Reflective Parenting Podcast by Curious Neuron
Dr. Cindy Hovington, a neuroscientist and mother of three, hosts this weekly podcast about reflective parenting. Each episode blends scientific insights with personal reflections on stress, emotions, and family conflict. She talks with experts and parents about topics like nervous system regulation, shame, repair, boundaries, and playfulness. The goal is to help listeners notice their own patterns and learn gentler, more conscious responses to everyday parenting challenges.
Episodes
Reflecting About the New School Year: Expectations, Slowing Down & Sparking Curiosity
Send us Fan MailHi Reflective Parents! As we jump into a new school year, I wanted to take some time to pause with you and reflect on how we can make this year feel a little less stressful and a lot more connected. This episode was inspired by a question from a mom that emailed me and I'm bringing in some unexpected inspiration — including a quote from a romance novel (Yours Truly) that chan
Reflecting on how mental heath care is failing us all
Send us Fan MailHi Reflective Parents, In today's episode, I share my honest thoughts about mental health care and honestly, they are not that positive. It's been feeling a little heavy these days with the Lindsay Clancy trial, a father that reached out who is struggle with depression and my own mental health from not having been in our home since January. I share my thought and as alway
Reflections on what we need to teach our kids about conflict (which also applies to adults)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I reflect on what it really means to teach children how to handle conflict. Drawing from my own experience coaching my seven- and nine-year-old sons through months of sibling conflict, I share practical ways to help children slow down, communicate their needs, listen to one another, and take responsibility for their part.Here are the 3 reflections you can discuss w
Reflections on Conflict: What If Conflict Is Actually Healthy?
Send us Fan MailWhat if conflict isn't something we need to avoid—but something we need to learn how to do?In this episode, I reflect on Brené Brown's idea of “rumbling” from Dare to Lead and what it can teach us about conflict at home. Instead of trying to win an argument, what if the goal was to unravel—to get curious, understand each other's perspectives, own our part, and work t
Reflections on Daring to Lead as a Parent
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I reflect on Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead and what it means to bring the principles of daring leadership into parenting. I explore how courage, vulnerability, self-awareness, and connection show up in our homes and in the way we lead our children.In this episode we reflect on:What it means to be a leader for our children and how parenting and leadership work overlap.
Reflections on resilience, freedom & identity from the book In Order to Live
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I reflect on In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park and the deep questions it raised for me about freedom, identity, resilience, and what it means to think for ourselves. The book prompted powerful reflections on how we understand our own stories, how we support our children’s sense of self, and how freedom can feel both expansive and exhausting.I also connect the book’s
Reflections on loving more deeply and being present
Send us Fan MailThis week, I'm sharing six simple mantras from the book How to Love that made me stop, reflect, and think differently about the way I show up as a parent, partner, and person.Together, we'll explore what it really means to be present, to recognize when someone we love is struggling, to ask for help when we're suffering, to notice the happy moments that are easy to ov
Reflections on the Hidden Risks Inside Kids' Group Chats
Send us Fan MailWhat does Toy Story 5 have to do with raising emotionally healthy kids? Trigger warning: masturbation is mentioned in this episode. Much more than I expected. After watching the movie with my children, I found myself reflecting on something far bigger than screen time: the conversations we're not having about friendship, group chats, and cyberbullying. In this episode, I share
3 reflections about how we take care of ourselves as parents
Send us Fan MailWhy do so many parents feel like they don't have time to take care of themselves?The answer isn't as simple as being busy.This week, we're reflecting on a passage from the book How to Love by Thich Nhat Hanh and exploring why our own needs slowly disappear after becoming parents. I'll also share a simple reflection exercise that helped me reconnect with the thin
Reflections on Radicalization: Could It Happen to My Child?
