Episode notes
This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode. Why is your child perfect at school, only to completely fall apart the moment they get home? This episode dives deep into the common but misunderstood phenomenon of 'After-School Restraint Collapse.' Jess and Scott will help you understand that these explosions are a sign that your child feels safest with you, and give you practical strategies—from co-regulation to creating a 'soft landing'—to help your child decompress and turn these challenging moments into opportunities for connection. This episode was originally released on…
Robot Unicorn
by Nurtured First · English · Kids & Family
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 h
More from Robot Unicorn
-
E129 · 5 Oct 2026 · 39 min
Sex and Intimacy After Kids With Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh
Jess joins psychosexual therapist Dr. Sara for an honest conversation about sex, intimacy, and why connection after children involves far more than desire alone. Discover low-pressure ways to reconnect and hear why Dr. Sara's emergent love model emphasizes intentional connection over constant fireworks. Whether you're caring for a newborn or parenting older children, this episode offers a compassionate alternative to the pressure to return to your pre-baby relationship. Want to hear more from Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh? www.Sara-Nasserzadeh.com Join her online community Follow on Instagram Listen…
-
E128 · 28 Sep 2026 · 39 min
School Refusal, Anxiety, And Separation Struggles (REVISIT)
This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode. When your child refuses to go to school, what's really behind the struggle—and how can you help without dismissing their feelings or removing every challenge? Jess and Scott explore the overlapping roots of school refusal, from separation anxiety and post-pandemic disruptions to bullying, friendship difficulties, learning needs, and parental anxiety. They also discuss how sleep, screen-time boundaries, and overscheduled evenings can make school mornings harder. You’ll get tools to understand, support, and nurture your child through…
-
E126 · 14 Sep 2026 · 37 min
Are You Raising A Spicy Nugget? with Loryn Brantz
In this episode, Jess sits down with Emmy award-winning author, artist, and director Loryn Brantz to discuss her brand new children's book, "I Am a Spicy Nugget." They dive deep into the magic of playful parenting, sharing practical and hilarious ways to use humour and imagination to defuse toddler tantrums. Tune in to learn why we all become "spicy nuggets" sometimes, how to combat "garbage thoughts," and why shifting your parenting mindset can completely transform your home's dynamic. To hear more from Loryn and check out her books, including her brand new children’s book, “I Am a Spicy…
-
E125 · 7 Sep 2026 · 20 min
Why Do ADHD Kids Daydream?
In this episode, Jess dives deep into the often misunderstood world of inattentive ADHD, focusing closely on why these individuals are so frequently labelled as 'daydreamers.' We explore the hidden hyperactivity that happens entirely within the mind, which can lead to dissociation, anxiety, and overwhelm. Tune in to discover how to harness the power of the wandering mind and better support the daydreamers in your life. Want to learn more tools for supporting your child with ADHD? Check out our course, Parenting Your Child with ADHD, here. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable…
-
E124 · 31 Aug 2026 · 17 min
Friendship Truths All Kids Need To Know
Drawing on her experience as a school therapist, Jess shares essential 'friendship truths’ that parents can teach their kids quickly and easily to help them have a great year at school. Want to learn more about supporting your kids and tweens through friendship struggles? For kids ages 3-8, check out our Friendship Toolkit here. For kids 8+, check out our Puberty 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:…
-
E123 · 24 Aug 2026 · 15 min
How To Talk To Kids About Tricky Things
Jess tackles the age-old parenting struggle: What do you do when your child shuts down during tricky conversations? Listeners will walk away with five practical tools for tough conversations with their kids and tweens. Tune in to transform awkward chats into confidence-building moments! 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…
-
E122 · 17 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
The ADHD Experience No One Talks About: Sensitivity, Emotions & More with Dr. Sasha Hamdani
Join Jess as she sits down with board-certified psychiatrist and ADHD expert Dr. Sasha Hamdani to unpack the realities of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and emotional dysregulation. Dr. Hamdani sheds light on why so many women are diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how to navigate the complex diagnostic process. Whether you are parenting a sensitive child or learning to embrace your own emotional depth, this episode offers vital insights and practical strategies. Tune in to reframe what it means to be 'too sensitive' and discover how to harness it as your greatest strength! Hear more…
-
E121 · 10 Aug 2026 · 21 min
The Truth About Risky Play
Discover the crucial differences between healthy risk and hazardous environments, and learn why allowing your kids to take calculated risks can actually decrease their long-term anxiety. Jess shares practical tips for coaching children through tricky physical situations rather than hovering. Tune in to find out why a scraped knee might just be a sign of a thriving, adventurous 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:…
-
E120 · 3 Aug 2026 · 19 min
How To Stay Calm During Tantrums
Jess dives into the very real and exhausting challenge of staying calm during your child's tantrums. We explore the unspoken truth about parental burnout, especially for parents whose nervous systems are triggered by yelling due to their own childhood trauma. Tune in to gain actionable strategies that will help you regulate your own emotions, reconnect with your toddler, and realize that you are absolutely not alone in the chaos of parenting! Want to hear more? Check out these episodes Jess mentions during this discussion: Self-Care For Burnt-Out Parents with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin How Can I…
-
E119 · 27 Jul 2026 · 28 min
Understanding Toddler Tantrums
Jess dives deep to help you understand the true causes behind toddler and preschooler tantrums. She explains the brain science behind tantrums, and breaks down the four main reasons they happen. Listeners will gain an invaluable age-by-age guide to normal developmental behaviours. You'll learn how setting consistent boundaries, addressing sensory needs, and managing your own emotional regulation can drastically shift the tone of your home. Want to hear more about being the calm, confident leader your child needs? Listen to How To Be The Leader Your Child Needs here. Get 10% OFF parenting…
Take it with you
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
