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: [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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56:12
Why Kids Need Boredom Now More Than Ever
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: [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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56:54
I Love My Kids, But I Resent My Partner—Now What? With Dr. Tracy D
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: [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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49:50
How To Reparent Yourself While Raising Your Kids
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: [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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36:22
Part 2: Trust, Skepticism, And Betrayal: How To Build Trust
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: [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.
New Zealand