Send us Fan MailWhen we hear the word radicalization, we often think, "That could never happen to my family." But what if radicalization begins with something much more human—a need to belong, to feel understood, or to make sense of emotional pain?In this episode, I sit down with men's coach and former counterterrorism professional James Stamatelos to explore why some young people b
3 reflections on how you experience unpleasant emotions
Send us Fan MailHow do you allow yourself to feel, experience and move past unpleasant emotions? In this episode, I share how unpleasant emotions like worry, sadness, or even boredom can lead to some behaviours we might want to be more aware of. If you notice that you often get stuck in unpleasant emotions or that your anger or frustration leads to harder moments with loved ones, then this episode
3 reflections on what my grandma taught me about parenting
Send us Fan MailThis was a hard episode for me to record but I needed to honour my grandmother who passed away yesterday. Today's reflections are: Does my child feel loved and respected by me?Does my child feel like they belong?Do I help my child build their confidence by letting them fail or giving them opportunities to prove to themselves that they can do it I hope you enjoy this episode an
3 reflections on self-love (and how this will nourish your happiness)
Send us Fan MailThis week, we are reflecting on our self-love.This week's reflections are:How do I nourish my happiness?Do I see my body and mind as my home?How do you feed your mind and body?As parents I think we need to remember to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly nourishes us. This reminds us that we matter and that we do love ourselves. These reflections are inspired by the b
Why self-care isn't working for you
Send us Fan MailI'm Back! After five months away from the microphone, I'm finally back.If you've been wondering where I've been, thank you for checking in. Your emails, messages, and support meant more to me than you know.I explain what happened in this episode and share how this time away also gave me space to reflect.In also share what I've been learning about capacity t
You, Your Husband, and His Mother: Untangling a Tricky Family Dynamic with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish
Send us Fan MailFamily dynamics can feel especially intense around the holidays and one of the most challenging patterns many parents face is the triangle between you, your partner, and your mother-in-law. In today’s episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish returns to the podcast to help us make sense of this dynamic with compassion, clarity, and evidence-based tools.In this conversation, I sit down with Dr.
Your Triggers Aren’t a Parenting Failure — They’re a Signal
Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever ended a night thinking, “Why did I snap again?” — this episode is for you.Today, we’re diving into what’s really happening in your brain and body when your child pushes your buttons. Because those intense reactions? They aren’t proof that you’re a bad parent. They’re signals from a nervous system in overdrive — and once you can recognize those signals, you can change
The reason you snap at your kids (and what you can try instead)
Send us Fan MailHi Reflective Parents! This week, we are talking about something I keep hearing from parents which is snapping at our kids even when we are working on ourselves by learning about parenting or even going to therapy. You are not failing your child. You are still learning many skills that lead to you becoming more aware of your own state before you snap.In this episode, I walk you thr
Why parenting advice won't help you stop snapping at your kids
Send us Fan MailIf you keep snapping, shutting down, or feeling guilty, even though you “know” what to do... this episode will finally make it make sense.After speaking with more than 200 parents, I’ve noticed the same pattern:We are drowning in parenting advice, but no one is teaching parents the one skill that actually changes everything, how your nervous system works.In this episode, I talk abo
What all dads need to hear about emotions and their son's future mental health
Send us Fan MailToday on the Reflective Parenting Podcast, I’m sitting down with Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski-Hartman to talk about something many parents quietly wonder about:Why do boys sometimes pull away emotionally and how can we support them without pushing too hard?Brendan is a researcher who has spent years studying boys, masculinity, and emotional expression. What he learned in his PhD work is
Are you having unhealthy conflict? Here's what science says.
