In this episode, Jess and Scott answer a listener's question about sharing the mental load of parenting. Jess talks about times when she felt like she carried most of the mental load and how Scott and her now split the work of parenting. They discuss the challenges of balancing roles, especially when one parent feels like the default decision-maker, educator, and emotional support. Key takeaways for listeners include: * How to approach conversations about mental load in a way that...

In this laughter-filled episode, Scott and Jess dive into the delicate balance of teasing and playfulness with kids. They discuss how to be playful without going too far, share hilarious stories about their family's creative characters like "Sean" the hand puppet, and provide practical tips for connecting with children through humour. Some important topics discussed in the episode include: * Recognizing how a child's understanding of humour develops with age * Respecting boundaries around...

In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into the challenges of parenting multiple children and giving each child the love and attention they need. Inspired by a viral social media post, they explore topics like balancing attention between babies and older kids, feelings of guilt and defensiveness as parents, and how children crave connection at all ages. They provide helpful tips for recognizing children's bids for quality time, healing past parenting missteps, and finding small moments to...

CW: Sexual abuse, grooming, sex-related topics After hearing news about a case of sexual abuse in their community, Jess and Scott are sitting down and answering listener questions about how to talk to kids about body safety and consent in a way that won't scare kids and will protect them. They provide practical advice for parents on how to have age-appropriate conversations about consent, private parts, and safe/unsafe touches without instilling fear. Some of the specific topics they...

In this powerful episode, Scott and Jess are joined by Samir Mourani to have an open and vulnerable conversation about men's mental health. They discuss their personal experiences with anxiety, depression, and emotional breakdowns, sharing how they've worked to overcome societal pressures that discourage men from expressing emotions. A few important topics covered in the episode include: * The importance of having close male friendships where you can be vulnerable * How bottling up...

In this fun and casual Q&A episode, Jess and Scott answer listener questions and give you a peek behind the curtain of their lives and relationship. Discover Scott's favourite quality about Jess, hear about their most rewarding parenting moments and learn how they handle disagreements. They share vulnerable insights about managing social anxiety as public figures and discuss mindset shifts that help them appreciate the challenges of parenting. With plenty of laughs and a few deep...

Jess and Scott discuss the delicate balance between nurturing children's friendships and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. They discuss the concept of peer orientation, share personal experiences, and offer practical advice for parents navigating their children's social worlds. Key insights include: 1. The importance of modelling healthy relationships at home 2. How to recognize signs of unhealthy peer orientation 3. Strategies for prioritizing family time while supporting...

In this solo episode, Jess shares her reflections on a recent conversation she had. The conversation was about whether or not children should hear the word "no" and how parents who follow "this new wave of gentle parenting" are no longer the leaders in their homes. In the episode, Jess shares her thoughts on this view and tackles a common misconception about gentle parenting - that it's too permissive and doesn't allow for setting boundaries. She explains the crucial differences between...

In this solo episode, Jess answers a listener's question. She explores how to become curious about and respond to children's challenging behaviours like hitting. She breaks down four key reasons why children may hit and provides practical strategies for addressing each root cause. In the episode, Jess covers: * How to get curious about why your child is hitting (or engaging in other challenging behaviours) * Proactive ways to meet children's needs before hitting occurs * How to respond...

In this episode, Jess and Scott sit down with their good friend Josh to discuss the changes he's made in his parenting style over the last six years. Josh candidly shares his experience raising his highly sensitive son. He talks about how a more traditional approach to discipline wasn't working and his original skepticism around gentle parenting. This episode is packed with insights for fathers (and parents in general) who might be struggling to find effective ways to discipline without...

In this important episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into the root cause of challenging behaviours in both children and adults: separation. Jess explains how our core need for closeness drives many of our reactions, from clingy children to angry adults. Jess shares some eye-opening insights on: * Why behaviours like clinging, whining, and crying happen * Why kids are so angry all the time * Why common parenting strategies make behaviour worse * How separation emotions manifest as frantic...

In this insightful episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Tanya Cotler joins Jess and Scott to explore the complexities of intergenerational trauma and cycle-breaking in parenting. Dr. Cotler shares her expertise on how childhood experiences shape our parenting, the importance of curiosity and compassion in understanding our triggers, and practical ways to build self-awareness and cope with parenting challenges. Listeners will gain valuable insights on: * How our bodies hold onto past traumas...

