Robot Unicorn

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

The Daycare Debate: Does Sending A Child to Daycare Ruin Attachment? Aug 19, 2024

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In this controversial episode, Jess and Scott dive into the heated debate around sending kids to daycare. They explore the "mommy wars" between stay-at-home and working parents - unpacking the guilt, judgement, and insecurities on both sides.

Jess offers a nuanced perspective, explaining how quality childcare providers can be an important part of a family’s "village” and how a strong parent-child attachment can be built whether a child is in childcare or at home.

Listeners will gain insights on:

How to preserve attachment even when using childcare.
The importance of finding caregivers who truly connect with your child.
Ways to stay connected and present during the time you do have together.

This balanced discussion aims to ease parents' guilt and encourage more compassion, reminding us we're all just trying to do our best for our kids.

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

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

Why Are Some Kids So Strong-Willed And Stubborn!? Aug 12, 2024

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Listen to our most recent version of this episode with new commentary and discussions here:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

In this eye-opening episode, Jess delves deep into the concept of "strong-willed children" and challenges common assumptions about defiant behaviour.

Listeners will gain fresh insights on:

Why the "strong-willed" label can be problematic and miss underlying needs.
How sensitivity, power dynamics, and leadership struggles contribute to defiance.
Practical strategies for addressing stubborn behaviour through curiosity and connection.
Ways to provide healthy control and meet children's needs for autonomy.
The importance of consistent, empathetic leadership as a parent.

Whether you have a so-called "strong-willed child" or simply want to better understand challenging behaviour, this episode offers a compassionate new perspective and actionable tips to transform your relationship with your child.

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

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

"You Really Want To Talk About Sleep Training!?" Aug 05, 2024

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In this episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into the challenges of infant and toddler sleep and parenting through sleep deprivation. Jess opens up about her struggles as a new mom trying to follow rigid sleep training rules and how she eventually found a more attuned, connection-based approach.

In the episode, Jess and Scott discuss:

The pitfalls of strictly following sleep training methods without considering your child's unique needs.
How postpartum anxiety can fuel obsession over sleep schedules.
Mindset shifts that can help parents cope better with nighttime wakings.
Why attunement and trusting your parental instincts is so important.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on finding a balance between sleep strategies and responding to their child's needs, as well as practical tips for staying calm during those long nights. This raw and honest conversation is a must-listen for any parent struggling with sleep issues.

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

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

"Why Are You Always So Defensive?" Jul 29, 2024

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One of the most common questions Scott and Jess get about Robot Unicorn is: “Was your communication always this good? How did you learn to be less defensive and stop fighting in your relationship?”

In this episode, Scott and Jess dive into their journey from high school sweethearts to happily married parents. They share valuable insights on:

- How to move past defensiveness and truly listen to your partner

- The importance of anticipating each other's needs

- Why validating feelings isn't enough - you need to get curious

- How to have difficult conversations without accusations or blame

- Building a foundation of safety and trust in your relationship

Listeners will gain practical tips for improving communication with their partner, even during challenging seasons of life. Scott and Jess's honest, unscripted conversation offers a relatable look at the work required to build a strong relationship. Whether you're newlyweds or long-time partners, this episode has the wisdom to help take your communication to the next level.

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

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Hear more from Libby on Instagram!

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

How To Set Boundaries With Your Parents With Libby Ward Jul 22, 2024

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This episode was so incredible that it was hard to choose a title. Other possible titles for this episode included:

“How To Heal Your Trauma While Parenting”

“Mothering When You Have A Difficult Relationship With Your Mother.”

“Breaking Cycles Of People Pleasing And Finding Your Authentic Self.”

In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess and Scott welcome special guest Libby Ward, founder of Diary of an Honest Mom. Libby opens up about her journey of setting boundaries with her parents, healing from childhood trauma, and finding her authentic self as a mother.