Send us Fan MailThis episode will change how you see conflict.We’re talking about the proven communication patterns that destroy connection and how to replace them with healthier ones.You’ll learn:the Four Horsemen (with real examples)how the demand–withdraw cycle keeps couples stuckthe shocking research: negative conflict literally slows wound healinghow your nervous system shapes your reactions
Understanding your nervous system in conflict with the authors of Beyond Difficult
Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever wondered why you become a different version of yourself during conflict… this episode is going to change the way you see those moments forever.I’m sitting down with psychologists and authors Rachel Samson and Dr. Jessie Stern to unpack the science beneath conflict: your attachment history, your temperament, your nervous system sensitivity, and how all of this shapes
Relational Savoring: The Neuroscience of Calm and Connection
Send us Fan MailEver wonder why some moments with your child feel effortless and deeply connected — while others leave you drained, reactive, or misunderstood? In this episode, we break down the science behind why.Dr. Jessie Stern and psychologist Rachel Samson join Cindy to explore relational savoring — a simple yet powerful way to strengthen your bond by intentionally remembering moments of warm
What Many Parents Get Wrong About Toddler Behavior
Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode, Devon Kuntzman and I dive deep into what’s really happening inside your toddler’s brain when they lose it — and how you can respond without spiralling yourself.We unpack why your child’s meltdowns aren’t your fault, what they’re trying to tell you through their behavior, and the simple mindset shift that will change how you see tantrums forever.If you’ve ever th
The missing skill that helps parents and kids stay calm: Interoception
Send us Fan MailLast week, we uncovered how your child’s behaviour is really their nervous system communicating.Today, we’re going deeper, inside the body, to explore the science of interoception, the hidden sense that helps us feel and understand our emotions.My guest, Laura Petix, is back to break down how learning to tune into your body’s internal signals can transform the way you regulate emot
Why understanding your nervous system helps you with your emotions
Send us Fan MailYou’ve heard the advice: “Teach your child to name their emotions.”But what if the real secret to helping your child (and yourself) regulate emotions starts deeper inside the body?In this episode, I sit down with pediatric occupational therapist Laura Petix (The OT Butterfly) to uncover what’s really going on when kids have meltdowns, get overstimulated, or shut down. Spoiler alert
How do we build resilience in our kids without being harsh or overprotective
Send us Fan MailDo you ever hear your child say things like, “I’m such a bad kid” or “I’ll never be good at this” and your heart sinks because you don’t know what to say?You’re not alone. And this episode is about to change the way you respond.Today, I’m sitting down with award-winning science journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer to talk about her latest book Hello, Cruel World, a toolkit fo
The Science of How Discipline and Punishment Impact a Child’s Brain Differently
Send us Fan MailParents, this one is big.Today we’re breaking down punishment vs discipline, what science says, how it impacts your child’s brain, and why so many of us feel stuck in the cycle of punishing even when we don’t want to.If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to yell, spank, or threaten…but it just slips out when I’m overwhelmed,” you are not alone.Here’s what you’ll learn today:What st
How to connect with a child that shuts you down (without losing your cool)
Send us Fan MailThis episode will change how you see your child’s moods and how you respond to them.If you’ve ever tiptoed around your child in the morning, worried the “wrong” cereal bowl or shirt will set off a meltdown, this conversation is for you.Joining me is Dr. Alex Reed, pediatric clinical psychologist and mom of two, who has spent years helping families understand temperament, moodiness,
How music can lower stress and anxiety (for you and your child)
Send us Fan MailThis episode will inspire you to see music as a powerful tool for connection, healing, and everyday parenting.It’s an invitation to play, sing, and create moments of joy with your children while learning how music can also soothe anxiety, ease transitions, and strengthen emotional bonds.And it’s a behind-the-scenes look at the real science of music therapy – far beyond entertainmen
Replay: Looking beyond your child's behaviour with Dr. Mona Delahooke
Send us Fan MailI am going to be taking a short break. Meanwhile, enjoy this replay of one of my favourite episodes with Dr. Mona Delahooke. If you have a young child that has tantrums or that acts out in ways you don't know how to support, this episode will help you understand how to support your child in these challenging moments. Learn more from Dr. Delahooke below:https://monadelahooke.co
Is my child ready for kindergarten readiness? (emotionally)
Send us Fan MailIs your child ready for kindergarten from an emotional perspective?In this episode, Cindy discusses the emotional aspects of kindergarten readiness, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in children. She introduces the tripartite model of parental socialization, which highlights how parents' emotional coping, parenting styles, and conflict res
A science-based tool that helps you shift your perspective (and build your resilience)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the idea of “shifting your lens” — a powerful metaphor grounded in science that helps parents understand how their interpretation of a situation shapes their emotional response. Drawing on the work of psychologist James Gross and his research on cognitive reappraisal, we break down how the lens you’re wearing (like blame, control, or shame) can fuel conf
Can Parenting Style Differences Hurt Your Child? Here's What the Science Says
Send us Fan MailAre you following positive parenting but your partner is more authoritarian? This is a common question I receive from parents and so in today's episode, I share a study that was fascinating to me. In this solo episode, I talk about how you can address parenting differences with your partner without making them feel bad, I chat about the different parenting style and I answer t
How does your child respond to stress in conflict?
