

Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron
Cindy Hovington, Ph.D.
Parenting shouldn’t be defined by stress, guilt, and self-doubt. Yet for 94% of parents, that’s what our days feel like. As a neuroscientist and mom of three, I know firsthand how easy it is to end the day overwhelmed, wishing you’d been calmer, more present, or more patient with your child. That’s why I created The Reflective Parenting Podcast—a place where we pause, reflect, and discover a new way forward.Join me every Monday as we explore science-backed skills that replace guilt with confidence and stress with calm so that you, and your child, can thrive. Some weeks, I’ll share my own reflections as a parent who’s still learning, just like you. Other weeks, I’ll bring in experts from psychology, neuroscience, and beyond to dive into the research and uncover practical ways we can make parenting feel lighter, less overwhelming, and more connected.Parents don’t need more advice or another education-heavy podcast. What they truly need is a space to pause, reflect, and grow. Reflective parenting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about noticing what drives our reactions and choosing to show up with intention. This podcast is about building resilience, trust, and connection, and joining a movement to reimagine what parenting can feel like—for us, and for our kids.Subscribe today not to miss next week's episode! Join the private group on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/reflectiveparentingpodcast/Record your story or question:https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcastJoin the Reflective Parenting Program today!Start our science-backed course, join our weekly calls or get 1:1 support with Cindy below:https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/Follow us on Instagram @curious_neuron or Facebook @curiousneuron
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 6, 2023 • 21min
This is why we shouldn't discipline toddlers for not sharing
Send us a textWondering why your two-year-old is not keen on sharing toys with their playmates? I have a reel that is about to hit 4 MILLION views...and it's about sharing. Many people don't agree with my post so today's episode is all about understanding child development and sharing - a concept that genuinely blossoms around the age of four. Let's unravel the misconceptions and shed light on the research behind this fascinating aspect of child growth.Developing pro-social behavior in children is an art. And the canvas - relationships! Yes, kids are more likely to share with people they're familiar with. But how can we, as parents and educators, encourage these skills? Let's get practical as we discuss everything from how to inspire your child to pass on their balloon to their best bud, to sharing a yummy cookie with grandma. We explore the importance of patience, understanding, and excellent guidance in nurturing these essential life skills.Play, the universal language of children, is our secret weapon. We dive into how play can teach children about sharing, mine vs. yours, patience, and even conflict resolution. The episode wraps up with some love for our wonderful listeners, emphasizing how much we appreciate your ratings and reviews. We hope to continue delivering insightful episodes and wish you a beautiful week ahead! Don't miss out on this enlightening journey into the world of child development and sharing.Get free weekly activity packs that teach your kids about emotions HERESources: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxdAEjzOVua/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Mine or Yours? Development of Sharing in Toddlers in Relation to Ownership Understanding HEREThe development of recipient-dependent sharing behavior and sharing expectations in preschool children HERESupport the showRecord your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Become a Reflective Parent using our evidence-based program: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

Oct 30, 2023 • 22min
Why we shouldn't criticize our children
Send us a textGrowing up, I was no stranger to criticism. Now, as an adult, I can't help but notice its lingering effects on my self-esteem, my internal narrative, and my motivation. For better or worse, that criticism has shaped me. In this episode, we explore how a critical environment can influence marriages and parenting. We unpack the early warning signs that criticism could signal in marriages, and draw parallels with our relationships with our children.Moving into the second half, we shift our focus to communication with our children. The weight of criticism is heavy on their growing shoulders. It can knock their self-esteem down, and shape their inner voice, sometimes in damaging ways. It's a balance we have to strike - maintaining firmness without sacrificing warmth and sensitivity. Listen in as we delve into the power and potential of language. We discuss how our words can inspire our children, rather than criticize them, and how we can foster their growth, instead of stifling it. This episode is not just about the impact of criticism; it's a conversation about resilience, nurturing positive relationships, and the immeasurable power we hold as parents.FREE weekly activities teaching kids about emotions:https://www.wondergrade.com/printablesCurious Neuron Podcast Episode about negotiation: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/curious-neuron/id1440533170?i=1000618304723Sources: Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman HEREParental behavioural control in adolescence: How does it affect self-esteem and self-criticism? HEREHow to Make Repair Attempts So Your Partner Feels Loved HEREParents’ Use of Praise and Criticism in a Sample of Young Children Seeking Mental Health Services HEREFamily Emotional Processes and Adolescents' Adjustment HERESupport the showRecord your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Become a Reflective Parent using our evidence-based program: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

