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Robot Unicorn

Robot Unicorn

By: Nurtured First
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About this listen

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.Robot Unicorn Parenting & Families Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Why Won’t My Child Stop Clinging and Whining?!
    Jan 19 2026

    Do you ever have moments where you just want to scream, "Get off me!" at your clingy child? You're not alone. This episode dives deep into the visceral frustration parents feel when a child is constantly attached, and reframes this challenging behaviour not as a problem to be fixed, but as a crucial signal. Jess and Scott explore the real reasons kids get clingy, from hunger and sickness to being in a state of alarm. You'll learn practical strategies to meet their need for connection, set healthy boundaries without causing harm, and find support for yourself when you're feeling completely depleted.


    Listen to the episode Jess mentioned about supporting worried and anxious kids here.


    Want to hear more about how to help your child who is clinging and whining? Check out these episodes of Robot Unicorn:

    The #1 Reason Kids (And Adults) Cling, Whine and Act Out

    How Do I Stop My Child From Whining?


    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!

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • How To Pass Down Family Values
    Jan 12 2026

    In this episode, Jess and Scott talk about how family values aren’t created by rules on the wall, but by what’s lived out every day. They explore how to start with parent-only conversations to clarify your true non-negotiables, then invite kids into the process in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.


    They also dive into a powerful conversation about why kids lie (hint: it’s not about “bad behaviour”) and how parental responses can either strengthen trust or quietly erode it. If you want values that stick, not because kids are afraid, but because they feel safe and connected, this episode lays the foundation.

    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!

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • What Kids Need Most When Parents Divorce
    Jan 5 2026

    In this episode, Jess and Scott confront the tough topics of divorce, single parenting, and high-conflict family dynamics. They debunk the pervasive myth of 'staying together for the kids,' explaining how research overwhelmingly shows that ongoing parental conflict, not separation itself, is the true source of harm. Learn about the vital practice of 'conflict shielding' and discover how providing a predictable, loving environment with just one stable caregiver can help your child thrive, even when life feels fractured.


    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!

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
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