Send us Fan MailHave you ever asked yourself this question? In today's episode, I give you a different perspective on your child's behaviour....understanding how they respond to conflict. This is important because it impacts their behaviour in conflict (which is what we see when they "misbehave"). I hope you enjoy this solo episode!SOURCES:I look back at my conversation with D
I wish I were a more playful parent
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Reflective Parenting Podcast, host Cindy Hovington delves into the transformative power of playfulness in parenting. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, Cindy explores how embracing play can enhance parent-child connections and support emotional development. Discover practical tips to integrate play into daily routines, even when it feels c
Invalidation in your relationship: Understanding the impact of dismissing emotions
Send us Fan MailIn this podcast episode, I delve into invalidation and its significant impact on romantic relationships. I highlight common invalidating statements such as "Why are you upset?", "You're overreacting," or "Calm down," explaining that these make a partner feel their emotions are wrong, unjustified, or excessive. This can lead to increased frustratio
Psychologist shares how learning the skill of validation can transform your relationships
Send us Fan MailDo you ever wonder why your child’s big emotions feel so overwhelming—or why small conflicts with your partner can spiral? In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Dr. Caroline Fleck to unpack the skill of validation—what it is, why it matters, and how it can radically change the way you connect with yourself, your kids, and everyone you love.We explore what invalidation reall
What Happens When You Let Kids Just Be Kids? (And Why It Matters)
Send us Fan Mailwith Amy ChiuIn today’s fast-paced world, it can be tough to slow down and truly let kids be kids. We often get caught up in schedules, expectations, and the pressure to “make learning happen.” But what if the most powerful learning happens when we pause, play, and simply show up with presence?In this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington speaks with early childhood expert Amy Chiu about th
How not having a present father impacted my life
Send us Fan MailIn today's solo episode, I share a little more of my personal story with the hopes of helping you feel validated, less alone or even empowered. Father's Day (or even Mother's Day) can be difficult when you have a parent that is alive yet you have no idea where they are because they left your family decades ago. They knew you existed and they chose to leave you. I sha
Working parent guilt: What no one tells you
Send us Fan Mailwith Daisy DowlingBalancing work and parenting feels impossible sometimes, doesn’t it? Between deadlines, meetings, and the constant demands at home, many working parents feel overwhelmed, guilty, and stretched too thin.In this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington talks with Daisy Dowling, author of Work Parent, about redefining what work-life balance really means — and why aiming for a pe
2 min reflection for days you feel like you are failing at parenting
Send us Fan MailHi dear friends, From the number of you that downloaded our last grounding meditation, it seems like you enjoyed it!I decided to created another one for you, this time it is to help you on a day when you feel like you are failing. https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reflective-parenting-by-curious-neuron/id1440533170?i=1000709341181If there is a specific moment you struggle with,
The New Parent Journey: Essential Tools for Achieving Balance, Connection & Wellbeing
Send us Fan Mailwith Erica DiamondThose early days of parenthood can feel like survival mode—your routines are gone, your identity feels blurry, and the overwhelm is constant. Between sleepless nights, mental overload, and trying to “do it all,” it’s easy to lose yourself.In this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington is joined by Erica Diamond—certified life & career coach and creator of the List Your
Parenting in the digital world: the conversations families may not be having (but should)
Send us Fan MailWe often focus on limiting and banning our kids’ screen time—but what if the most effective digital parenting conversations require a completely different approach, one that starts with curiousity, not control?In this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington is joined by bestselling author Jessica Joelle Alexander to explore how we can reframe and shift from control to curiosity & learning
5 min moment of pause to help parents regulate
Send us Fan MailThe next time you experience a chaotic moment and need to pause, listen to this 5 min audio to help you regulate. Let me know if you want more of these and please share it with a friend who needs this!Support the showJoin the Reflective Parent Book Club for only $9.99 for the year: https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/reflective-parenting-book-clubWatch my Tedx Talk on Y
Struggling with work-life balance? Try the design your own life approach instead!
Send us Fan MailHi friends! I have been hearing so many parents tell me that they feel overwhelmed trying to figure out how to balance work and family life. I know this can be stressful so I thought of a different way for us to approach this problem. What if we asked ourselves "How do I want to design my life?". What do I need more of in my life? What do I need less of?Let's try tak
Mother's Day Reflection: Am I addressing my needs?
