Robot Unicorn

In this episode, Jess and Scott unpack the normal but challenging issues that arise in the tween years. They explore the fascinating science of the developing adolescent brain—explaining why teens have a 'powerful accelerator but underdeveloped brakes'—and discuss the crucial quest for identity that causes them to pull away. Learn how to shift from being a 'manager' to a 'coach,' build a 'social i...

Inspired by a listener's email, this episode dives into the parts of parenting that often go undiscussed. Jess and Scott move beyond simplistic 'self-care' advice to explore realistic ways to nurture yourself amidst the chaos, especially when you feel burnt out and unsupported. Learn the critical difference between being tired and true burnout, discover how to effectively repair your relationship...

Tired of being the referee in constant sibling battles? This episode tackles a listener's question about managing the chaos of sibling play, especially between toddlers and preschoolers. We explore the developmental science behind why forcing a two-year-old to share is often a recipe for disaster. Discover a powerful mindset shift from being a frustrated 'referee' to an effective 'coach' who guide...

When your sweet child suddenly starts using shocking language, it can be deeply unsettling - but this episode explains why it's often a normal developmental phase rather than a character flaw. Jess and Scott explore how children transition from physical to verbal aggression as they grow, and why words like 'stupid,' 'I hate you,' or even cursing serve different purposes from getting attention to e...

Jess and Scott dive deep into the controversial topic of timeouts, examining whether they're truly the evidence-based discipline method many claim. They explore how typical timeout implementation can potentially harm parent-child attachment and fail to teach children the emotional regulation skills they need.  Listeners will gain insights into more developmentally appropriate alternatives like 'ti...

Jess and Scott break down what research says about approaches like spanking, harsh verbal discipline, threats and bribes — and why authoritative parenting (balancing warmth with structure) leads to better outcomes. This episode is perfect for parents who are curious about non-punitive strategies or who want to raise cooperative kids without relying on fear or control. If you want to learn more abo...

A must-listen episode for ALL parents and educators. Jess and Scott tackle the complex world of smartphones and social media use, sharing both research-backed concerns and practical guidance for parents. They explore the fine line between allowing kids to develop necessary digital skills and protecting their developing brains from content that can significantly impact their mental health and socia...

Jess and Scott dive deep into the science of impulse control in children, explaining why little ones struggle to control their impulses and how parents can effectively support this critical developmental process. They explore brain development across different age groups—from toddlers who are "completely run by impulses" to teens experiencing a rush of emotions while their logical brain struggles...

Jess and Scott dive into the often-misunderstood topic of boredom and its crucial role in child development. They explore why parents fear their children being bored, how screens have become the default solution to downtime, and the surprising developmental benefits that emerge when children learn to navigate unstructured time. You’ll learn practical strategies for teaching children to transform b...

In this insightful episode, psychologist and couples expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish joins Jess to discuss the often unspoken challenges couples face after having children. Dr. Tracy shares both professional expertise and personal vulnerability as she explains why 69% of couples experience a decline in relationship satisfaction after having children, and offers practical strategies for addressing resen...

Jess and Scott dive deep into reparenting – the art of healing ourselves so that we can show up more authentically as parents. They discuss breaking negative generational patterns, managing guilt and perfectionism, and the power of repair through genuine apologies and behaviour change. You’ll learn practical tools for identifying personal triggers, embracing self-care, and building more secure, tr...

Jess and Scott dive deep into the complexities of trust and healthy skepticism—from childhood friendships to the evolving dynamics of teen and adult relationships. They discuss how children test trust in their early years and the delicate balance between seeking belonging and remaining authentic. The episode offers practical strategies for staying connected with your teen, rebuilding trust after b...

Inside this vulnerable and emotional episode, Jess and Scott talk about how painful betrayal is and how we can learn to trust others. They talk about the difference between healthy skepticism and cynicism. Whether you’re navigating your own trust issues or seeking to give your children the tools for discerning safe from unsafe, this episode offers a combination of heartfelt reflection, evidence-ba...

Should you force your kids to do hard things? Does a little trauma make your kids more resilient? Is it true that whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger? In this episode, Jess and Scott tackle these questions, teaching the audience how to build resilient children without traumatizing them.  Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNI...

In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess and Scott sit down with their close friend and colleague, Brooklyn Marx, a disabled psychotherapist, to explore how to talk about disability honestly and openly with children. Brooklyn shares her personal journey with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the challenges of growing up with a disability, and the evolution of her personal identity. Whether you’re a dis...

Jess and Scott dive deep into what it means to be the leader your child truly needs—especially when faced with the challenge of raising kids who are often labelled as angry, defiant, or difficult. Whether you’re struggling with setting boundaries or simply seeking to understand your child’s emotional world, Jess and Scott provide a roadmap to help you lead with empathy, consistency, and a lot of h...

In this powerful episode, Jess sits down with renowned developmental psychologist Dr. Gordon Neufeld to unpack the growing mental health crisis among children today. Dr. Neufeld shares how children are losing their ability to feel deeply, struggling to engage in true play, and searching for belonging in all the wrong places. He challenges our desire to raise independent kids, calling it “one of th...

Friends, you don’t want to miss this episode. The one and only Dr. MacNamara joins Jess and Scott to dive deep into the topic of food. Discover why nourishment is far more than just calories—it’s about love, care, and the rituals that bring families together. Dr. MacNamara shares compelling research and personal stories that reveal how non-coercive, provider-led approaches can turn picky eating in...

Scott and Jess dive into the pressing issue of school refusal—a challenge affecting children of all ages. They explore the roots of this behaviour, from the natural separation anxiety seen in toddlers to the compounded social, academic, and emotional pressures faced by older children. They also discuss how parental anxiety can inadvertently reinforce a child’s reluctance to attend school. You’ll g...

Scott and Jess explore anger in children (and adults), breaking down why children get angry, how anger is often masked by other emotions, and the role of genetics and environment in shaping behaviour. The episode provides hope for parents struggling with intergenerational anger and practical tools for helping kids learn to cope with overwhelming emotions.  If you want to help your child learn tool...

Scott and Jess take a deep dive into the popular "Five Love Languages" concept and reveal why this relationship framework might be too simplistic for real-life emotional connection. Jess and Scott cover topics like: codependency, attachment styles, and building trust in relationships.  Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. We’d...

In this episode, Jess and Scott explore the reasons why children lie and how to help them stop lying. Drawing on personal anecdotes and developmental insights, they explain how different forms of lying emerge as natural parts of childhood while also sharing practical strategies to build a trusting, curiosity-driven relationship with your child.  Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable ac...

This episode of Robot Unicorn is packed with practical ideas that will help you become a more playful parent. On a deeper note, you’ll also learn how to reflect on your own childhood experiences, make sense of the burnout you are feeling, and learn how to bring play back into your life. This is one of Jess and Scott’s favourite episodes to date! Tune in for laughter, heartfelt stories, and actiona...

In part 2 of our puberty series, Jess and Scott discuss the critical intersection of social media, body image, and puberty. They explore how parents can navigate challenging conversations around online content, unrealistic body expectations, and protecting children during this vulnerable developmental stage. They provide practical strategies for parents to have ongoing dialogues about puberty even...

In part 1 of our puberty series, Jess and Scott talk about how to have difficult conversations with kids about sex, puberty, periods, and changing bodies. You’ll learn how to talk to your kids about puberty without taking away their innocence or making them feel shame.  Get our brand new puberty toolkit for 10% off using the code ROBOTUNICORN.  We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want u...