Robot Unicorn

Nurtured First
  • 5.0 (183)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

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

    5D AGO

    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 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!

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

    2025-12-22

    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 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!

    35 min

  3. 2025-12-15

    How To Create Healthy Screentime Habits with Dr. Michael Robb

    Are you tired of the constant panic and guilt surrounding your kids' screen time? In this episode, Jess sits down with Dr. Michael Robb, Head of Research at Common Sense Media, to cut through the noise and offer a reassuring, nuanced perspective on technology in the family. Dr. Robb explains why we should stop counting minutes and instead focus on what screen time displaces, like play and sleep. You'll walk away with practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries, navigating popular games like Roblox, and deciding if your child is truly ready for a phone, all while strengthening your connection with them. 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!

    58 min

  4. 2025-12-08

    How To Raise Kind Kids Who Aren’t People Pleasers

    How do we teach our children to be kind without letting them get walked over? This episode dives into the difference between genuine kindness and people-pleasing, and how to raise children who can stand up for themselves and set firm boundaries while still treating others with respect and compassion. Jess and Scott provide practical strategies, including role-playing and clear scripts, to help children set firm boundaries with friends and family. Learn how your own modelling of kindness and assertiveness is the most powerful tool you have for raising confident, empathetic, and resilient children. 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!

    46 min

  5. 2025-12-01

    Raising Sensitive Kids To Be Resilient And Confident (Part 3)

    Raising a sensitive child comes with unique challenges and profound beauty. In the final episode of our 3-part sensitive kids series, Jess and Scott explore practical ways to nurture your child's sensitivity, build their confidence and recognize their strengths. Discover the powerful parenting technique of 'scaffolding' to build your child's confidence without taking over. They also tackle the nuanced debate around validating feelings - how much is too much? Learn to reframe sensitivity not as a weakness, but as your child's potential superpower, and leave with a hopeful message that will empower your entire family. Listen to the impulse control episode 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!

    34 min

  6. 2025-11-24

    Rejection Sensitivity And Discipline For Sensitive Kids (Part 2)

    Is your child an 'orchid' who thrives in the right environment but wilts under pressure? In part 2 of our sensitive kids series, Jess and Scott unpack the powerful 'orchid vs. dandelion' child metaphor, explaining the science behind why your parenting has a profound impact on a sensitive child. They discuss rejection sensitivity, revealing why your child might hide under a table after a simple correction, and why the common advice to 'toughen up' is so damaging, especially for boys. Tune in to learn authoritative, connection-based strategies that turn your child’s sensitivity from a challenge into their greatest strength. 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!

    36 min

  7. 2025-11-17

    Is My Child Highly Sensitive? (Part 1)

    Do you have a child who has epic meltdowns over seemingly small things, such as a shirt tag or a flushing toilet? In part 1 of our 3-part sensitive kids series, Jess and Scott dive deep into the world of the sensitive child, explaining the three core temperaments that kids are born with. They discuss why sensitivity is an innate trait, not something parents cause. Tune in to learn how to nurture resilience and hear about the surprising overlap between high sensitivity and ADHD diagnoses in young children. 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!

    44 min

  8. 2025-11-10

    In-Laws Stressing You Out? An Expert's Guide To Setting Boundaries

    In this episode, Jess is joined by well-known psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish to tackle one of the most common relationship stressors: In-laws. Dr. Tracy breaks down why this dynamic is so challenging and why it's often easier for a husband to argue with his wife than to set a boundary with his mom. Listen to learn the true definition of a boundary (it's not what you think!), how to shift from 'you vs. me' to a united team with your partner, and gain actionable strategies to navigate family gatherings with confidence and peace. Hear more from Dr. Tracy on Instagram and check out her new book: You, Your Husband & His Mother.  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!

    1h 1m
See All (90)

Trailer

5
out of 5
183 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Nurtured First
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Robot Unicorn
  • Show Website
    Robot Unicorn

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