Send us Fan MailHappy Mother's Day!I wanted to post today on Mother's Day because of the conversations I have been having with moms all week. It helped me realize that so many of us are powering through motherhood not addressing our needs or communicating them to those around us. Take 20 min out of your day today to listen to this quick solo episode and remind yourself how important your
Should I hug my child or ignore them during a tantrum?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Reflective Parenting Podcast, I chat with Albiona Rakipi who is a parent coach. I love her work and it is well-aligned with the research I read around co-regulation and teaching kids how to regulate emotions. If you are a parent that often questions what to do DURING a tantrum, then this episode is for you. You will learn her simple method that makes it easy
Am I a helicopter parent? The science of overparenting.
Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode, we dive into the science of overparenting and explore what research says about its impact on children’s mental health. I break down a recent meta-analysis that shows how overparenting is linked to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and emotional struggles in kids and young adults. We also explore Self-Determination Theory—the idea that kids need autonomy, com
Why boredom is important for your child's development with Susie Allison
Send us Fan MailBoredom is not a problem to solve but an essential skill children must develop for emotional regulation and creative thinking. When parents constantly entertain their children or rescue them from boredom, they unintentionally prevent crucial developmental growth. In today's replay episode (this is the second most downloaded episode of our podcast!) I chat with Susie Allison, f
Why meaningful friendships are important for parental well-being with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer
Send us Fan MailDr. Miriam Kirmayer, clinical psychologist and friendship expert, joins Cindy to discuss the profound impact of friendships on our psychological well-being and how we can cultivate meaningful connections despite the challenges of parenthood.Here is what we discussed:• Social connections are one of the most powerful predictors of health, happiness, and longevity• The "over-unde
When you discipline your child are you also doing this one important thing?
Send us Fan MailThe one mistake many parents make when disciplining their children is forgetting to teach the underlying skills needed for emotional regulation. Focusing only on consequences without addressing skill development leaves children unable to manage emotions like disappointment and frustration.• The purpose of discipline should be education, not just punishment• Children need to learn h
Exploring Perimenopause with Dr. Kristina Calder
Send us Fan MailDr's Cindy Hovington and Kristina Calder explore perimenopause, the hormonal transition that begins in women's 40s and significantly impacts mental health, energy, and body composition.• Perimenopause often starts in your 40s but can begin as early as late 30s• Symptoms include irregular periods, insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, mood swings, and diminished stress resilience
How to have emotionally intelligent arguments with your partner
Send us Fan MailEver caught yourself rattling off an endless list of reminders to your partner before they take the kids somewhere? "Don't forget snacks, water bottles, jackets..." Sound familiar? In this illuminating episode, I share a personal revelation that transformed my understanding of parenting partnerships.The awakening came when my mother called with a simple request—take
What the Dying Can Teach Us About Living More Fully with Dr. Kathy Zhang
Send us Fan MailWhat can the dying teach us about living? In this transformative conversation, Dr. Kathy Zhang, a palliative care physician, shares profound insights from her work with patients at the end of life that can revolutionize our approach to parenting and emotional wellbeing.Dr. Zhang reveals how witnessing death daily has paradoxically enhanced her appreciation for life's simple jo
Stop searching for parenting advice and try this instead
Send us Fan MailHave you ever felt crushed by the pressure to follow a specific parenting style perfectly? The weight of trying to fit into boxes labeled "positive parenting" or "conscious parenting" leaves many of us feeling inadequate and constantly seeking more information. What if there's a more sustainable approach?The newly renamed Reflective Parenting Podcast launch
How the connection recession is impacting parents with Rich Woo
Send us Fan MailDiscover the importance of forging meaningful connections and the healing power of friendships, especially after periods of isolation. In today's episode, I chatted with author of The Connection Recession, Rich Woo. We discuss the following key points: • Emphasizing connection as essential for mental well-being • Personal anecdotes highlighting the necessity of nurturing relat
How to build resilience in children by allowing them to fail with Jessica Lahey
Send us Fan MailWe discuss the essential balance of parenting, focusing on how allowing children to fail fosters resilience and independence. Jessica Leahy shares insights from her book, The Gift of Failure, highlighting the dangers of over-parenting and the need to embrace failure as a part of learning.• The significance of letting children experience failure • Over-parenting and its effects on c
Am I escalating this situation with my child?
