How To Use Playfulness As A Powerful Parenting Tool
In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into the incredible power of shifting from a serious, stern approach to a playful one. They explore the brain science behind why play is a child's natural language, making them more receptive and cooperative. Discover the crucial difference between being playful and permissive, and learn how to maintain firm boundaries while still having fun. You'll leave with a toolbox of practical, easy-to-use strategies to transform stressful moments into opportunities for connection, even if you don't consider yourself a 'playful' person.For more on playful parenting, check out these episodes of Robot Unicorn: How To Become A Playful ParentIs It Ok To Tease Your Kids?For easy games and playful tools to do with your kids, check out The Playful Parent Toolkit 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: [email protected]. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First
Learn more about The Anger Course here!
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51:48
Q&A: ADHD, Skeptical Partners, and Staying Connected After Kids
We're opening up the floor and answering your most-asked questions in this listener Q&A episode. We get personal about our recent ADHD diagnoses and how neurodivergence shows up differently for each of us in our marriage. Join us as we explore the heart-wrenching 'birthday sadness' of watching kids grow up, share our journey of getting a skeptical partner on board with a new parenting style, and offer our top tip for staying connected amidst the chaos. This episode is packed with stories, a little F1 banter, and real-life insights for any parent navigating similar challenges.This episode just touches the surface of many important topics. Check out the following episodes for more on these topics: Listen to this episode if you’re looking for more about skeptical parents. Listen to this episode to learn more about how childhood trauma impacts parenting. Listen to this episode if you want more on staying connected with your partner after having 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: [email protected]. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First
Learn more about The Anger Course here!
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“I’m Being Consistent With My Discipline - Why Isn’t It Working?”
Ever feel like the advice to 'just be consistent' isn't working for your family? In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into the power of 'flexible consistency' and why adapting to your child's needs is just as important as holding boundaries. They discuss how to shift your mindset from 'Why won't my child listen?' to 'Why can't they?', exploring concepts like temperament, skills gaps, and behaviour as communication. Learn how to become a 'behaviour detective' to understand the real reason behind your child's actions and move from frustration to a deeper, more effective connection.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: [email protected]. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First
Learn more about The Anger Course here!
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How To Handle Big After-School Meltdowns
Why is your child perfect at school, only to completely fall apart the moment they get home? This episode dives deep into the common but misunderstood phenomenon of 'After-School Restraint Collapse.' Jess and Scott will help you understand that these explosions are a sign that your child feels safest with you, and give you practical strategies—from co-regulation to creating a 'soft landing'—to help your child decompress and turn these challenging moments into opportunities for connection.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: [email protected]. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First
Learn more about The Anger Course here!
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Why Are Some Kids So Strong-Willed And Stubborn!? (REVISIT)
In this episode, Scott and Jess revisit a previous episode on strong-willed kids and add new commentary, insights, and stories to help parents understand and connect with their strong-willed kids. Jess and Scott share practical, respectful strategies to transform power struggles into moments of understanding, helping you become the confident, curious leader your child needs. Learn how to work with your child’s nature, not against it, and build a relationship that fosters cooperation instead of conflict.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: [email protected]. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First
Learn more about The Anger Course here!
Join me, Jess VanderWier, a registered psychotherapist, mom of three, and founder of Nurtured First, along with my husband Scott, as we dive deep into the stories of our friends, favourite celebrities, and influential figures.
In each episode, we skip the small talk and dive into vulnerable and honest conversations about topics like cycle breaking, trauma, race, mental health, parenting, sex, religion, postpartum, healing, and loss.
We are glad you are here.
PS: The name Robot Unicorn comes from our daughter. When we asked her what we should name the podcast, she confidently came up with this name because she loves robots, and she loves unicorns, so why not? There was something about the playfulness of the name, the confidence in her voice, and the fact that it represents that you can love two things at once that just felt right.
Colombia