Why do friendship conflicts feel so catastrophic for young girls? This week, Jess and Scott dive deep into the complex world of girl friendship drama, exploring why the tween and teen years are a hotbed for relational aggression like gossip, exclusion, and social maneuvering. Learn the crucial difference between normal conflict and bullying that requires your intervention. This episode is packed with insights and practical tips on becoming a 'friendship coach' for your daughter and supporting her in building resilient, healthy 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: [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 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 Parent

Is 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

CW: Death, Suicide, Tragedy, Divorce

This week, Jess and Scott tackle difficult conversations: death, suicide, divorce, loss, and tragedy in the news. Drawing from Scott's personal experience with suicide in his family and Jess's expertise as a child therapist, they offer a raw and honest guide to navigating these tricky topics. Listeners will learn the biggest mistakes well-intentioned parents make, why you should never use euphemisms like "went to sleep," and how to support your child (and yourself) through grief. This episode provides the tools you need to handle life's hardest moments with grace and 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!

Is AI a helpful tool or a 'Terminator' situation waiting to happen? In this episode, Jess finally gets to interview Scott as they tackle the complex world of AI safety for kids. They break down the different types of AI your child interacts with daily and reveal the hidden psychological risks. This episode will help you feel more empowered and less anxious about guiding your children through the new digital landscape. 

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!

Ever feel a pang of guilt when you look up from your phone to see your child has moved on? You're not alone. In this episode, Jess and Scott tackle the 'parents' paradox', how our phones are both a lifeline and a major source of distraction. They explore the 'digital still face' effect on our kids and the science behind why apps are so hard to put down. Tune in for practical, compassion-focused strategies to break the cycle, reduce your screen time, and reclaim real, meaningful connection with your family.

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!

What do you do when your child hits you with the classic line, "But my friend's parents let them!"? This episode tackles the universal parenting challenge of setting and upholding family rules. You'll walk away with practical strategies to communicate your rules effectively, offer choices within boundaries, and build a collaborative family team without giving up your leadership role.

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!