Höre Robot Unicorn

In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess and Scott sit down with their close friend and colleague, Brooklyn Marx, a disabled psychotherapist, to explore how to talk about disability honestly and openly with children. Brooklyn shares her personal journey with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the challenges of growing up with a disability, and the evolution of her personal identity. Whether you’re a disabled parent, a parent of a disabled child, or simply someone interested in nurturing inclusivity, this episode provides real-world advice and heartfelt insights that encourage us all to view disability as a natural, integral part of human diversity. 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 [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/]  Learn more about The Anger Course here [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/the-anger-course/]!

Jess and Scott dive deep into what it means to be the leader your child truly needs—especially when faced with the challenge of raising kids who are often labelled as angry, defiant, or difficult. Whether you’re struggling with setting boundaries or simply seeking to understand your child’s emotional world, Jess and Scott provide a roadmap to help you lead with empathy, consistency, and a lot of heart.  If you want to hear more about being the leader your child needs, check out our interviews with Dr. MacNamara and Dr. Neufeld: Beyond Food: A New Way To Look At Picky Eating And Mealtimes with Dr. Deborah MacNamara [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-food-a-new-way-to-look-at-picky-eating/id1740816838?i=1000700571239] The Current Children's Mental Health Crisis with Dr. Gordon Neufeld [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-current-childrens-mental-health-crisis-with-dr/id1740816838?i=1000701553971].  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 [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/]  Learn more about The Anger Course here [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/the-anger-course/]!

In this powerful episode, Jess sits down with renowned developmental psychologist Dr. Gordon Neufeld to unpack the growing mental health crisis among children today. Dr. Neufeld shares how children are losing their ability to feel deeply, struggling to engage in true play, and searching for belonging in all the wrong places. He challenges our desire to raise independent kids, calling it “one of the most ridiculous things,” and instead emphasizes the critical role of connection and attachment. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why you are the answer to your child’s struggles—and how to step fully into your role as a confident, compassionate leader in your home. This is a conversation that could truly change the way you parent. Don’t miss it. Hear more from Dr. Gordon Neufeld in his book Hold On to Your Kids [https://amzn.to/4hQgUMt].  Check out Dr. Neufeld’s online courses for parents, educators, and professionals at the Neufeld Institute [https://neufeldinstitute.org/].  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 [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/]  Learn more about The Anger Course here [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/the-anger-course/]!

Friends, you don’t want to miss this episode. The one and only Dr. MacNamara joins Jess and Scott to dive deep into the topic of food. Discover why nourishment is far more than just calories—it’s about love, care, and the rituals that bring families together. Dr. MacNamara shares compelling research and personal stories that reveal how non-coercive, provider-led approaches can turn picky eating into a journey of growth and connection.  Hear more from Dr. MacNamara in her books: Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids (And Everyone Else We Love) [https://amzn.to/3FGdApO] Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (Or Anyone Who Acts Like One) [https://amzn.to/4kvWN93] 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 [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/]  Learn more about The Anger Course here [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/the-anger-course/]!

Scott and Jess dive into the pressing issue of school refusal—a challenge affecting children of all ages. They explore the roots of this behaviour, from the natural separation anxiety seen in toddlers to the compounded social, academic, and emotional pressures faced by older children. They also discuss how parental anxiety can inadvertently reinforce a child’s reluctance to attend school. You’ll get tools to understand, support, and nurture your child through these challenging times.  If you are looking for more resources to support your child through school refusal, anxiety and separation struggles, we can help:  Separations & Goodbyes Course [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/separation-and-goodbyes/] – If your child struggles with separation anxiety—whether at school drop-off, with a babysitter, or at bedtime—this course provides the tools and support to make goodbyes easier. The School Toolkit [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/the-school-toolkit/] – Whether your child is starting a new school, facing challenges at school, or you simply want to help them feel more confident, this toolkit is designed to support them every step of the way. The Friendship Toolkit [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/the-friendship-toolkit/] – From making new friends to handling friendship ups and downs, this toolkit helps kids navigate social challenges with confidence. The Worry Toolkit [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/the-worry-toolkit/] – If your child has big worries—about school or anything else—this toolkit offers practical strategies to help them manage anxiety and feel more at ease.  [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/the-worry-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 [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/]  Learn more about The Anger Course here [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/the-anger-course/]!