The Secret To Independent Play

Impulse Control: What Every Parent Needs To Know (REVISIT)

This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode. Jess and Scott dive deep into the science of impulse control in children, explaining why little ones struggle to control their impulses and how parents can effectively support this critical developmental process. They explore brain development across different age groups—from toddlers who are "completely run by impulses" to teens experiencing a rush of emotions while their logical brain struggles to catch up.  Listeners will gain practical, science-backed approaches to help navigate impulsive behaviours, understand the "why" behind children's actions, and learn how to balance setting boundaries with maintaining the warm connection that makes children most teachable. This episode was originally released on June 2, 2025. 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/]  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety [https://nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety] to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

The Secret To Independent Play

In this short but packed episode, Jess dives into practical strategies to encourage independent play in children. She explains how foundational parent-child connection, combined with techniques like 'invitations to play' and creating a 'yes space', can naturally invite deep curiosity. Whether you are working from home this summer or just trying to reduce toy-related decision fatigue, tune in to discover how simple open-ended toys and a little bit of modelling can completely transform your family's daily routine! For more on how to be a playful parent, check out these episodes:  How To Use Playfulness As A Powerful Parenting Tool [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RTaJMODKCejGOvyqKXPP1?si=BXX5cvHlTHeEYFVvF7mYfw] How To Become A Playful Parent [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5NSxt9a5aOqgcEqeJ2MPkh?si=IVYkSBKvRwO6ilJwXNfnow] 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 [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!

4 Reasons Your Child Doesn’t Listen

Jess tackles one of the most common parenting questions: 'Why won't my child listen?'  She breaks down the four main reasons kids struggle to follow directions and provides practical strategies and actionable advice on connecting before directing and holding firm boundaries. Tune in to discover how to reframe your child's behaviour and create a more cooperative, peaceful dynamic in your home. Want to hear more about being the trusted leader your child needs? Listen to How To Be The Leader Your Child Needs here.  [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7uQyskSJhE7134AlihwNVc?si=khyLjHOJTKe__HkEir-G3Q] 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 Get Kids To Open Up

You ask how their day was and all you get is a shrug and "fine." The more questions you pile on, the more they shut down. In this episode, Jess shares the reflective-listening skills she uses to help anyone open up, along with the specific questions, rituals, and quiet moments of connection that actually get kids talking. You'll walk away knowing why interrogation backfires and exactly what to do instead. YOU'LL LEARN * Why "How was your day?" almost always gets you a one-word answer * The specific, detailed questions that get kids talking, and why they work better than open-ended ones * How to use reflective listening, a core therapist skill, to help your child feel heard * Why piling on more questions makes kids shut down, and can even lead to lying * How to use connection and quiet moments, like car rides, to open the door to conversation * How to build family rituals that make sharing feel safe and normal Get 10% OFF all parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] with code ROBOTUNICORN.  We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email at podcast@robotunicorn.net [podcast@robotunicorn.net] or connect with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/robotunicornpodcast/]. Credits: Editing by The Pod Cabin [https://thepodcabin.com/]  Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]  Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]  DISCLAIMER The content provided is for educational and supportive purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical or therapeutic diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed by guests are theirs. If your child is at risk of harm or you need personalized guidance, please seek a qualified professional. #ParentingTips #GettingKidsToTalk #ConnectedParenting Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety [https://nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety] to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

Self-Care for Burnt-Out Parents with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

Jess sits down with psychiatrist and self-care expert Dr. Pooja Lakshmin. They explore how self-care isn't about bubble baths or spa days, but rather about setting boundaries, exercising compassion, and stepping out of the chronic fight-or-flight mode of parenting. Listeners will gain practical insights to help them with burnout.  Want to hear more from Dr. Pooja? Connect on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/poojalakshmin/%C2%A0] Sign up for her newsletter [https://poojalakshmin.substack.com/] 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 [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!