You ask how their day was and all you get is a shrug and "fine." The more questions you pile on, the more they shut down. In this episode, Jess shares the reflective-listening skills she uses to help anyone open up, along with the specific questions, rituals, and quiet moments of connection that actually get kids talking. You'll walk away knowing why interrogation backfires and exactly what to do instead.
YOU'LL LEARN Why "How was your day?" almost always gets you a one-word answer The specific, detailed questions that get kids talking, and why they work better than open-ended ones How to use reflective listening, a core therapist skill, to help your child feel heard Why piling on more questions makes kids shut down, and can even lead to lying How to use connection and quiet moments, like car rides, to open the door to conversation How to build family rituals that make sharing feel safe and normal Get 10% OFF all parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First with code ROBOTUNICORN. We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email at podcast@robotunicorn.net or connect with us on Instagram.
Credits: Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First
DISCLAIMER The content provided is for educational and supportive purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical or therapeutic diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed by guests are theirs. If your child is at risk of harm or you need personalized guidance, please seek a qualified professional.
Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!
Self-Care for Burnt-Out Parents with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin
15/06/2026 | 36min
Jess sits down with psychiatrist and self-care expert Dr. Pooja Lakshmin. They explore how self-care isn't about bubble baths or spa days, but rather about setting boundaries, exercising compassion, and stepping out of the chronic fight-or-flight mode of parenting. Listeners will gain practical insights to help them with burnout.
Want to hear more from Dr. Pooja? Connect on Instagram Sign up for her newsletter
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!
The Truth About Shy Kids
08/06/2026 | 25min
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 | 31min
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 | 36min
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!
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.
Brasil