Robot Unicorn

CW: Death, Suicide, Tragedy, DivorceThis week, Jess and Scott tackle difficult conversations: death, suicide, divorce, loss, and tragedy in the news. Drawing from Scott's personal experience with suicide in his family and Jess's expertise as a child therapist, they offer a raw and honest guide to navigating these tricky topics. Listeners will learn the biggest mistakes well-intentioned parents make, why you should never use euphemisms like "went to sleep," and how to support your child (and yourself) through grief. This episode provides the tools you need to handle life's hardest moments with grace and connection.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  Learn more about The Anger Course here!

Is AI a helpful tool or a 'Terminator' situation waiting to happen? In this episode, Jess finally gets to interview Scott as they tackle the complex world of AI safety for kids. They break down the different types of AI your child interacts with daily and reveal the hidden psychological risks. This episode will help you feel more empowered and less anxious about guiding your children through the new digital landscape. 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  Learn more about The Anger Course here!

Feeling guilty about phone use around kids? You're not alone! This discussion dives into the 'parents' paradox'—how our phones both connect and distract us. Discover the 'digital still face' effect and unpack the addictive nature of apps. The hosts share personal experiences and practical strategies to reclaim family time and foster genuine connections. Learn to set boundaries on tech use to enhance emotional intimacy, keeping your family relationships strong while reducing distractions!

What do you do when your child hits you with the classic line, "But my friend's parents let them!"? This episode tackles the universal parenting challenge of setting and upholding family rules. You'll walk away with practical strategies to communicate your rules effectively, offer choices within boundaries, and build a collaborative family team without giving up your leadership role.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  Learn more about The Anger Course here!

Jess sits down with Kate Bowler, historian, pastor, and New York Times bestselling author, to explore parenting, faith, and religious deconstruction. They unpack the history of harsh discipline like sparing the rod, question the idea of biblical discipline, and wrestle with whether kids are inherently sinful. This compassionate conversation offers space to question long-held beliefs, understand the pain of inauthentic belonging, and discover a faith grounded in love and grace, not just rules.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  Learn more about The Anger Course here!

Are you tired of forcing your kids to say 'I'm sorry,' only to see them repeat the same behaviour an hour later? In this episode, Jess and Scott dissect the common parenting trap of forced apologies and, more surprisingly, forced forgiveness. They explore why simply demanding these magic words can be meaningless and even teach children to override their own feelings. Discover practical, empathy-building strategies, like action-oriented repair, to move beyond the empty 'sorry' and guide your children toward genuine understanding and stronger relationships.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  Learn more about The Anger Course here!

Are firstborns natural leaders, and the youngest the rebellious baby? Jess and Scott dismantle the popular—and surprisingly persistent—myths surrounding birth order. Scott shares fascinating research that reveals birth order's impact on personality and intelligence is almost non-existent. They explore the research on birth order and discuss the far more powerful forces that shape who our children become, including genetics, socioeconomic status, and most importantly, your parenting style. Tune in to free yourself from stereotypes and learn what truly matters in raising unique individuals.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  Learn more about The Anger Course here!

In this episode, Jess and Scott unpack the normal but challenging issues that arise in the tween years. They explore the fascinating science of the developing adolescent brain—explaining why teens have a 'powerful accelerator but underdeveloped brakes'—and discuss the crucial quest for identity that causes them to pull away. Learn how to shift from being a 'manager' to a 'coach,' build a 'social immune system' for your child, and, most importantly, how to stay connected even when they try to push you away.Listen to the episodes Jess and Scott mention in the episode here: The Impact Of Social Media, Gaming And Smartphones On KidsImpulse Control: What Every Parent Needs To KnowGet 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  Learn more about The Anger Course here!

Inspired by a listener's email, this episode dives into the parts of parenting that often go undiscussed. Jess and Scott move beyond simplistic 'self-care' advice to explore realistic ways to nurture yourself amidst the chaos, especially when you feel burnt out and unsupported. Learn the critical difference between being tired and true burnout, discover how to effectively repair your relationship after you've lost your cool, and understand why self-compassion might be the most powerful tool a parent has.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  Learn more about The Anger Course here!

Tired of being the referee in constant sibling battles? This episode tackles a listener's question about managing the chaos of sibling play, especially between toddlers and preschoolers. We explore the developmental science behind why forcing a two-year-old to share is often a recipe for disaster. Discover a powerful mindset shift from being a frustrated 'referee' to an effective 'coach' who guides children through conflict. Learn practical strategies for fair turn-taking and how to build a loving, supportive team dynamic that will help your kids' relationship flourish for years to come.Listen to the impulse control episode Jess mentions in the episode 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. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First  Learn more about The Anger Course here!