the Instagram post Jess reads here. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
CW: Sexual abuse, grooming, sex-related topicsAfter hearing news about a case of sexual abuse in their community, Jess and Scott are sitting down and answering listener questions about how to talk to kids about body safety and consent in a way that won’t scare kids and will protect them.They provide practical advice for parents on how to have age-appropriate conversations about consent, private parts, and safe/unsafe touches without instilling fear. Some of the specific topics they address include: At what age you should start having these conversations The power of using anatomically correct terms with children How and why you should create a "safe team" of trusted adults for your children Jess’ opinion on sleepovers and unsupervised playtimeThis episode equips parents with essential tools to empower and safeguard their children while preserving their innocence.Learn more about supporting kids with body safety, big feelings, and so much more from our Nurtured First blog.If you want more resources to teach your child about body safety and consent, check out The Body Safety Toolkit!Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this powerful episode, Scott and Jess are joined by Samir Mourani to have an open and vulnerable conversation about men's mental health. They discuss their personal experiences with anxiety, depression, and emotional breakdowns, sharing how they've worked to overcome societal pressures that discourage men from expressing emotions.A few important topics covered in the episode include: The importance of having close male friendships where you can be vulnerable How bottling up emotions often leads to them coming out as anger later Ways to model healthy masculinity and emotional expression for children The healing power of therapy, medication, and having a supportive partner Finding hope even in the darkest moments of mental health strugglesThis raw and honest discussion aims to reduce the stigma around men's mental health and encourage listeners to seek help if they're struggling. This conversation is an uplifting reminder that no one is alone in these challenges.Hear more from Samir on Instagram.Listen to Samir’s Ted Talk “Redefining My Masculinity” here. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this fun and casual Q&A episode, Jess and Scott answer listener questions and give you a peek behind the curtain of their lives and relationship.Discover Scott's favourite quality about Jess, hear about their most rewarding parenting moments and learn how they handle disagreements. They share vulnerable insights about managing social anxiety as public figures and discuss mindset shifts that help them appreciate the challenges of parenting.With plenty of laughs and a few deep moments, this episode offers a chance to get to know Jess and Scott on a more personal level. You'll come away with practical parenting tips and a renewed appreciation for savouring the small moments with your kids.Listen to Jess on Samir’s podcast “Gent’s Talk” here. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
Jess and Scott discuss the delicate balance between nurturing children's friendships and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. They discuss the concept of peer orientation, share personal experiences, and offer practical advice for parents navigating their children's social worlds.Key insights include:1. The importance of modelling healthy relationships at home2. How to recognize signs of unhealthy peer orientation3. Strategies for prioritizing family time while supporting friendshipsWhether you're concerned about your child's social life or simply want to foster positive relationships, this episode provides valuable guidance for parents with kids of all ages. Don't miss this thoughtful discussion on one of parenting's most crucial topics!Want to help your child feel confident navigating friendship struggles and build safe and trusted friendships? Check out our new Nurtured First toolkit: The Friendship Toolkit. Don’t forget to use code ROBOTUNICORN at checkout for 10% off!Get 10% OFF all parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this solo episode, Jess shares her reflections on a recent conversation she had. The conversation was about whether or not children should hear the word “no” and how parents who follow “this new wave of gentle parenting” are no longer the leaders in their homes.In the episode, Jess shares her thoughts on this view and tackles a common misconception about gentle parenting - that it's too permissive and doesn't allow for setting boundaries. She explains the crucial differences between permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative parenting styles, emphasizing that effective discipline combines warmth with firm boundaries.Jess shares her expert knowledge and advice on: Why it's important and loving to say "no" to children How to be a calm leader for kids during challenging moments How setting boundaries helps kids learn to navigate disappointment How setting boundaries teaches kids to question authority appropriatelyWith relatable examples and research-backed information, this episode provides valuable guidance for parents seeking to strike the right balance between empathy and structure.Jess mentions an episode with her friend Josh, and you can listen to that episode here.If you want to learn more about the different parenting styles Jess talks about in the episode, check out this blog post. You’ll also find the research Jess refers to referenced at the end of the blog.Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this solo episode, Jess answers a listener's question. She explores how to become curious about and respond to children’s challenging behaviours like hitting. She breaks down four key reasons why children may hit and provides practical strategies for addressing each root cause.In the episode, Jess covers: How to get curious about why your child is hitting (or engaging in other challenging behaviours) Proactive ways to meet children's needs before hitting occurs How to respond to the big feelings that come after you’ve set a boundary around hitting Recognizing that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to hittingPacked with real-life examples and actionable tips, this episode gives parents powerful tools to move beyond basic consequences and truly support their child's growth and development. It is a must-listen for any parent struggling with hitting or other challenging behaviours.In the episode, Jess mentions her Parenting Little Kids course. You can learn more about the course here, and use the code ROBOTUNICORN for 10% off any Nurtured First parenting course or printable toolkit! [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/]We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this episode, Jess and Scott sit down with their good friend Josh to discuss the changes he’s made in his parenting style over the last six years. Josh candidly shares his experience raising his highly sensitive son. He talks about how a more traditional approach to discipline wasn’t working and his original skepticism around gentle parenting. This episode is packed with insights for fathers (and parents in general) who might be struggling to find effective ways to discipline without resorting to punitive methods.Listeners will hear about: Josh’s initial resistance to “gentle parenting” and his transition into authoritative parenting. The challenges of raising a highly sensitive child and learning how to support their emotional development. How gentle parenting isn’t permissive but focuses on teaching emotional regulation and healthy boundaries. The emotional shift Josh experienced when he realized his traditional approaches weren’t working, and how his openness to change improved his relationship with his son. Practical tips for parents who feel unsure about how to manage big emotions and meltdowns.In the episode, Josh mentions a podcast episode that changed his parenting journey. Listen to Jess on the Gent’s Talk podcast here. Josh also mentions he owns his own landscaping business. You can find his info here.Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First
In this important episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into the root cause of challenging behaviours in both children and adults: separation. Jess explains how our core need for closeness drives many of our reactions, from clingy children to angry adults.Jess shares some eye-opening insights on: Why behaviours like clinging, whining, and crying happen Why kids are so angry all the time Why common parenting strategies make behaviour worse How separation emotions manifest as frantic pursuit, anger, and eventually apathy Why "attention-seeking" behaviours are actually attempts to reconnect The importance of allowing children (and ourselves) to feel sadness and shed tears Real-life examples of helping children through separation strugglesListeners will gain a new perspective on behaviours they may have labelled as "defiance" or "acting out" and learn practical strategies for rebuilding closeness and connection.Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.Do you have a question you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email to podcast@robotunicorn.net and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.Credits:Editing by The Pod CabinArtwork by Wallflower StudioProduction by Nurtured First