• "Why Are You Always So Defensive?"
    Jul 29 2024

    One of the most common questions Scott and Jess get about Robot Unicorn is: “Was your communication always this good? How did you learn to be less defensive and stop fighting in your relationship?”

    In this episode, Scott and Jess dive into their journey from high school sweethearts to happily married parents. They share valuable insights on:

    - How to move past defensiveness and truly listen to your partner

    - The importance of anticipating each other's needs

    - Why validating feelings isn't enough - you need to get curious

    - How to have difficult conversations without accusations or blame

    - Building a foundation of safety and trust in your relationship

    Listeners will gain practical tips for improving communication with their partner, even during challenging seasons of life. Scott and Jess's honest, unscripted conversation offers a relatable look at the work required to build a strong relationship. Whether you're newlyweds or long-time partners, this episode has the wisdom to help take your communication to the next level.

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

    Credits:

    Editing by The Pod Cabin

    Artwork by Wallflower Studio

    Production by Nurtured First

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    51 mins
  • How To Set Boundaries With Your Parents with Libby Ward
    Jul 22 2024

    This episode was so incredible that it was hard to choose a title. Other possible titles for this episode included:

    “How To Heal Your Trauma While Parenting”

    “Mothering When You Have A Difficult Relationship With Your Mother.”

    “Breaking Cycles Of People Pleasing And Finding Your Authentic Self.”

    In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess and Scott welcome special guest Libby Ward, founder of Diary of an Honest Mom. Libby opens up about her journey of setting boundaries with her parents, healing from childhood trauma, and finding her authentic self as a mother.

    The conversation dives deep into the challenges of cycle-breaking parenting, dealing with family judgment when setting boundaries, and learning to regulate emotions as an adult.

    Listeners will gain valuable insights on:

    • How to set boundaries with family members, even when it's difficult.

    • The importance of accountability and repair in healing relationships.

    • Strategies for regulating emotions and breaking generational cycles.

    • Finding your authentic self after years of people-pleasing.

    This raw, honest discussion offers hope and practical advice for anyone working to heal from past trauma and create a healthier family dynamic. It is a must-listen episode for parents seeking to break cycles and nurture stronger relationships.

    Hear more from Libby on Instagram!

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

    Credits:

    Editing by The Pod Cabin

    Artwork by Wallflower Studio

    Production by Nurtured First

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • "You Don't Spend Enough Time With Me!!"
    Jul 15 2024

    In this episode, Jess and Scott discuss a recent incident in which their child told them that she doesn’t feel like they spend enough time with her. Jess unpacks her feelings of guilt around being a working mom, and Scott helps her understand the deeper reasons behind this guilt.

    They explore the struggles of dividing time and attention between sick kids and their other children who still crave connection. Jess opens up about her fears, as a parenting expert, of not being a good enough parent herself and the challenges of transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom to working outside the home more.

    Through the conversation, they realize the importance of validating their children's feelings while also helping them build resilience in handling disappointment. Jess and Scott provide an honest look at the guilt many parents face and share insights on navigating these complex emotions.

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

    Credits:

    Editing by The Pod Cabin

    Artwork by Wallflower Studio

    Production by Nurtured First

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    35 mins
  • How Can I Reduce My Anger and Annoyance As A Highly Sensitive Parent?
    Jul 8 2024

    Scott recently had a situation where he lost his cool with his toddler. In this episode, Jess and Scott unpack what happened and how he could do things differently next time by setting himself up for success as a highly sensitive person.

    They discuss what it means to be highly sensitive, from noticing subtle textures and needing things a certain way to being more emotionally attuned. Scott shares his own challenges staying calm as a highly sensitive parent, especially when his sensory cup is full.

    Jess offers practical tips for coping as a highly sensitive parent, like taking sensory breaks, setting boundaries, and having compassion for your unique needs. She emphasizes that there’s nothing wrong with being a sensitive person, and learning to work with your sensitivity (or your partner's or child’s sensitivity) comes with many beautiful gifts.

    Through a thoughtful and, at times, humorous discussion, Scott and Jess model how partners can talk through triggering parenting moments to problem-solve together.

    Listeners will gain insights into the highly sensitive parent experience and leave with new strategies to try.

