Robot Unicorn

CW: Abuse, child sexual abuse, grooming In Part 2 of this critical series on child sexual abuse, hosts Jess and Scott delve into the dark realities of child abuse and the manipulative process of grooming. Jess and Scott debunk dangerous myths while providing parents with practical red flags to look out for. Tune in to empower yourself with the vital knowledge needed to protect your children and id...

CW: Abuse, child sexual abuse, grooming In this heavy but crucial episode of Robot Unicorn, hosts Jess and Scott tackle the difficult reality of childhood sexual abuse and the grooming process. We break down why abusers are overwhelmingly people the child already knows and trusts, completely dismantling the outdated 'stranger danger' myth. Listeners will gain vital insights into how abusers manipu...

In this insightful episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman, author of 'When Life Happens.' They explore the empowering concept of body neutrality and discuss why the cultural pressure of toxic body positivity might actually be holding us back. Dr. Rachel unpacks the complexities surrounding GLP-1 medications, the rising impact of social media on ortho...

This week, Jess and Scott talk about how to reduce power struggles and brain stuckness. You'll gain crucial insights into why toddlers can't self-regulate, how 'radical honesty' diffuses tension, and why over-explaining rules can actually invite more defiance. Tune in to learn how to speak your child's language through play and become a more confident, trusted leader in your home. Check out these...

In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess and Scott are joined by a very special guest—their 5-year-old daughter—who shares a story about her brain getting stuck on making a paper kite. The hosts dive into the fascinating concept of "brain stuckness," explaining why young children often fixate on a single idea and struggle with flexible thinking. Listeners will gain crucial insights into the "five-to...

In Part 2 of our deep dive into allowances, Jess and Scott move from theory to practice, debating whether kids should receive an allowance at all. They explore the 'Spend, Save, Give' jar system and share personal strategies for teaching delayed gratification, including the controversial '24-hour rule' for impulse buys. They also discuss the importance of letting children make low-stakes financial...

Is giving your kids an allowance a 'ridiculous idea' or a powerful teaching tool? In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into the heated debate on allowances. Scott reveals a major 180-degree shift in his thinking, moving from a firm 'no' to seeing allowance as a crucial way to teach financial literacy. They discuss how to give kids money without raising them to be entitled, the complicated link bet...

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 p...

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 convers...

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 relationshi...

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 disappointme...

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...

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 navigati...

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 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”)...

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...

This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode. 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 ce...

This week, we are revisiting one of our first episodes. Jess and Scott dive into the complex topic of pushing kids to do hard things. They explore the fine line between encouraging children to reach their potential vs. pushing them past their limits. Jess vulnerably shares how her own painful childhood experiences make it challenging for her to watch her daughter being pushed.  Together, they unpa...

Are you tired of the constant panic and guilt surrounding your kids' screen time? In this episode, Jess sits down with Dr. Michael Robb, Head of Research at Common Sense Media, to cut through the noise and offer a reassuring, nuanced perspective on technology in the family. Dr. Robb explains why we should stop counting minutes and instead focus on what screen time displaces, like play and sleep. Y...

How do we teach our children to be kind without letting them get walked over? This episode dives into the difference between genuine kindness and people-pleasing, and how to raise children who can stand up for themselves and set firm boundaries while still treating others with respect and compassion. Jess and Scott provide practical strategies, including role-playing and clear scripts, to help chi...

Raising a sensitive child comes with unique challenges and profound beauty. In the final episode of our 3-part sensitive kids series, Jess and Scott explore practical ways to nurture your child's sensitivity, build their confidence and recognize their strengths. Discover the powerful parenting technique of 'scaffolding' to build your child's confidence without taking over. They also tackle the nua...

Is your child an 'orchid' who thrives in the right environment but wilts under pressure? In part 2 of our sensitive kids series, Jess and Scott unpack the powerful 'orchid vs. dandelion' child metaphor, explaining the science behind why your parenting has a profound impact on a sensitive child. They discuss rejection sensitivity, revealing why your child might hide under a table after a simple cor...

Do you have a child who has epic meltdowns over seemingly small things, such as a shirt tag or a flushing toilet? In part 1 of our 3-part sensitive kids series, Jess and Scott dive deep into the world of the sensitive child, explaining the three core temperaments that kids are born with. They discuss why sensitivity is an innate trait, not something parents cause. Tune in to learn how to nurture r...

In this episode, Jess is joined by well-known psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish to tackle one of the most common relationship stressors: In-laws. Dr. Tracy breaks down why this dynamic is so challenging and why it's often easier for a husband to argue with his wife than to set a boundary with his mom. Listen to learn the true definition of a boundary (it's not what you think!)...

In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into why whining triggers such a visceral fight-or-flight reaction in parents and how to manage your own nervous system first. Learn how to uncover the real needs behind the whining. You'll walk away with proactive strategies and a deeper understanding of your child. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code R...