Robot Unicorn

Why Won’t My Child Stop Clinging and Whining?!

Do you ever have moments where you just want to scream, "Get off me!" at your clingy child? You're not alone. This episode dives deep into the visceral frustration parents feel when a child is constantly attached, and reframes this challenging behaviour not as a problem to be fixed, but as a crucial signal. Jess and Scott explore the real reasons kids get clingy, from hunger and sickness to being in a state of alarm. You'll learn practical strategies to meet their need for connection, set healthy boundaries without causing harm, and find support for yourself when you're feeling completely depleted. Listen to the episode Jess mentioned about supporting worried and anxious kids here.  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-can-i-help-my-worried-child/id1740816838?i=1000683761749] Want to hear more about how to help your child who is clinging and whining? Check out these episodes of Robot Unicorn:  The #1 Reason Kids (And Adults) Cling, Whine and Act Out [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-1-reason-kids-and-adults-cling-whine-and-act-out/id1740816838?i=1000668854975] How Do I Stop My Child From Whining? [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-do-i-stop-my-child-from-whining/id1740816838?i=1000735017273] Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/] 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/]  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety [https://nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety] to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

How To Pass Down Family Values

In this episode, Jess and Scott talk about how family values aren’t created by rules on the wall, but by what’s lived out every day. They explore how to start with parent-only conversations to clarify your true non-negotiables, then invite kids into the process in meaningful, age-appropriate ways. They also dive into a powerful conversation about why kids lie (hint: it’s not about “bad behaviour”) and how parental responses can either strengthen trust or quietly erode it. If you want values that stick, not because kids are afraid, but because they feel safe and connected, this episode lays the foundation. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/] 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/]  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety [https://nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety] to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

What Kids Need Most When Parents Divorce

In this episode, Jess and Scott confront the tough topics of divorce, single parenting, and high-conflict family dynamics. They debunk the pervasive myth of 'staying together for the kids,' explaining how research overwhelmingly shows that ongoing parental conflict, not separation itself, is the true source of harm. Learn about the vital practice of 'conflict shielding' and discover how providing a predictable, loving environment with just one stable caregiver can help your child thrive, even when life feels fractured. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/] 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/]  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety [https://nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety] to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

How Can I Reduce My Anger and Annoyance As A Highly Sensitive Parent? (Revisit)

This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode. 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. This episode was originally released on 7/8/2024. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/] 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/]  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety [https://nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety] to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

Forcing Kids To Do Hard Things: Raising Resilient Kids Who Can Tolerate Frustration (Revisit)

This week, we are revisiting one of our first episodes. Jess and Scott dive into the complex topic of pushing kids to do hard things. They explore the fine line between encouraging children to reach their potential vs. pushing them past their limits. Jess vulnerably shares how her own painful childhood experiences make it challenging for her to watch her daughter being pushed.  Together, they unpack the key ingredients kids need to build true resilience. This honest, nuanced conversation will make you reflect deeply on how your own past shapes your parenting and what really matters when helping kids tolerate frustration. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right balance with your child, this episode is for you. This episode was originally released on 5/13/2024.  Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/shop/] 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/]  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety [https://nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety] to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!