Send us Fan MailUnderstanding how to navigate emotional responses with our children is vital for fostering healthy relationships within families. This episode explores the importance of self-awareness, recognizing triggers, and methods to de-escalate conflicts with children for more effective communication and connection.• Emphasizing the challenge of escalating vs. de-escalating situations • Iden
Supporting emotional development through play with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
Send us Fan MailThe episode delves into the critical role of play in both parental and child emotional development. Tina Payne Bryson shares insights from her book, *The Way of Play*, emphasizing how engaging in playful interactions can foster emotional intelligence and resilience in children while helping parents regulate their own stress.• Exploring the connection between play and emotional deve
The power of connection in addiction treatment with Travis Goodman
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Curious Neuron podcast, I chat with therapist Travis Goodman about the rising concerns around addiction. We explore the importance of compassionate curiosity when approaching conversations about addiction, the role of the nervous system in addiction, and the necessity of managing personal emotions when dealing with loved ones struggling with addiction. The co
How to parent yourself first and break unhealthy cycles with Bryana Kappadakunnel
Send us Fan MailThis episode explores the profound impact of childhood experiences on parenting styles, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and emotional healing. Brianna shares insights on building connections with children through understanding and compassion while setting healthy boundaries. • Understanding how childhood wounds manifest in parenting • Importance of self-reflection for
Moving away from positive parenting and towards reflective parenting
Send us Fan MailThis episode encourages parents to shift their focus from rigid parenting styles to a more reflective, emotion-centered approach. We discuss the pressures of perfectionism, the importance of self-awareness, and how embracing the idea of "good enough" can transform parenting experiences. • Exploring the pressures of positive and conscious parenting • Emphasizing emotional
How to talk to children about the Los Angeles wildfires with Dr. Tamara Soles
Send us Fan MailOpen communication is essential for helping children process their fears and feelings regarding crises like the LA wildfires. Parents should approach conversations with empathy, reinforcing feelings of safety and community support while recognizing their own emotional well-being.Today, I chatted with Dr. Tamara Soles to get some advice for how to speak to kids that were impacted by
Understanding and Managing Emotional Triggers for Mindful Parenting with Dr. Sarah Bren
Send us Fan MailREPLAY EPISODE Ever wondered how your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours impact your parenting? Prepare to gain a deeper understanding of your own emotional triggers and responses as we delve into the complexities of parenting with clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Bren. This episode is a masterclass in mindful parenting, giving you insights and practical tools to help you respon
Strengthening Family Connections through Self-Regulation With Dr. Bruce Perry (Replay)
Send us Fan MailThe episode highlights the vital role of self-regulation in parenting, especially in navigating holiday gatherings and family dynamics. Dr. Bruce Perry discusses the importance of understanding brain development and the processes involved in engaging with children emotionally. • The significance of regulating oneself before helping children • Strategies for approaching holiday gath
Nurturing A Secure Attachment with Reflective Skills: Insights with Dr. Nicole Letourneau
Send us Fan MailIn this special 200th episode of the Curious Neuron podcast, we chat with renowned professor from the University of Calgary Dr. Nicole Letourneau. Her research focuses on enhancing parental reflective functioning (RF), the ability to understand and interpret one's own and a child's mental and emotional states. Through the development of the ATTACH™ program, a 10-week inte
A mother's healing journey after losing her husband to suicide
Send us Fan MailGrief is a complex journey, especially when it involves the devastating loss of a loved one by suicide. Join us as we sit down with Reshma, a mother of three, who shares her heartfelt story of healing following her husband's tragic death. Through her lens, we explore how mindfulness has been a beacon of hope for her family, providing essential tools for emotional regulation an
Tips to help parents reduce stress and overwhelm during the holidays
Send us Fan MailDiscover how to navigate the stress of the holiday season while prioritizing your mental well-being and fostering a joyful atmosphere for yourself and your family. This episode promises to equip parents with actionable strategies and insights, offering three essential tips to manage the challenges of family gatherings, financial pressures, and past negative experiences. But that&ap
Screen time vs Play time in kids under 5 with Tammy Schamuhn
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Cindy Hovington chats with Tammy Schamuhn, Registered Psychologist, Best-Selling Author, Co-Founder of the Institute of Child Psychology and the Executive Director of Family Counselling Centres discuss the importance of parental involvement in child development, the challenges parents face, and the need for setting boundaries. They explore the emotional strugg
Ask Dr. Cindy: How can I better manage my mental load?
