Robot Unicorn

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

Why Boredom Matters For Kids (Revisit) Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most vital, yet often overlooked, aspects of development and well-being: creativity. We explore the 'Creativity Crisis'—a documented decline in creative thinking since the 1990s—and discuss how parents can protect their children's innate imagination. We unpack the profound importance of unstructured play, not just for kids to process their world, but for adults to combat burnout. Listen for actionable strategies to foster creativity at home and find ways to rediscover your own sense of play.

This episode was originally released on 12/02/2024.

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We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.

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

Will Daycare Ruin My Child’s Attachment? (Revisit) Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode.

Is sending your child to daycare wrong? Will it ruin your attachment? In this episode, Jess and Scott tackle the highly controversial 'Daycare Wars,' sharing a personal story of being shamed for their choices. They dive into the intense guilt and judgment surrounding the stay-at-home versus working parent debate. Listen for a nuanced conversation that moves beyond black-and-white thinking to explore the economic and mental health realities many families face, and learn practical ways to preserve a strong, loving attachment with your child, no matter your childcare situation.

This episode was originally released on 08/19/2024.

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.

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

When Is It Okay To Punish Kids? (Revisit) Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode.

When is it okay to punish your kids? This loaded question kicks off a deep dive into the difference between punishment and effective, long-term discipline. Jess and Scott challenge common parenting tactics like spanking, timeouts, and taking things away, explaining why these methods often fail and can even damage the parent-child relationship. Listeners will learn why a child's behaviour is a signal, not a fault, and discover powerful, connection-based alternatives. Move beyond the 'punishment cycle' and learn how to use modelling and logical consequences to teach skills that last a lifetime.

This episode was originally released on 06/10/2024.

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!

Have Parents Become Too Permissive? Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jess and Scott tackle this delicate balance, exploring why so many parents fear their children's tears and avoid setting boundaries. They move beyond unhelpful labels to discuss the core of effective parenting: becoming the strong, confident leader your child needs. Listen to find the confidence to hold firm, embrace nuance, and learn why letting your child experience disappointment is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

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!

Should You Force Your Kids To Do Chores? Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into one of parenting's most common dilemmas. They explore how household tasks are crucial for building responsibility, essential life skills, and a sense of family teamwork. The conversation tackles the controversial topic of allowances, revealing why research suggests you should not pay your kids for daily chores. Tune in to learn how to foster intrinsic motivation and implement a chore system that works for your family without the constant nagging.

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!

When Is It OK To Give In to Tantrums? Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

In this vulnerable episode, hosts Jess and Scott tackle this tough parenting question head-on, revealing their own disagreements and struggles. They explore the fine line between holding firm boundaries and becoming a 'martyr parent,' discussing the heavy weight of guilt, the risk of burnout, and how to set realistic expectations for your kids (and yourself). Listen for candid insights on navigating different parenting styles with your partner and practical strategies to support your child proactively, before the meltdown even begins.

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.

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Listen to the episode Jess mentioned about supporting worried and anxious kids here.

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

Why Won’t My Child Stop Clinging and Whining?! Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Do you ever have moments where you just want to scream, "Get off me!" at your clingy child? You're not alone. This episode dives deep into the visceral frustration parents feel when a child is constantly attached, and reframes this challenging behaviour not as a problem to be fixed, but as a crucial signal. Jess and Scott explore the real reasons kids get clingy, from hunger and sickness to being in a state of alarm. You'll learn practical strategies to meet their need for connection, set healthy boundaries without causing harm, and find support for yourself when you're feeling completely depleted.

Want to hear more about how to help your child who is clinging and whining? Check out these episodes of Robot Unicorn:

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

How Do I Stop My Child From Whining?

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 To Pass Down Family Values Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jess and Scott talk about how family values aren’t created by rules on the wall, but by what’s lived out every day. They explore how to start with parent-only conversations to clarify your true non-negotiables, then invite kids into the process in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.

They also dive into a powerful conversation about why kids lie (hint: it’s not about “bad behaviour”) and how parental responses can either strengthen trust or quietly erode it. If you want values that stick, not because kids are afraid, but because they feel safe and connected, this episode lays the foundation.

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 Kids Need Most When Parents Divorce Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jess and Scott confront the tough topics of divorce, single parenting, and high-conflict family dynamics. They debunk the pervasive myth of 'staying together for the kids,' explaining how research overwhelmingly shows that ongoing parental conflict, not separation itself, is the true source of harm. Learn about the vital practice of 'conflict shielding' and discover how providing a predictable, loving environment with just one stable caregiver can help your child thrive, even when life feels fractured.

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.

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