
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Nurtured First
Join me, Jess VanderWier, a registered psychotherapist, mom of three, and founder of Nurtured First, along with my husband Scott, as we dive deep into the stories of our friends, favourite celebrities, and influential figures. In each episode, we skip the small talk and dive into vulnerable and honest conversations about topics like cycle breaking, trauma, race, mental health, parenting, sex, religion, postpartum, healing, and loss. We are glad you are here. PS: The name Robot Unicorn comes from our daughter. When we asked her what we should name the podcast, she confidently came up with this name because she loves robots, and she loves unicorns, so why not? There was something about the playfulness of the name, the confidence in her voice, and the fact that it represents that you can love two things at once that just felt right.
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Jess dives deep to help you understand the true causes behind toddler and preschooler tantrums. She explains the brain science behind tantrums, and breaks down the four main reasons they happen. Listeners will gain an invaluable age-by-age guide to normal developmental behaviours. You'll learn how setting consistent boundaries, addressing sensory needs, and managing your own emotional regulation can drastically shift the tone of your home.Want to hear more about being the calm, confident leader your child needs? Listen to How To Be The Leader Your Child Needs here. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First 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 Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!
In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess tackles the often overwhelming topic of potty training. She explores why traditional methods, like the popular three-day approach, often fail and cause unnecessary stress for both parents and kids, and offers a mindset shift from potty training to potty learning. Jess helps you recognize the true signs of readiness and also breaks down how to tailor your approach based on your child's unique temperament—whether they are adaptable, sensitive, or strong-willed. Are you ready to shift from potty training to potty learning? Click here to check out our new course, Panic-Free Potty Training. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First 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 Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!
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 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 Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!
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 ToolHow To Become A Playful ParentGet 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First 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 Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!
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. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First 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 Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!
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 LEARNWhy "How was your day?" almost always gets you a one-word answerThe specific, detailed questions that get kids talking, and why they work better than open-ended onesHow to use reflective listening, a core therapist skill, to help your child feel heardWhy piling on more questions makes kids shut down, and can even lead to lyingHow to use connection and quiet moments, like car rides, to open the door to conversationHow to build family rituals that make sharing feel safe and normalGet 10% OFF all parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First 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 or connect with us on Instagram.Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First 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 to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!
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 InstagramSign up for her newsletterGet 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First 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 Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!
In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of supporting shy children. Listeners will learn the three main reasons children exhibit shyness and walk away with practical, compassionate strategies, such as the "step-back" method and role-playing, to help their slow-to-warm child navigate social situations. Whether you are raising a sensitive child or were a shy kid yourself, this episode offers the empowering insights and warm validation you need!Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First 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 Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!
Join me, Jess VanderWier, a registered psychotherapist, mom of three, and founder of Nurtured First, along with my husband Scott, as we dive deep into the stories of our friends, favourite celebrities, and influential figures. In each episode, we skip the small talk and dive into vulnerable and honest conversations about topics like cycle breaking, trauma, race, mental health, parenting, sex, religion, postpartum, healing, and loss. We are glad you are here. PS: The name Robot Unicorn comes from our daughter. When we asked her what we should name the podcast, she confidently came up with this name because she loves robots, and she loves unicorns, so why not? There was something about the playfulness of the name, the confidence in her voice, and the fact that it represents that you can love two things at once that just felt right.
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