Oct 23, 2023 • 53min
How to parent children with challenging temperaments to ensure you have a strong bond
Send us a textEverything you need to know about your child's temperament! Concetta Ferretti brings a unique perspective to parenting and child development. As we delve into the complexities of temperament, Concetta brilliantly dissects its genetic and environmental influences, and its transformative relationship with personality.As parents, it's crucial to understand how temperament impacts a child's sensitivity and overall growth. Concetta sheds light on why children with more challenging temperaments may be more susceptible to negative environments, and how they can truly flourish under positive parenting. With an exploration of the science of high brain plasticity, she reveals its evolutionary implications, its potential as both a strength and vulnerability, and the pivotal role parents play in shaping their child's brain development.This enlightening chat is a goldmine for parents grappling with the challenges of raising a highly sensitive child. The conversation traverses societal pressures to conform, the importance of acknowledging our children's inherent sensitivities, and valuable strategies to transition from survival mode to a thriving environment. Concetta also discusses the power of repair in relationships, offering hope that our mistakes don't define us, and reminding us that our actions shape our identities. So, tune in for a conversation that leaves you better equipped, inspired, and empowered to embrace the parenting journey.Sources:Concetta's Instagram: @the.stressed.specieshttps://www.instagram.com/the.stressed.species/The influence of temperament and mothering on attachment and exploration: an experimental manipulation of sensitive responsiveness among lower-class mothers with irritable infants:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7982362/Biological sensitivity to context: I. An evolutionary-developmental theory of the origins and functions of stress reactivity:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16761546/Support the showRecord your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Become a Reflective Parent using our evidence-based program: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

Oct 16, 2023 • 24min
Helping Children Face their Fears
Send us a textRelating to your child's fear or shyness can be disheartening and challenging. I vividly remember the time when my 3-year-old daughter was hesitant to join a community center due to fear. This episode shares the journey we embarked on to help her face her fears and build resilience. We break down strategies such as acknowledging the fear instead of dismissing it, breaking tasks into smaller manageable steps, and empowering children to explore their feelings. We touch on the valuable teachings from 'Emotional Agility' by Dr. Susan David that can help children gain emotional agility and learn to respond effectively to their fears.Support the showRecord your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Become a Reflective Parent using our evidence-based program: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

Oct 9, 2023 • 45min
The Power of Mindfulness in Everyday Life with Physiotherapist Tatianna
Send us a textEver wondered how to weave mindfulness into the bustling tapestry of your everyday life? Prepare to discover new threads of wisdom with our special guest, Tatianna, an experienced physiotherapist with a particular knack for connecting the dots between mental and physical well-being. Together, we poke at the curious interplay of mindfulness and our bodies, unearthing the profound impacts of achievable daily practices. Fascinatingly, as Tatianna shines a light on mindful movement, it becomes evident that even amid the whirlwind of our lives, there's always room for a quick XYZ spine exercise to maximize the benefits of movement. Tatiana's expertise extends into the realm of self-awareness, painting a vivid picture of how mindfulness can recalibrate our nervous systems and dial down our stress levels. She champions the power of journaling as a tool for accountability, a testament to her commitment to nurturing a balance in both our mental and physical facets. As we drift into the calming realm of mindful breathing, Tatianna unveils the power behind this practice in stress reduction and regulation of our nervous systems. She shares valuable techniques, such as focusing on the three-part breath and using one hand on the heart and one hand on the belly. Download her free guide "Discover 3 Tips Women Can Use to Reduce Neck & Back Stiffness" below:https://pages.tatiannagraham.com/guide-1About Tatianna: Tatianna is the founder of The Move With Ease Method, is a comprehensive 12-week transformational program that helps women overcome feeling stuck in their bodies, with pain, stress and tension, to feeling confident and free in their own bodies. She's passionate about helping women set themselves up for success in the second half of life so that they can enjoy all of life's activities and joys, and be able to show up the way they want as a mom, as a spouse, a boss, an athlete, an employee, a friend, a caregiver, and anything else! The Move With Ease Method helps women achieve this success all through the convenience of online coaching and content. Join her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tatiannagrahaminc/Support the showRecord your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Become a Reflective Parent using our evidence-based program: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

Oct 2, 2023 • 23min
From Neuroscientist to a Homeschooling mom of 3: A Personal Journey and Insights into Parenting
Send us a textEver wondered what it takes to shift gears from pursuing a PhD in neuroscience to the demanding commitment of homeschooling? Well, today, your host Cindy Hovington opens up about her intriguing life journey, sharing the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. In this riveting conversation, I recount how I've learned to trust my gut, embrace failure, and never neglect self-care. We'll discuss my conscious decision to prioritize privacy by avoiding the exposure of my children's identities on social media. Delve deeper into the intricacies of mental health, as I share my personal insights about the profound impact emotional well-being can have on us and our parenting. Hear about my own experiences and learn how understanding our emotions can have a profound effect on our children's emotional and mental health. Also, I share my thoughts on the therapeutic benefits of journaling, and how making time for joy can positively influence our lives. We'll also go through some insightful questions about parenting from our online followers. Listen in for an enlightening exploration of my life lessons and join me in making joy a priority this week.Support the showRecord your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Become a Reflective Parent using our evidence-based program: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

