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's fears and explains how visualizing different emotions as characters sitting around a table can help kids externalize and cope with their worries.

Jess and Scott explore why this approach works so well for children and how it differs from simply suppressing emotions. They also include practical tips for parents supporting anxious kids.

Listeners will learn about key signs of childhood anxiety, the importance of maintaining strong parent-child relationships when addressing fears, and why gradually exposing children to challenges (rather than total avoidance) helps build resilience.

With practical, real-life examples and Jess’ clinical expertise, this episode provides valuable strategies for parents who want to help their children develop emotional awareness and healthy coping skills.

Check out the post Jess reads at the beginning of the episode here. [https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuwE5pgVXE/?img_index=10]

Click here to learn more about The Worry Toolkit [https://nurturedfirst.com/printables/the-worry-toolkit/] Jess and the Nurtured First team created to help parents support their anxious children.

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] using the code ROBOTUNICORN.

Learn more about The Body Safety Toolkit here! [https://nurturedfirst.com/printables/the-body-safety-toolkit/] 

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 [https://thepodcabin.com/]

Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]

Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]

How Can I Help My Worried Child?

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 importance of being present during screen time, understanding age-appropriate limits, and protecting children through clear boundaries rather than expecting them to self-regulate.

Whether you're struggling with screen time battles or trying to make informed decisions about devices and social media for your kids, this episode provides valuable perspective on finding balance in our digital world.

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] using the code ROBOTUNICORN.

Learn more about The Body Safety Toolkit here! [https://nurturedfirst.com/printables/the-body-safety-toolkit/] 

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 [https://thepodcabin.com/]

Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]

Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]

Is Screen Time Terrible?

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 three children, and discuss how to teach their kids about resilience and nuanced thinking in an increasingly polarized world.

Jess opens up about her journey with people-pleasing and burnout, while Scott reflects on finding balance between his drive for constant learning and the need to slow down.

Listeners will gain valuable insights about setting meaningful goals, the importance of self-reflection, and how to approach resolutions with both ambition and self-compassion.

If you want to share your goals with the Robot Unicorn community, send us a DM with an audio message on @robotunicornpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/robotunicornpodcast/] and let us know your name, where you are from and what your goal is for the new year!

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] using the code ROBOTUNICORN.

Learn more about The Body Safety Toolkit here! [https://nurturedfirst.com/printables/the-body-safety-toolkit/] 

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 [https://thepodcabin.com/]

Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]

Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]

How To Set Realistic Parenting Goals For 2025

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 various forms of grief, from the loss of loved ones to mourning relationships with living family members who are estranged or there is a complex relationship.

Libby shares her experience losing her father three years ago around Christmas, while Scott opens up about childhood trauma and his grandfather's death. Listeners will gain valuable insights on coping strategies like allowing yourself to feel emotions fully, maintaining connections with trusted friends, and finding meaningful ways to honour memories.

The episode also explores how to support grieving loved ones with practical advice on what to say (and what not to say) to someone who is hurting.

If you want to hear more from Libby, check out the first episode she recorded with Jess and Scott here [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-set-boundaries-with-your-parents-with-libby-ward/id1740816838?i=1000662960865].

You can also follow Libby at @diaryofanhonestmom [https://www.instagram.com/diaryofanhonestmom] on Instagram or visit her website [https://diaryofanhonestmom.com/].

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] 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 [https://thepodcabin.com/]

Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]

Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]

Grieving Over The Holidays With Libby Ward

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 disappointments and frustrations - while providing emotional support - actually helps develop crucial coping skills. Through practical examples like saying no to extra juice boxes and managing screen time boundaries, they demonstrate how parents can validate feelings while still maintaining limits.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

 * The importance of letting kids engage in appropriate risky play
 * Avoiding the trap of constantly trying to make children happy
 * Understanding that building frustration tolerance is a vital life skill

Jess and Scott also challenge the narrative of "entitled generations," highlighting how modern kids face unique challenges that require parental understanding rather than judgment.

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] using the code ROBOTUNICORN.

Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/solving-bedtime-battles/].

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 [https://thepodcabin.com/]

Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]

Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]

Are You Raising An Entitled Kid?

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 a real person to presenting him as an imaginative character - all while emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust and connection with our kids.

Jess and Scott share valuable insights on fostering genuine gratitude during gift-giving, managing children's expectations and behaviours during holiday celebrations, and navigating family dynamics when different belief systems clash.

They also discuss why using Santa as a behaviour management tool can backfire

and provide practical tips for making the holiday season magical regardless of your approach.