In this revealing episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into why a messy house is a major trigger for Jess. They explore how their different upbringings shaped their attitudes towards cleanliness, with Jess craving order while Scott is more relaxed about clutter. Jess opens up about feeling overwhelmed by visual chaos and struggling to be present with her kids when the house is messy. They share practical strategies they've found helpful, like setting boundaries around eating spaces and getting...

In this controversial episode, Jess and Scott dive into the heated debate around sending kids to daycare. They explore the "mommy wars" between stay-at-home and working parents - unpacking the guilt, judgement, and insecurities on both sides. Jess offers a nuanced perspective, explaining how quality childcare providers can be an important part of a family's "village" and how a strong parent-child attachment can be built whether a child is in childcare or at home. Listeners will gain...

In this eye-opening episode, Jess delves deep into the concept of "strong-willed children" and challenges common assumptions about defiant behaviour. Listeners will gain fresh insights on: * Why the "strong-willed" label can be problematic and miss underlying needs. * How sensitivity, power dynamics, and leadership struggles contribute to defiance. * Practical strategies for addressing stubborn behaviour through curiosity and connection. * Ways to provide healthy control and meet...

In this episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into the challenges of infant and toddler sleep and parenting through sleep deprivation. Jess opens up about her struggles as a new mom trying to follow rigid sleep training rules and how she eventually found a more attuned, connection-based approach. In the episode, Jess and Scott discuss: * The pitfalls of strictly following sleep training methods without considering your child's unique needs. * How postpartum anxiety can fuel obsession over...

One of the most common questions Scott and Jess get about Robot Unicorn is: "Was your communication always this good? How did you learn to be less defensive and stop fighting in your relationship?" In this episode, Scott and Jess dive into their journey from high school sweethearts to happily married parents. They share valuable insights on: - How to move past defensiveness and truly listen to your partner - The importance of anticipating each other's needs - Why validating feelings isn't...

This episode was so incredible that it was hard to choose a title. Other possible titles for this episode included: "How To Heal Your Trauma While Parenting" "Mothering When You Have A Difficult Relationship With Your Mother." "Breaking Cycles Of People Pleasing And Finding Your Authentic Self." In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess and Scott welcome special guest Libby Ward, founder of Diary of an Honest Mom [https://www.instagram.com/diaryofanhonestmom/]. Libby opens up about her...

In this episode, Jess and Scott discuss a recent incident in which their child told them that she doesn't feel like they spend enough time with her. Jess unpacks her feelings of guilt around being a working mom, and Scott helps her understand the deeper reasons behind this guilt. They explore the struggles of dividing time and attention between sick kids and their other children who still crave connection. Jess opens up about her fears, as a parenting expert, of not being a good enough...

Scott recently had a situation where he lost his cool with his toddler. In this episode, Jess and Scott unpack what happened and how he could do things differently next time by setting himself up for success as a highly sensitive person. They discuss what it means to be highly sensitive, from noticing subtle textures and needing things a certain way to being more emotionally attuned. Scott shares his own challenges staying calm as a highly sensitive parent, especially when his sensory cup is...

CW: Self-Harm, Mental Health Jess sits down with Sarah Landry from The Birds Papaya [https://www.instagram.com/thebirdspapaya/] to discuss the challenges of authentically sharing your mental health struggles online. Sarah opens up about her experience with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and the courage it takes to be vulnerable about the messy, uncomfortable parts of life. They explore the delicate balance of modelling a range of emotions to your children while ensuring they don't...

CW: Sexual abuse, grooming, sex-related topics In this powerful episode, Jess and Scott discuss the importance of teaching body safety to kids of all ages. Jess has been educating parents about these topics for over a decade, and in this episode, she answers Scott's questions about why it's so important for parents and kids to understand body safety and consent. Jess explains how to help children tune into their "uh oh feeling" when something doesn't feel right and how to know the...

Today, we dive deep into the trenches of motherhood with special guests Emily Baldoni and Satya Twena, the dynamic duo behind the brand We Are Amma [www.weareamma.com [http://www.weareamma.com/]]. These powerhouse women get real about the challenges of parenting in a society that often leaves mothers feeling unseen, undervalued, and utterly exhausted. From the isolating postpartum period to the daily grind of juggling work and family life, Emily and Satya share their personal stories of...

Is there ever a time when it's ok to punish your kids?! Scott gets curious with Jess in this important episode on punishment. Scott and Jess unpack different forms of punishment, such as spanking, timeouts, and taking things away, and discuss the research on how these impact a child's behaviour and emotional development. Jess explains the research behind these common forms of punishment and how you can effectively discipline instead. Throughout the conversation, Jess and Scott share...