Robot Unicorn

Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

How Can I Protect My Kids From Sexual Abuse? Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

CW: Sexual abuse, grooming, sex-related topics

After 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 playtime

This 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.

Credits:

Hear more from Samir on Instagram.

Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

The #1 Reason Men Are Silently Struggling With Mental Health with Samir Mourani Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

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 struggles

This 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.

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.

Credits:

Listen to Jess on Samir’s podcast “Gent’s Talk” here.

Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

Q&A: Jess And Scott Get Real About Anxiety, Disagreements, And Personal Struggles Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

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.

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:

Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

How Much Do Friendships Matter For Our Kids? Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

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 home

2. How to recognize signs of unhealthy peer orientation

3. Strategies for prioritizing family time while supporting friendships

Whether 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.

Credits:

Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

Is It Ok To Say 'No' To Your Kids? Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

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 appropriately

With 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.

Credits:

Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

What Do I Do When My Child Hits? Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

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 hitting

Packed 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.

Credits:

Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

"As A Skeptic Husband, I Couldn't See The Value In Gentle Parenting." A Conversation With Our Friend Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

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.

Credits:

Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

The #1 Reason Kids (And Adults) Cling, Whine and Act Out Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

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 struggles

Listeners 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!

Credits:

Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

Why Does Childhood Trauma Impact Your Parenting? With Dr. Cotler Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

In this insightful episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Tanya Cotler joins Jess and Scott to explore the complexities of intergenerational trauma and cycle-breaking in parenting. Dr. Cotler shares her expertise on how childhood experiences shape our parenting, the importance of curiosity and compassion in understanding our triggers, and practical ways to build self-awareness and cope with parenting challenges.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on:

How our bodies hold onto past traumas and how they can resurface in parenting
The concept of "repair mapping" to reflect on difficult parenting moments
Finding a balance between productivity and mindful pauses as a parent
Reframing children's challenging behaviours as opportunities for growth

This deep and honest conversation offers both professional wisdom and personal examples to help parents navigate their own healing journeys while raising emotionally healthy children. It is a must-listen for anyone looking to break generational cycles and create more connected relationships with their kids.

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.

Credits: