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 guides children through conflict. Learn practical strategies for fair turn-taking and how to build a loving, supportive team dynamic that will help your kids' relationship flourish for years to come.
Listen to the impulse control episode Jess mentions in the episode here.
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:
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 expressing big emotions.
You'll learn practical strategies for responding without accidentally reinforcing rude language, how to maintain boundaries without shaming, and the fascinating connection between ADHD and verbal outbursts. Whether your child is experimenting with shocking words or using language as a weapon when angry, this episode provides the developmental context and practical tools you need to navigate this challenging but normal phase.
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:
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 'time-ins' and learn how to critically evaluate evidence-based parenting claims by asking: 'evidence-based for what outcome, under what conditions, and with what potential trade-offs?'
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:
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.
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:
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 social development.
Listeners will gain strategies for setting appropriate boundaries, communicating decisions effectively to children, and modelling healthy digital habits that prepare kids for a world where technology is unavoidable but navigable.
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:
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 to catch up.
Listeners will gain practical, science-backed approaches to help navigate impulsive behaviours, understand the "why" behind children's actions, and learn how to balance setting boundaries with maintaining the warm connection that makes children most teachable.
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:
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 boredom into creativity, including Jess' approach of "getting the good going" and mindfulness techniques for all ages.
Whether you're a parent concerned about excessive screen time or an adult who's forgotten how to simply be present, this conversation offers valuable insights into reclaiming the lost art of boredom in our overstimulated world.
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:
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 resentment, improving communication, and maintaining connection.
Hear more from Dr. Tracy Dalgleish on Instagram.
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:
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, trusting relationships with your children. Whether you’re struggling with the pressure to be a “perfect” parent or simply seeking reassurance that your efforts to improve are making a difference, this episode offers a warm, supportive guide for nurturing both yourself and your kids.
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:
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 betrayal, and modelling authenticity to your kids.
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:
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-based insights, and practical parenting tips.
If you want support teaching your child about red flags in relationships, safe and tricky people, standing up for themselves and more, check out our Body Safety Toolkit.
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:
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 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:
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 disabled parent, a parent of a disabled child, or simply someone interested in nurturing inclusivity, this episode provides real-world advice and heartfelt insights that encourage us all to view disability as a natural, integral part of human diversity.
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:
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 heart.
If you want to hear more about being the leader your child needs, check out our interviews with Dr. MacNamara and Dr. Neufeld:
Beyond Food: A New Way To Look At Picky Eating And Mealtimes with Dr. Deborah MacNamara
The Current Children's Mental Health Crisis with Dr. Gordon Neufeld.
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:
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 the most ridiculous things,” and instead emphasizes the critical role of connection and attachment. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why you are the answer to your child’s struggles—and how to step fully into your role as a confident, compassionate leader in your home. This is a conversation that could truly change the way you parent. Don’t miss it.
Hear more from Dr. Gordon Neufeld in his book Hold On to Your Kids.
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:
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 into a journey of growth and connection.
Hear more from Dr. MacNamara in her books:
Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids (And Everyone Else We Love)
Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (Or Anyone Who Acts Like One)
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:
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 get tools to understand, support, and nurture your child through these challenging times.
If you are looking for more resources to support your child through school refusal, anxiety and separation struggles, we can help:
Separations & Goodbyes Course – If your child struggles with separation anxiety—whether at school drop-off, with a babysitter, or at bedtime—this course provides the tools and support to make goodbyes easier.
The School Toolkit – Whether your child is starting a new school, facing challenges at school, or you simply want to help them feel more confident, this toolkit is designed to support them every step of the way.
The Friendship Toolkit – From making new friends to handling friendship ups and downs, this toolkit helps kids navigate social challenges with confidence.
The Worry Toolkit – If your child has big worries—about school or anything else—this toolkit offers practical strategies to help them manage anxiety and feel more at ease.
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:
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.
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:
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 love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.
Credits:
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 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:
Learn more about Parenting Little Kids and get 15% off this week.