The conversation dives deep into the challenges of cycle-breaking parenting, dealing with family judgment when setting boundaries, and learning to regulate emotions as an adult.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on:

• How to set boundaries with family members, even when it's difficult.

• The importance of accountability and repair in healing relationships.

• Strategies for regulating emotions and breaking generational cycles.

• Finding your authentic self after years of people-pleasing.

This raw, honest discussion offers hope and practical advice for anyone working to heal from past trauma and create a healthier family dynamic. It is a must-listen episode for parents seeking to break cycles and nurture stronger relationships.

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

Credits:

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

"You Don't Spend Enough Time With Me!!" Jul 15, 2024

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In this episode, Jess and Scott discuss a recent incident in which their child told them that she doesn’t feel like they spend enough time with her. Jess unpacks her feelings of guilt around being a working mom, and Scott helps her understand the deeper reasons behind this guilt.

They explore the struggles of dividing time and attention between sick kids and their other children who still crave connection. Jess opens up about her fears, as a parenting expert, of not being a good enough parent herself and the challenges of transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom to working outside the home more.

Through the conversation, they realize the importance of validating their children's feelings while also helping them build resilience in handling disappointment. Jess and Scott provide an honest look at the guilt many parents face and share insights on navigating these complex emotions.

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

Credits:

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

How Can I Reduce My Anger and Annoyance As A Highly Sensitive Parent? Jul 08, 2024

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Scott recently had a situation where he lost his cool with his toddler. In this episode, Jess and Scott unpack what happened and how he could do things differently next time by setting himself up for success as a highly sensitive person.

They discuss what it means to be highly sensitive, from noticing subtle textures and needing things a certain way to being more emotionally attuned. Scott shares his own challenges staying calm as a highly sensitive parent, especially when his sensory cup is full.

Jess offers practical tips for coping as a highly sensitive parent, like taking sensory breaks, setting boundaries, and having compassion for your unique needs. She emphasizes that there’s nothing wrong with being a sensitive person, and learning to work with your sensitivity (or your partner's or child’s sensitivity) comes with many beautiful gifts.

Through a thoughtful and, at times, humorous discussion, Scott and Jess model how partners can talk through triggering parenting moments to problem-solve together.

Listeners will gain insights into the highly sensitive parent experience and leave with new strategies to try.

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

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Hear more from Sarah on Instagram!

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

Feeling Like A Shell Of Yourself With Sarah Landry Jul 01, 2024

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CW: Self-Harm, Mental Health
Jess sits down with Sarah Landry from The Birds Papaya to discuss the challenges of authentically sharing your mental health struggles online. Sarah opens up about her experience with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and the courage it takes to be vulnerable about the messy, uncomfortable parts of life.

They explore the delicate balance of modelling a range of emotions to your children while ensuring they don't feel responsible for fixing a parent's struggles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with their mental health and wanting to raise empathetic kids who understand that it's okay not to be okay.

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

Credits:

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

How To Teach Kids About Body Safety And Consent: Tricky People, Secrets, And Safety Plans Jun 24, 2024

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CW: Sexual abuse, grooming, sex-related topics

In this powerful episode, Jess and Scott discuss the importance of teaching body safety to kids of all ages.

Jess has been educating parents about these topics for over a decade, and in this episode, she answers Scott’s questions about why it’s so important for parents and kids to understand body safety and consent.

Jess explains how to help children tune into their "uh oh feeling" when something doesn't feel right and how to know the difference between trusted and "tricky" people. She provides concrete examples of what parents should teach and model, from babies to school-age children, to decrease children's vulnerability and help them feel confident in their bodies and relationships.

While the topic is serious, Jess reassures listeners that these ongoing conversations can be done in a calm, playful way that empowers rather than scares kids.

If you want more resources to teach your child about body safety and consent, check out The Body Safety Toolkit!

Learn more about supporting kids with body safety, big feelings, and so much more from our Nurtured First blog.

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

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