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!
3 Reasons Your Child Misbehaves At School
01/06/2026 | 32 mins.
In this episode, Jess explains the three most common reasons why kids struggle with behaviour at school. She shares common reasons kids act out at school, even when things are going well at home, and gives practical solutions to help parents and educators support 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!
6 Things About ADHD Parents Need To Know
25/05/2026 | 37 mins.
Today, Jess dives deep into a highly requested topic: Understanding and supporting the ADHD brain. Drawing from her clinical experience with neurodivergent children, she breaks down six crucial insights. If you want to understand the 'why' behind your child's behaviour and learn how to foster an environment where they can truly thrive, you won't want to miss this solo episode!
Check out these episodes for more on supporting cognitive flexibility: Brain Stuckness: Why Kids Struggle With Flexibility (Part 1) Brain Stuckness: Reducing Power Struggles & Building Flexibility (Part 2)
If you have a child with ADHD or you suspect your child may have ADHD, and you want to learn more about how you can support them, check out our new course: Parenting Your Child with ADHD.
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!
Why Kids Struggle to Sleep (And How To Help Them)
18/05/2026 | 33 mins.
In this episode, we break down the most common reasons children struggle with sleep and share gentle, effective ways to help them rest better. You’ll learn what’s normal, what may be disrupting your child’s sleep, and how to create healthier sleep habits without harsh sleep-training methods or leaving your child to cry alone.
If you’re tired, overwhelmed, and searching for realistic sleep support that actually feels good as a parent, this conversation is for you.
Want to learn more about supporting your child with sleep? Podcast Episode: “You Really Want To Talk About Sleep Training!?" Nurtured First Blog: https://nurturedfirst.com/blog/ Nurtured First Course: Solving Bedtime Battles
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!
How To Be Firm Without Yelling
11/05/2026 | 31 mins.
In this solo episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess tackles a common parenting struggle: How to find a middle ground between being passive and resorting to yelling. Tune in to gain practical insights that will empower you to break negative cycles and lead your children with respect and calm authority.
Learn more about our Parenting Little Kids course 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!
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.
Ireland