Why Children Lie: And What To Do About It Robot Unicorn podcast

39:12

Jess and Scott dive deep into what it means to be the leader your child truly needs—especially when faced with the challenge of raising kids who are often labelled as angry, defiant, or difficult. Whether you’re struggling with setting boundaries or simply seeking to understand your child’s emotional world, Jess and Scott provide a roadmap to help you lead with empathy, consistency, and a lot of heart. If you want to hear more about being the leader your child needs, check out our interviews with Dr. MacNamara and Dr. Neufeld: Beyond Food: A New Way To Look At Picky Eating And Mealtimes with Dr. Deborah MacNamara The Current Children's Mental Health Crisis with Dr. Gordon Neufeld . 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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The Current Children's Mental Health Crisis with Dr. Gordon Neufeld 59:01

for 9 dage siden59:01

59:01

In this powerful episode, Jess sits down with renowned developmental psychologist Dr. Gordon Neufeld to unpack the growing mental health crisis among children today. Dr. Neufeld shares how children are losing their ability to feel deeply, struggling to engage in true play, and searching for belonging in all the wrong places. He challenges our desire to raise independent kids, calling it “one of the most ridiculous things,” and instead emphasizes the critical role of connection and attachment. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why you are the answer to your child’s struggles—and how to step fully into your role as a confident, compassionate leader in your home. This is a conversation that could truly change the way you parent. Don’t miss it. Hear more from Dr. Gordon Neufeld in his book Hold On to Your Kids . Check out Dr. Neufeld’s online courses for parents, educators, and professionals at the Neufeld Institute . 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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Beyond Food: A New Way To Look At Picky Eating And Mealtimes with Dr. Deborah MacNamara 1:05:01

for 16 dage siden1:05:01

1:05:01

Friends, you don’t want to miss this episode. The one and only Dr. MacNamara joins Jess and Scott to dive deep into the topic of food. Discover why nourishment is far more than just calories—it’s about love, care, and the rituals that bring families together. Dr. MacNamara shares compelling research and personal stories that reveal how non-coercive, provider-led approaches can turn picky eating into a journey of growth and connection. Hear more from Dr. MacNamara in her books: Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids (And Everyone Else We Love) Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (Or Anyone Who Acts Like One) 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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School Refusal, Anxiety, And Separation Struggles 40:36

for 23 dage siden40:36

40:36

Scott and Jess dive into the pressing issue of school refusal—a challenge affecting children of all ages. They explore the roots of this behaviour, from the natural separation anxiety seen in toddlers to the compounded social, academic, and emotional pressures faced by older children. They also discuss how parental anxiety can inadvertently reinforce a child’s reluctance to attend school. You’ll get tools to understand, support, and nurture your child through these challenging times. If you are looking for more resources to support your child through school refusal, anxiety and separation struggles, we can help: Separations & Goodbyes Course – If your child struggles with separation anxiety—whether at school drop-off, with a babysitter, or at bedtime—this course provides the tools and support to make goodbyes easier. The School Toolkit – Whether your child is starting a new school, facing challenges at school, or you simply want to help them feel more confident, this toolkit is designed to support them every step of the way. The Friendship Toolkit – From making new friends to handling friendship ups and downs, this toolkit helps kids navigate social challenges with confidence. The Worry Toolkit – If your child has big worries—about school or anything else—this toolkit offers practical strategies to help them manage anxiety and feel more at ease. 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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How To Help Your Angry Child 58:00

for 4 weeks siden58:00

58:00

Scott and Jess explore anger in children (and adults), breaking down why children get angry, how anger is often masked by other emotions, and the role of genetics and environment in shaping behaviour. The episode provides hope for parents struggling with intergenerational anger and practical tools for helping kids learn to cope with overwhelming emotions. If you want to help your child learn tools to cope with their anger, check out The Anger Toolkit 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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5 Love Languages: Are They Helpful Or Harmful? 55:48

for 5 weeks siden55:48

55:48

Scott and Jess take a deep dive into the popular "Five Love Languages" concept and reveal why this relationship framework might be too simplistic for real-life emotional connection. Jess and Scott cover topics like: codependency, attachment styles, and building trust in relationships. 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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Why Children Lie: And What To Do About It 49:53

for 6 weeks siden49:53

49:53

In this episode, Jess and Scott explore the reasons why children lie and how to help them stop lying. Drawing on personal anecdotes and developmental insights, they explain how different forms of lying emerge as natural parts of childhood while also sharing practical strategies to build a trusting, curiosity-driven relationship with 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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How To Become A Playful Parent 54:42

