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.

#ParentingTips #GettingKidsToTalk #ConnectedParenting

Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

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.

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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!

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!