Send us Fan MailA parent from our membership asked me "How can I manage the mental load" and in today's episode, I break down the advice I gave this parent. We all have a mental load and sometimes it seems like nothing can make it disappear. However, there are ways that we can manage this better and feel less of this burden on our minds. I share tips from the book Essentialism by Gr
The Hidden Struggles of New Fathers with Dr. Pierre Azzam
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Pierre Azzam discusses the intersection of mental health and professional coaching, particularly focusing on the experiences of fathers. He highlights the stigma surrounding mental health for men and the importance of understanding postpartum depression in fathers. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassionate communication and support for men exp
The Role of Community and Support in Fertility with Lauren Enright
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Cindy and Lauren discuss the multifaceted role of a fertility coach, emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates emotional and physical well-being. They explore the significant stress associated with fertility journeys, the impact of societal expectations, and the importance of community support. Lauren shares insights on emotional processing, the necessit
Embracing Goodbyes: What to do when a child struggles with getting rid of a toy
Send us Fan MailDoes your child struggle with letting go of toys they love?Saying goodbye and having closure is something we need to support our kids with. I hope this week's episode helps not only your child with closure, but helps you the next time you need to say goodbye to a loved one or something major.Support the showJoin the Reflective Parent Book Club for only $9.99 for the year: http
Navigating Burnout: Strategies for Emotional Well-Being with Dr. Jessi Gold
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Jessi Gold, Author of "How do you Feel?" discusses her book on mental health and burnout, particularly in the healthcare sector. She shares her personal experiences and insights on the subtlety of burnout, the cultural perceptions surrounding mental health, and the importance of self-care and compassion. The discussion emphasizes the need for ind
Attachment, Emotions & Separation Anxiety with Erin O'Connor, Ph.D.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Curious Neuron Podcast, Cindy Hovington speaks with Dr. Erin O'Connor, Ph.D., about the complexities of the mother-child relationship, the importance of attachment theory, and the impact of parental stress on parenting styles. We discuss the significance of sensitivity and responsiveness in parenting, the challenges of separation anxiety, and the role of
Do you allow yourself to feel joy?
Send us Fan MailWhat if you could turn fleeting happiness into lasting joy and protect yourself from worry and self-doubt? In the latest Curious Neuron podcast, join me, Cindy, as we explore the connection between joy and emotional regulation. We’ll dive into neuroscience and the insights of Brené Brown to tackle the fears and anxieties that often block joy.Let’s rethink joy—not as material things
Were you ever told "You need to discipline your child right now!"?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Curious Neuron podcast, host Cindy Hovington engages in a heartfelt conversation with Miranda, a mom of 3, about the complexities of parenting. They explore the evolution of parenting styles, particularly the shift towards more conscious and respectful approaches. Miranda shares her personal journey of navigating discipline, understanding developmental approp
Creating Lasting Memories with Your Children
Send us Fan MailWhat if your automatic "no" responses are stealing precious moments of joy with your children? This week, I share an eye-opening personal story about how a spontaneous water gun fight with my kids became a treasured memory and a lesson in the power of saying "yes." We dive into the roots of our instinctual refusals and explore practical strategies to be more pre
Preparing your child for preschool using play
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, I chat with Connie about the critical aspects of preschool education, emphasizing the importance of play in child development. We explore the challenges children face in adapting to open-ended play, the significance of emotional regulation, and the need for realistic expectations from parents. The discussion highlights the role of curiosity in learning, the nu
Setting Boundaries and Holding Space for Teenagers' Emotions with Kirsten Cobabe
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Kirsten Cobabe, a teen coach, discusses how parents can navigate the challenges of raising teenagers. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong connection with teens and understanding their perspective. Kirsten suggests that parents should shift their mindset and approach the teenage years with openness and curiosity. She encourages parents to set boundari
