Are firstborns natural leaders, and the youngest the rebellious baby? Jess and Scott dismantle the popular—and surprisingly persistent—myths surrounding birth order. Scott shares fascinating research that reveals birth order's impact on personality and intelligence is almost non-existent. They explore the research on birth order and discuss the far more powerful forces that shape who our children become, including genetics, socioeconomic status, and most importantly, your parenting style. Tune in to free yourself from stereotypes and learn what truly matters in raising unique individuals.

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!

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 immune system' for your child, and, most importantly, how to stay connected even when they try to push you away.

Listen to the episodes Jess and Scott mention in the episode here: 

The Impact Of Social Media, Gaming And Smartphones On Kids

Impulse Control: What Every Parent Needs To Know

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!

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 after you've lost your cool, and understand why self-compassion might be the most powerful tool a parent has.

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!

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: [email protected]. 

Credits:

Editing by The Pod Cabin 

Artwork by Wallflower Studio 

Production by Nurtured First 

Learn more about The Anger Course here!

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: [email protected]. 

Credits:

Editing by The Pod Cabin 

Artwork by Wallflower Studio 

Production by Nurtured First 

Learn more about The Anger Course here!

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: [email protected]. 

Credits:

Editing by The Pod Cabin 

Artwork by Wallflower Studio 

Production by Nurtured First 

Learn more about The Anger Course here!

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 about parenting without punishments, check out the Parenting Little Kids course 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!

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: [email protected]. 

Credits:

Editing by The Pod Cabin 

Artwork by Wallflower Studio 

Production by Nurtured First 

Learn more about The Anger Course here!

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!

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!