The Tween Years: Peers, Embarrassment, And Belonging
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: [email protected]. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured FirstÂ
Learn more about The Anger Course here!
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Everyone Needs Me—But I'm Drowning
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: [email protected]. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured FirstÂ
Learn more about The Anger Course here!
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What Every Parent Needs To Know About Sibling Conflict
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: [email protected]. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured FirstÂ
Learn more about The Anger Course here!
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The Truth Behind Swearing And Rude Language In Kids
When your sweet child suddenly starts using shocking language, it can be deeply unsettling - but this episode explains why it's often a normal developmental phase rather than a character flaw. Jess and Scott explore how children transition from physical to verbal aggression as they grow, and why words like 'stupid,' 'I hate you,' or even cursing serve different purposes from getting attention to expressing big emotions. You'll learn practical strategies for responding without accidentally reinforcing rude language, how to maintain boundaries without shaming, and the fascinating connection between ADHD and verbal outbursts. Whether your child is experimenting with shocking words or using language as a weapon when angry, this episode provides the developmental context and practical tools you need to navigate this challenging but normal phase.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: [email protected]. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured FirstÂ
Learn more about The Anger Course here!
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Are Timeouts Really Evidence-Based?
Jess and Scott dive deep into the controversial topic of timeouts, examining whether they're truly the evidence-based discipline method many claim. They explore how typical timeout implementation can potentially harm parent-child attachment and fail to teach children the emotional regulation skills they need. Listeners will gain insights into more developmentally appropriate alternatives like 'time-ins' and learn how to critically evaluate evidence-based parenting claims by asking: 'evidence-based for what outcome, under what conditions, and with what potential trade-offs?'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: [email protected]. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured FirstÂ
Learn more about The Anger Course here!
Join me, Jess VanderWier, a registered psychotherapist, mom of three, and founder of Nurtured First, along with my husband Scott, as we dive deep into the stories of our friends, favourite celebrities, and influential figures.
In each episode, we skip the small talk and dive into vulnerable and honest conversations about topics like cycle breaking, trauma, race, mental health, parenting, sex, religion, postpartum, healing, and loss.
We are glad you are here.
PS: The name Robot Unicorn comes from our daughter. When we asked her what we should name the podcast, she confidently came up with this name because she loves robots, and she loves unicorns, so why not? There was something about the playfulness of the name, the confidence in her voice, and the fact that it represents that you can love two things at once that just felt right.
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