The #1 Reason Kids (And Adults) Cling, Whine and Act Out image
S1 E21 · Robot Unicorn
The #1 Reason Kids (And Adults) Cling, Whine and Act Out
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.

Jess shares some eye-opening insights on:

  • Why behaviours like clinging, whining, and crying happen
  • Why kids are so angry all the time
  • Why common parenting strategies make behaviour worse
  • How separation emotions manifest as frantic pursuit, anger, and eventually apathy
  • Why "attention-seeking" behaviours are actually attempts to reconnect
  • The importance of allowing children (and ourselves) to feel sadness and shed tears
  • Real-life examples of helping children through separation struggles

Listeners will gain a new perspective on behaviours they may have labelled as "defiance" or "acting out" and learn practical strategies for rebuilding closeness and connection.

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.

Do you have a question you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email to podcast@robotunicorn.net and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!

Credits:

Editing by The Pod Cabin

Artwork by Wallflower Studio

Production by Nurtured First

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9.5k Plays
10 days ago

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.

Jess shares some eye-opening insights on:

  • Why behaviours like clinging, whining, and crying happen
  • Why kids are so angry all the time
  • Why common parenting strategies make behaviour worse
  • How separation emotions manifest as frantic pursuit, anger, and eventually apathy
  • Why "attention-seeking" behaviours are actually attempts to reconnect
  • The importance of allowing children (and ourselves) to feel sadness and shed tears
  • Real-life examples of helping children through separation struggles

Listeners will gain a new perspective on behaviours they may have labelled as "defiance" or "acting out" and learn practical strategies for rebuilding closeness and connection.

Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.

Do you have a question you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email to podcast@robotunicorn.net and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!

Credits:

Editing by The Pod Cabin

Artwork by Wallflower Studio

Production by Nurtured First

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