for 7 weeks siden54:42

54:42

This episode of Robot Unicorn is packed with practical ideas that will help you become a more playful parent. On a deeper note, you’ll also learn how to reflect on your own childhood experiences, make sense of the burnout you are feeling, and learn how to bring play back into your life. This is one of Jess and Scott’s favourite episodes to date! Tune in for laughter, heartfelt stories, and actionable ideas that promise to make family life a little more magical. For easy games and playful tools to do with your kids, check out The Playful Parent Toolkit 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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Talking To Kids About Puberty, Porn, And Social Media (Part 2) 39:22

for 8 weeks siden39:22

39:22

In part 2 of our puberty series, Jess and Scott discuss the critical intersection of social media, body image, and puberty. They explore how parents can navigate challenging conversations around online content, unrealistic body expectations, and protecting children during this vulnerable developmental stage. They provide practical strategies for parents to have ongoing dialogues about puberty even when they haven't personally experienced what their child is going through. Listen to part 1 of our puberty series here. Get our brand new puberty toolkit for 10% off here 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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Talking To Kids About Puberty, Periods, and Sex (Part 1) 48:53

for 9 weeks siden48:53

48:53

In part 1 of our puberty series, Jess and Scott talk about how to have difficult conversations with kids about sex, puberty, periods, and changing bodies. You’ll learn how to talk to your kids about puberty without taking away their innocence or making them feel shame. Get our brand new puberty toolkit for 10% off 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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Friendship Struggles 47:59

for 10 weeks siden47:59

47:59

In this episode, Jess and Scott discuss common friendship struggles, bullying, and how to help kids solve problems in their friendships. They also discuss their own experiences with friends growing up. Listeners will get practical takeaways to help them cultivate healthy friendships with their kids. Want more? Check out this episode on kids’ friendships. Or, grab the Friendship Toolkit for 10% OFF 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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How Do You Stop Yourself From Yelling At Your Kids? 35:31

for 11 weeks siden35:31

35:31

In this episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into the complexities of parental anger and yelling sparked by a controversial social media post . They explore cycle-breaking, emotional regulation, and practical strategies for staying calm with kids. They share their personal experiences - Scott as someone who broke generational trauma patterns and Jess as a parent working through postpartum struggles. Listeners will gain valuable insights on visualizing the parent they want to be, understanding their triggers, and the power of repair after losing your cool. This honest conversation offers both validation and actionable tools for parents striving to create calmer, more connected relationships with their children while acknowledging that the journey isn't always perfect. 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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How Can I Help My Worried Child? 37:31

for 12 weeks siden37:31

37:31

In this episode, Jess and Scott discuss how to support anxious or worried kids. Jess, a psychotherapist, shares the "Mind Table" concept - a powerful tool for helping children manage anxiety and difficult emotions. She shares the story of her own daughter's fears and explains how visualizing different emotions as characters sitting around a table can help kids externalize and cope with their worries. Jess and Scott explore why this approach works so well for children and how it differs from simply suppressing emotions. They also include practical tips for parents supporting anxious kids. Listeners will learn about key signs of childhood anxiety, the importance of maintaining strong parent-child relationships when addressing fears, and why gradually exposing children to challenges (rather than total avoidance) helps build resilience. With practical, real-life examples and Jess’ clinical expertise, this episode provides valuable strategies for parents who want to help their children develop emotional awareness and healthy coping skills. Check out the post Jess reads at the beginning of the episode here. Click here to learn more about The Worry Toolkit Jess and the Nurtured First team created to help parents support their anxious children. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. Learn more about The Body Safety Toolkit here! 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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Is Screen Time Terrible? 57:15

for 13 weeks siden57:15

57:15

Jess and Scott break down the nuanced reality of giving your kids screen time through personal experiences and research-backed insights about gaming, social media, and device use, offering practical guidance for parents. Key takeaways include the importance of being present during screen time, understanding age-appropriate limits, and protecting children through clear boundaries rather than expecting them to self-regulate. Whether you're struggling with screen time battles or trying to make informed decisions about devices and social media for your kids, this episode provides valuable perspective on finding balance in our digital world. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. Learn more about The Body Safety Toolkit here! 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 Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here .…

Robot Unicorn

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How To Set Realistic Parenting Goals For 2025 50:14

for 14 weeks siden50:14