Robot Unicorn

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 Learn more about The Anger Course here!

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 Learn more about The Anger Course here!

Addressing sensitive topics can be daunting, but it’s crucial for keeping kids safe. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using anatomically correct language and engaging in ongoing conversations about body safety and consent. Parents are encouraged to create a 'safe team' of trusted adults for their children. Tips on setting boundaries and the significance of open dialogue are provided, helping to empower children without instilling fear. The conversation navigates the delicate balance of safeguarding innocence while preparing kids for real-world scenarios.

Samir Mourani, the host of Jen's Talk and a passionate advocate for men's mental health, shares his journey through anxiety and depression. He emphasizes the need for close male friendships to foster vulnerability and discusses how bottling emotions can lead to anger. The conversation touches on redefining masculinity and the healing powers of therapy and supportive partners. Samir inspires hope, showing that even in the darkest times, meaningful connections and emotional expression pave the way towards healing.

Join the fun as Jess and Scott dive into their personal lives, sharing heartfelt moments about parenting and the challenges they face. Discover how they navigate social anxiety as public figures and their strategies for handling disagreements. With laughter and vulnerable insights, they reflect on the joys of family, the impact of public recognition, and meaningful encounters with heroes. This candid conversation is filled with practical parenting tips and a reminder to embrace life's small, cherished moments.

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 Learn more about The Anger Course here!

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 Learn more about The Anger Course here!

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 Learn more about The Anger Course here!

In this discussion, Josh, a seasoned landscaper and father, reveals his journey from skepticism to embracing gentle parenting for his highly sensitive son. He challenges traditional discipline methods, sharing insights into emotional regulation and the power of empathy. Listeners will find practical strategies for managing big emotions and bedtime battles, as well as the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Josh's transformation underscores how understanding individual emotional needs can enrich parent-child relationships.

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 Learn more about The Anger Course here!