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

    Credits:

    Editing by The Pod Cabin

    Artwork by Wallflower Studio

    Production by Nurtured First

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    52 mins
  • Feeling Like A Shell Of Yourself with Sarah Landry
    Jul 1 2024

    CW: Self-Harm, Mental Health Jess sits down with Sarah Landry from The Birds Papaya to discuss the challenges of authentically sharing your mental health struggles online. Sarah opens up about her experience with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and the courage it takes to be vulnerable about the messy, uncomfortable parts of life.

    They explore the delicate balance of modelling a range of emotions to your children while ensuring they don't feel responsible for fixing a parent's struggles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with their mental health and wanting to raise empathetic kids who understand that it's okay not to be okay.

    Hear more from Sarah on Instagram!

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

    Credits:

    Editing by The Pod Cabin

    Artwork by Wallflower Studio

    Production by Nurtured First

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • How To Teach Kids About Body Safety and Consent: Tricky People, Secrets, and Safety Plans
    Jun 24 2024

    CW: Sexual abuse, grooming, sex-related topics

    In this powerful episode, Jess and Scott discuss the importance of teaching body safety to kids of all ages.

    Jess has been educating parents about these topics for over a decade, and in this episode, she answers Scott’s questions about why it’s so important for parents and kids to understand body safety and consent.

    Jess explains how to help children tune into their "uh oh feeling" when something doesn't feel right and how to know the difference between trusted and "tricky" people. She provides concrete examples of what parents should teach and model, from babies to school-age children, to decrease children's vulnerability and help them feel confident in their bodies and relationships.

    While the topic is serious, Jess reassures listeners that these ongoing conversations can be done in a calm, playful way that empowers rather than scares kids.

    If you want more resources to teach your child about body safety and consent, check out The Body Safety Toolkit!

    Learn more about supporting kids with body safety, big feelings, and so much more from our Nurtured First blog.

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

    Credits:

    Editing by The Pod Cabin

    Artwork by Wallflower Studio

    Production by Nurtured First

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    45 mins
  • Struggling With Mental Health After A Baby, And Finding Your Joy Again With Emily And Satya
    Jun 17 2024

    Today, we dive deep into the trenches of motherhood with special guests Emily Baldoni and Satya Twena, the dynamic duo behind the brand We Are Amma [www.weareamma.com]. These powerhouse women get real about the challenges of parenting in a society that often leaves mothers feeling unseen, undervalued, and utterly exhausted.

    From the isolating postpartum period to the daily grind of juggling work and family life, Emily and Satya share their personal stories of struggle and triumph. They discuss the importance of building a support system, even if it means creating your own "village" from scratch.

    But let's be real: sometimes, in the midst of the chaos, a simple text back from a friend can make all the difference. Jess and Scott share their own experiences navigating the unequal spotlight of parenting in the public eye.

    Together, they tackle the tough questions: How do we break free from the suffocating expectations of modern motherhood? What does it mean to prioritize self-care when you're knee-deep in diapers and sleep deprivation? And why is it so hard to ask for help?

    This episode is a rallying cry for parents everywhere who are tired of feeling like they have to do it all alone. It's a reminder that we're all in this together, even when it feels like we're worlds apart. There’s SO MUCH goodness in this episode! Can’t wait for you to dive in!

    Hear more from Emily and Satya on Instagram, and check out We Are Amma , a team of mamas dedicated to empowering and nurturing mamas at every stage.

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

    Credits:

    Editing by The Pod Cabin

    Artwork by Wallflower Studio

    Production by Nurtured First

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Spanking, Timeouts, and Taking Things Away: When Is Punishment Ok?
    Jun 10 2024

    Is there ever a time when it’s ok to punish your kids?!

    Scott gets curious with Jess in this important episode on punishment.

    Scott and Jess unpack different forms of punishment, such as spanking, timeouts, and taking things away, and discuss the research on how these impact a child's behaviour and emotional development.

    Jess explains the research behind these common forms of punishment and how you can effectively discipline instead.

    Throughout the conversation, Jess and Scott share personal examples from raising their own kids and discuss how to discipline in a way that teaches valuable life skills.

    Listeners will gain insights into child brain development, the power of the parent-child connection, and a framework for using respectful, reasonable consequences that help kids learn.

    This episode is a must-listen for any parent!

    Want to learn more about the research behind these types of punishments? Check out this Nurtured First blog post.

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

    Credits:

    Editing by The Pod Cabin

    Artwork by Wallflower Studio

    Production by Nurtured First

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    44 mins