Artwork for Robot Unicorn
Kids & Family

Robot Unicorn

Nurtured First

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.

  • 121 episodes
  • Updated Yesterday

Episodes121

  • Jan 20, 2025 · 32 min

    How Do You Stop Yourself From Yelling At Your Kids?

    In this episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into the complexities of parental anger and yelling sparked by a controversial social media post. They explore cycle-breaking, emotional regulation, and practical strategies for staying calm with kids. They share their personal experiences - Scott as someone who broke generational trauma patterns and Jess as a parent working through postpartum struggles. Listeners will gain valuable insights on visualizing the parent they want to be, understanding their triggers, and the power of repair after losing your cool. This honest conversation offers both validation and actionable tools for parents striving to create calmer, more connected relationships with their children while acknowledging that the journey isn't always perfect. 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: Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

  • Jan 13, 2025 · 34 min

    How Can I Help My Worried Child?

    In this episode, Jess and Scott discuss how to support anxious or worried kids. Jess, a psychotherapist, shares the "Mind Table" concept - a powerful tool for helping children manage anxiety and difficult emotions. She shares the story of her own daughter

  • Jan 6, 2025 · 54 min

    Is Screen Time Terrible?

    Jess and Scott break down the nuanced reality of giving your kids screen time through personal experiences and research-backed insights about gaming, social media, and device use, offering practical guidance for parents. Key takeaways include the impor

  • Dec 30, 2024 · 47 min

    How To Set Realistic Parenting Goals For 2025

    Scott and Jess have a candid discussion about New Year's resolutions and goal-setting, particularly through the lens of parenting and personal growth. They share their plans to prioritize family dinners, create more one-on-one time with each of their t

  • Dec 23, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min

    Grieving Over The Holidays With Libby Ward

    CW: Death, suicide, miscarriage Grieving over the holidays can feel all-consuming and complex. Today, Jess and Scott are joined by returning guest Libby for a raw and honest conversation about navigating grief during the holiday season. They discuss vari

  • Dec 16, 2024 · 43 min

    Are You Raising An Entitled Kid?

    In this episode, Scott and Jess discuss raising resilient children who are not entitled, a common concern they hear from people who are skeptical about the style of parenting Jess teaches. They explore how allowing children to experience natural disapp

  • Dec 9, 2024 · 37 min

    Should We Tell Kids Santa Is Real?

    In this episode, Jess and Scott tackle the polarizing topic of Santa Claus and holiday traditions as they answer the question: "Should we tell kids Santa is real?" They explore different approaches to discussing Santa with children - from treating him as

  • Dec 2, 2024 · 49 min

    The Hidden Cost Of Keeping Kids Busy

    In this episode, Scott and Jess explore the importance of creativity and play - both for children and adults. From strategies for protecting children's creative spirits to understanding how play helps kids process their experiences to how they are begi

  • Nov 25, 2024 · 37 min

    How To Talk To Kids About Food And Body Image

    In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, hosts Scott and Jess explore the complex relationship between food, parenting, and childhood development. Inspired by a viral social media post about body image and food messaging, they explore how parents

  • Nov 18, 2024 · 40 min

    Is Teaching Your Partner About Parenting Exhausting You?

    In this episode, Jess and Scott answer a listener's question about sharing the mental load of parenting. Jess talks about times when she felt like she carried most of the mental load and how Scott and her now split the work of parenting. They discuss the

  • Nov 11, 2024 · 39 min

    Is It Ok To Tease Your Kids?

    In this laughter-filled episode, Scott and Jess dive into the delicate balance of teasing and playfulness with kids. They discuss how to be playful without going too far, share hilarious stories about their family's creative characters like "Sean" the han

  • Nov 4, 2024 · 23 min

    Do Parents Really Love All Their Kids The Same?

    In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into the challenges of parenting multiple children and giving each child the love and attention they need. Inspired by a viral social media post, they explore topics like balancing attention between babies and older

  • Oct 28, 2024 · 43 min

    How Can I Protect My Kids From Sexual Abuse?

    CW: Sexual abuse, grooming, sex-related topics After hearing news about a case of sexual abuse in their community, Jess and Scott are sitting down and answering listener questions about how to talk to kids about body safety and consent in a way that wo

  • Oct 7, 2024 · 33 min

    How Much Do Friendships Matter For Our Kids?

    Jess and Scott discuss the delicate balance between nurturing children's friendships and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. They discuss the concept of peer orientation, share personal experiences, and offer practical advice for parents navigating the

  • Sep 30, 2024 · 25 min

    Is It Ok To Say 'No' To Your Kids?

    In this solo episode, Jess shares her reflections on a recent conversation she had. The conversation was about whether or not children should hear the word "no" and how parents who follow "this new wave of gentle parenting" are no longer the leaders in th

  • Sep 23, 2024 · 29 min

    What Do I Do When My Child Hits?

    In this solo episode, Jess answers a listener's question. She explores how to become curious about and respond to children's challenging behaviours like hitting. She breaks down four key reasons why children may hit and provides practical strategies for a

  • Sep 9, 2024 · 32 min

    The #1 Reason Kids (And Adults) Cling, Whine and Act Out

    In this important episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into the root cause of challenging behaviours in both children and adults: separation. Jess explains how our core need for closeness drives many of our reactions, from clingy children to angry adults.