Sep 25, 2023 • 59min
Understanding and Managing Emotional Triggers for Mindful Parenting with Dr. Sarah Bren
Send us a textEver wondered how your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors 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 respond better to your child's behavior. We tackle the all-important subject of parental triggers, exploring how understanding our vulnerabilities and personal history can help us better interpret our child's behavior. Learn to recognize your feelings and urges in the moment and practice the skills to manage them effectively. We assure you, this isn't about achieving parental perfection but gaining understanding and awareness that leads to a more effective response. By the end, you'll understand why following the 'rules' of parenting isn't enough. It's about understanding yourself to become a more mindful and effective parent. Join us and Dr. Sarah Bren on this insightful journey into the heart of parenting.Join Dr. Bren's FREE masterclass here:https://drsarahbren.com/powerstruggles_CHYou can follow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drsarahbren/Visit her website for more courses:https://drsarahbren.com/Support the showRecord your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Become a Reflective Parent using our evidence-based program: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

Sep 18, 2023 • 25min
5 Journaling and Reflective Parenting Questions to Ask Yourself
Send us a textDo you know the power of your own mind and how journaling can unlock that potential? Let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. This episode is a deep dive into the transformative power of journaling, an instrumental tool in shaping thoughts and managing anxieties. We explore how journaling helps in understanding oneself better and how it can be used to tackle everyday issues. It is a candid conversation about the journey of self-reflection, learning and understanding propelled by journaling. But we don't stop there. We broaden the conversation to focus on the realm of parenting. We explore reflective parenting, asking hard questions about our roles as parents. We talk about how to communicate with kids effectively, teaching them to criticize constructively, and fostering an environment where they feel loved and valued. We delve into the significance of instilling our values in our kids and the importance of quality time. This episode wraps up with a thought-provoking discussion on the power of values in parenting and the impact of reflective journaling. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and enlightened.Support the showRecord your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Become a Reflective Parent using our evidence-based program: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

Sep 11, 2023 • 40min
Dr. Tracy Dalgleish: How to maintain a healthy relationship after having kids
Send us a textWhy do some struggle so much with their relationship after having kids? Has your relationship changed? Tune in for some marriage advice in today's episode!As an experienced clinical psychologist and couples therapist, our guest Dr. Tracy Dalgleish shares marriage advice about the complexities of relationships post-parenthood. In her new book "I Didn't Sign Up for This", she uncovers the harsh reality that 67% of couples experience a decrease in relationship satisfaction after having a baby. We dig deep into this topic, exploring the negative cycles that trap partners and the strategies available to break free and foster healthier relationships.Drawing from the research of Drs John and Julie Gottman and Dr Sue Johnson, we identify four destructive communication patterns often seen in strained relationships. But knowing is only half the battle. How do we turn this knowledge into actionable steps? Dr. Dalgleish provides invaluable insights into recognizing our own attachment styles, understanding how our past experiences shape our coping mechanisms, and how to navigate the delicate balance of intimacy and autonomy in relationships. Finally, we tackle the tricky world of relationship labels, emotional regulation and the impact of parental disagreements on children. Dr. Dalgleish emphasizes the importance of respectful communication and the valuable role of repairing connections.Get her book I Didn't Sign Up for This (out on September 12th, 2023!):Amazon CanadaAmazon USVisit her website and follow her on Instagramhttps://www.drtracyd.com/https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd/Support the showRecord your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Become a Reflective Parent using our evidence-based program: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

Sep 4, 2023 • 28min
Emotional Intelligence 101: What this should look like in your home
Send us a textEver wondered how emotional intelligence impacts our lives? Can understanding your own emotions positively influence your relationships and success? This episode invites you on a journey of self-exploration, examining emotional intelligence and its profound effects on our well-being. With the guidance of two remarkable books - Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goldman and Emotional Agility by Dr. Susan David, we'll demystify this often misunderstood concept and how it shapes our every day.We delve into the significance of self-awareness, a vital aspect of emotional intelligence. Honing your emotional agility is all about 'showing up' - acknowledging, accepting, and being mindful of our emotions. We discuss the crucial 'step out' concept, inviting you to create a healthy distance between yourself and your emotions. This episode introduces the practice of journaling, a powerful tool to gain perspective and understanding of our emotions. As we navigate the path of emotional intelligence, we also spotlight the development of coping skills. We draw upon Dr. Susan David's concept of 'Walking Your Why', a strategy to align actions with core values and long-term goals, and how understanding these values can help manage emotional triggers. We conclude the episode with an invitation - to you, our listeners, to share your topic suggestions. If there's a particular topic you'd like us to discuss, we're all ears! Let's connect on Instagram at cures underscore neuron. Remember, emotional intelligence is not a destination, but a journey. So, let's begin this journey together. Tune in, learn, connect and grow with us.Resources:https://jamesclear.com/core-valuesAmazon (Canada):Emotional Intelligence by Daniel GolemanEmotional Agility by Susan DavidPermission to Feel by Marc Brackett Support the showRecord your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Become a Reflective Parent using our evidence-based program: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube