Robot Unicorn

In this short but packed episode, Jess dives into practical strategies to encourage independent play in children. She explains how foundational parent-child connection, combined with techniques like 'invitations to play' and creating a 'yes space', can naturally invite deep curiosity. Whether you are working from home this summer or just trying to reduce toy-related decision fatigue, tune in to di...

Jess tackles one of the most common parenting questions: 'Why won't my child listen?'  She breaks down the four main reasons kids struggle to follow directions and provides practical strategies and actionable advice on connecting before directing and holding firm boundaries. Tune in to discover how to reframe your child's behaviour and create a more cooperative, peaceful dynamic in your home. Want...

You ask how their day was and all you get is a shrug and "fine." The more questions you pile on, the more they shut down. In this episode, Jess shares the reflective-listening skills she uses to help anyone open up, along with the specific questions, rituals, and quiet moments of connection that actually get kids talking. You'll walk away knowing why interrogation backfires and exactly what to do...

Jess sits down with psychiatrist and self-care expert Dr. Pooja Lakshmin. They explore how self-care isn't about bubble baths or spa days, but rather about setting boundaries, exercising compassion, and stepping out of the chronic fight-or-flight mode of parenting. Listeners will gain practical insights to help them with burnout.  Want to hear more from Dr. Pooja? Connect on Instagram Sign up for...

In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of supporting shy children. Listeners will learn the three main reasons children exhibit shyness and walk away with practical, compassionate strategies, such as the "step-back" method and role-playing, to help their slow-to-warm child navigate social situations. Whether you are raising a sensitive child or were a...

In this episode, Jess explains the three most common reasons why kids struggle with behaviour at school. She shares common reasons kids act out at school, even when things are going well at home, and gives practical solutions to help parents and educators support children!  Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. We’d love to hear...

Today, Jess dives deep into a highly requested topic: Understanding and supporting the ADHD brain. Drawing from her clinical experience with neurodivergent children, she breaks down six crucial insights. If you want to understand the 'why' behind your child's behaviour and learn how to foster an environment where they can truly thrive, you won't want to miss this solo episode! Check out these epis...

In this episode, we break down the most common reasons children struggle with sleep and share gentle, effective ways to help them rest better. You’ll learn what’s normal, what may be disrupting your child’s sleep, and how to create healthier sleep habits without harsh sleep-training methods or leaving your child to cry alone. If you’re tired, overwhelmed, and searching for realistic sleep support...

In this solo episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess tackles a common parenting struggle: How to find a middle ground between being passive and resorting to yelling. Tune in to gain practical insights that will empower you to break negative cycles and lead your children with respect and calm authority. Learn more about our Parenting Little Kids course here. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable...

Jess sits down with guest Libby Ward to discuss her highly anticipated new book, Honest Motherhood. Themes covered include: Raising a sensitive baby, learning how to be a parent after a traumatic childhood, postpartum anxiety, and more. Tune in for an incredibly raw, validating conversation that will help you drop the heavy facade of the 'perfect mom' and learn how to find yourself. Want to hear m...

CW: Abuse, child sexual abuse, grooming In this final episode of our 3-part series on child sexual abuse, Jess and Scott dive into practical steps parents can take to protect their kids. Listeners will walk away with valuable tools, including easy conversational games to play with children and tips for recognizing behavioural red flags. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities...

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...