This must-listen episode provides thoughtful guidance for parents seeking to create meaningful holiday traditions while staying true to their values.

Jess mentions an episode where she introduces her hand puppet, “Grumpy Sean.” You can listen to the full episode about playfulness and teasing here [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-it-ok-to-tease-your-kids/id1740816838?i=1000676474517].

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] using the code ROBOTUNICORN.

Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/solving-bedtime-battles/].

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 [https://thepodcabin.com/]

Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]

Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]

Should We Tell Kids Santa Is Real? 

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 beginning to rekindle their own sense of playfulness as busy parents, this episode is full of practical strategies and insights into the importance of play and creativity both for kids and adults.

Jess finishes off the episode with a guided mindfulness exercise, offering a moment of calm reflection on finding a balance between productivity and creative expression in today's fast-paced world.

If you want to hear more from Jess and Scott about how you can encourage playfulness with your kids, check out “Is It Ok To Tease Your Kids?” [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-it-ok-to-tease-your-kids/id1740816838?i=1000676474517]

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] 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.

Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/solving-bedtime-battles/].

Credits:

Editing by The Pod Cabin [https://thepodcabin.com/]

Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]

Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]

The Hidden Cost Of Keeping Kids Busy

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 can foster healthy relationships with food by focusing on family rituals, mindful eating, and meaningful connection rather than restriction.

Jess and Scott share personal experiences, including their own family dinner traditions and weekend donut rituals. They reveal how food struggles often point to unmet relational needs and offer practical ways to approach these challenges with empathy and understanding.

Some important topics discussed in the episode include:

 * Food as Connection: Discover how food issues often reflect underlying relationship dynamics.
 * Positive Memories: Learn how to create meaningful rituals that build healthy associations with food.
 * Mindful Eating: Equip your children with tools to develop a balanced and intuitive approach to eating.

This episode offers valuable insights for parents looking to nurture a happy, healthy attitude toward food in their families.

If you want to hear more from Jess and Scott about food and eating, listen to “Is It Healthy Eating, Or Is It Trauma? Unpacking Scott’s Relationship With Food”.  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-it-healthy-eating-or-is-it-trauma-unpacking-scotts/id1740816838?i=1000653892969]

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] 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.

Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/solving-bedtime-battles/].

Credits:

Editing by The Pod Cabin [https://thepodcabin.com/]

Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]

Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]

How To Talk To Kids About Food And Body Image

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 challenges of balancing roles, especially when one parent feels like the default decision-maker, educator, and emotional support.

Key takeaways for listeners include:

 * How to approach conversations about mental load in a way that strengthens your partnership.
 * Strategies to encourage reluctant partners to engage more fully in the parenting journey.
 * Ideas for setting boundaries and creating shared responsibilities so neither parent feels solely responsible.

Whether you feel overwhelmed as the default parent or want to be a more engaged partner, this episode offers practical wisdom for creating a united parenting team. Don't miss Jess and Scott's candid discussion of their own parenting journey and struggles!

During the episode, Jess mentions an episode with Josh, a skeptical dad. You can listen to his episode here. [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-skeptic-husband-i-couldnt-see-the-value-in/id1740816838?i=1000669677881]

Want more support on your parenting journey? Check out our incredible blog full of articles & advice here.  [https://nurturedfirst.com/blog/]

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] 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.

Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/solving-bedtime-battles/].

Credits:

Editing by The Pod Cabin [https://thepodcabin.com/]

Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]

Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]

Is Teaching Your Partner About Parenting Exhausting You?

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 hand puppet, and provide practical tips for connecting with children through humour.

Some important topics discussed in the episode include:

 * Recognizing how a child's understanding of humour develops with age
 * Respecting boundaries around teasing
 * Using playfulness as a tool to connect with kids and diffuse tense situations

Listeners will gain valuable strategies for bringing more fun and laughter into their parenting while avoiding potentially hurtful teasing.

Do you want to be a more playful parent but aren’t sure where to start? The Playful Parent Toolkit is full of easy games and playful tools to do with your kids. Learn more about The Playful Parent Toolkit here. [https://nurturedfirst.com/printables/the-playful-parent-toolkit/]

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] 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.

Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/solving-bedtime-battles/].

Credits:

Editing by The Pod Cabin [https://thepodcabin.com/]

Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]

Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]

Is It Ok To Tease Your Kids?

Robot Unicorn (@robotunicorn) · Zencastr

Robot Unicorn (@robotunicorn)

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.