Robot Unicorn
Nurtured First
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.
4d ago
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!
Dec 8
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!
Dec 1
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!
Nov 24
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!
Nov 17
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!
Nov 10
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!
Nov 3
In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into why whining triggers such a visceral fight-or-flight reaction in parents and how to manage your own nervous system first. Learn how to uncover the real needs behind the whining. You'll walk away with proactive strategies and a deeper understanding of your child. 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!
Oct 27
Why do children sometimes show a clear preference for one parent over the other? In this episode, Jess and Scott explore the psychology and science of parental preference. Drawing on attachment theory, developmental research, and family dynamics studies, we break down why children choose favourites, what influences these patterns, and how parents can respond in ways that strengthen connection, reduce conflict, and support healthy development. 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!
