Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron

Send us a textThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends NO screen time younger than 18 months and very little screen time (<1hr/day) from 18-24 months unless it’s video-chatting with family members. Have you ever wondered why?The Curious Neuron team decided to dig deep into the research and see if certain claims about screen time in toddlers were true. You might be surprised by the results and what the research student concluded about screen time in toddlers. Listen to this short 20 min episode to learn more or read the full blog post on our website below: https://www.curiousneuron.com/childdevelopmentarticles/2022/8/14/are-we-overreacting-about-limiting-screen-time-in-toddlersSources:2020 meta-analysis also correlates evening screen time with poorer sleep outcomes in toddlers under 2 years old, but not preschoolers (Janssen 2020)Many people claim that can impact language development - this seems to be true when kids under the age of 2 watch too much television unsupervised (Alroqi 2022)Many studies show that increased screen time reduces sleep time and sometimes quality (Chindamo 2019)Our sponsors:Cindy Hovington is the co-founder of Wondergrade, an app that helps both children and parents develop emotion regulation skills. Download the Wondergrade App HERE and follow us on Instagram here @wondergradeThank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently.Please leave a rating for our podcast on iTunes!Join our community:Instagram: @curious_neuronWebsite: www.curiousneuron.comPodcast website: www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcastSupport 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

Send us a textToday's episode is a solo episode with Cindy Hovington, Ph.D. founder of Curious Neuron. With the new school year approaching, you might be wondering if your child is ready to either start school for the first time or to return. I walk you through 5 important skills you work on with your child (through play or conversation). These 5 skills have been suggested by research to be important for a child's academic success. Listen to this short episode and take your notepad out! Our sponsors:Cindy Hovington is the co-founder of Wondergrade, an app that helps both children and parents develop emotion regulation skills. Download the Wondergrade App HERE and follow us on Instagram here @wondergradeThank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently.Please leave a rating for our podcast on iTunes!Join our community:Instagram: @curious_neuronWebsite: www.curiousneuron.comPodcast website: www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcastSupport 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

Send us a textTrigger warning: pregnancy loss In today’s episode we meet with parents Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna, Broadway husbands, who started a family by choosing surrogacy. We start with learning a bit about the couple and how they decided to use surrogacy over other methods of conceiving. We talk about building a connection with the surrogate and the newborn. We also chat about the parenting roles in same sex couples, as well as the barriers faced when living in a difficult social climate. Stephen and Bret talk about their experience with a newborn and how they deal with Maverick’s emotions – I love how they totally balance each other out in terms of parenting style.  Join Bret and Stephen on Instagram or Facebook Check out their website: http://broadwayhusbands.com Book discussed in the episode: What Makes a BabySupport 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

Send us a textIn today’s episode, we chat with Susie Allison, M. Ed., a former teacher and creator of Busy Toddler (1.8 million followers!). We discuss boredom, what it is, why it’s important for our children’s development and how to respond to a bored child. We discuss how to introduce boredom to a child that is currently constantly engaged in a realistic way. Susie explains what child-led play is, and how parents can actually get things done while their children play ALONE. You heard it here – you don’t have to be your child’s entertainment! We talk about screen time, good toys for your children & what a truly educational toy really is. Tune in to hear why Susie hates the term “boredom buster” just as much as some people hate the word “moist”!About our guest:Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 1.7 million followers on Instagram. She's also a former kindergarten and first-grade teacher with a Master's in Early Childhood Education. Susie shares ideas and tips on playing, learning, and parenting that she's developed through years of experience as a teacher and parent.Follow Susie on Instagram @busytoddler or Facebook HEREVisit the Busy Toddler Website busytoddler.com for easy activity ideas for your kids and for Susie's very popular Playing Preschool book - a new way to preschool at home. This is a 190 day program of hands-on, play-based learning. EXPLORE MATH, READING, SCIENCE, ART + MUCH MORE!________________Resources: Study about what an educational toy is: The power of play: A pediatric role in enhancing development in young children HEREAtomic Habits Book HEREI am excited to announce that I am the new co-founder of Wondergrade! An app that helps your entire family with emotion regulation. Download the Wondergrade App HERE and follow us on Instagram here @wondergrade________________Our sponsors:Thank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently.Please leave a rating for our podcast on iTunes!Join our community:Instagram: @curious_neuronSupport 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

Send us a textIn today’s episode Dr. Rani Banik is here to discuss everything about the visual system and the brain. First, we focus on the development of the visual system, then speak about our children’s screen time and how to best initiate their visual development. We touch upon the types of light, whether blue light blockers are necessary and the dangers and/or benefits of sun gazing. Listen in to hear how to choose the right pair of sunglasses to protect your child’s eyes. Dr. Banik explains why it’s not only important to have your kids eat vegetables for physical health, but also for their eyes! Lastly, we discuss the true difference between headaches and migraines and how you can help yourself when you feel one.You can find Dr. Banik on Instagram Facebook group for vision, click hereFacebook group for migraines: click hereApps mentioned to reduce blue light: f.lux Iris TechThank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently.Please leave a rating for our podcast on iTunes!Join our community:Instagram: @curious_neuronWebsite: www.curiousneuron.comPodcast website: www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcastSupport 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

Send us a textIn today’s episode Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, registered psychologist, joins us to discuss aggressive behavior in children and how to mediate it. We discuss how to be curious about your child’s behavior – zooming out can be informative about why your child is being aggressive. Dr. Lapointe answers important questions like: How do parents play a part in their child’s aggressive behavior? Should you feel guilty when your child acts out? How can aggressive play be beneficial to your child’s development?Dr. Lapointe explains that how we were parented as children influences how we parent our own children. She talks about how parenting couples need to embody both firmness and kindness to maintain balance within the home. We also touch on the idea of the “good enough parent” and what that could look like. Lastly, we chat about how screentime and friend groups can play into aggressiveness and how to draw your children back to you while still letting them experience life. Join Dr. Lapointe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.vanessalapointe/  or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drvanessalapointe Visit her website: https://drvanessalapointe.com/ Check out her books: HEREHold on to your kids: HEREThank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently.Please leave a rating for our podcast on iTunes!Join our community:Instagram: @curious_neuronWebsite: www.curiousneuron.comPodcast website: www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcastSupport 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

Send us a textIn today's episode, I unpack a viral post on social media stating that Cocomelon is addictive. I know I am covering screen time for a second week in a row but when I posted about screen time on Instagram and used Cocomelon as an example of a TV that fit the criteria for quality TV shows, my DMs blew up! I address screen time for children under the age of 2 and answer these questions:-How much is too much screen time? -How screen time is excessive screen time?-What are the screen time rules in my home? -What can you do in your home if you just realized there is too much screen time? Today's episode is sponsored by: The team at Knowledge Kids (British Columbia's public broadcaster) has come out with a brand-new animated series for kids called Luna, Chip and Inkie: Adventure Rangers Go. It is their first original series and a great addition to their exciting slate of kids programming that includes Paw Patrol, Wild Kratts and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Luna, Chip and Inkie: Adventure Rangers Go is for 3-6-year-olds and is available free and commercial-free across Canada on the Knowledge Kids app and website (knowledgekids.ca). Within British Columbia, the series is also available to watch on television on the Knowledge Network station. In each episode, the trio of enthusiastic helpers tackle problems in their town, but not before they experience some hilarious flops that require them to look for different ways of unlocking a solution. Our heroes remind young viewers that even though they might feel overwhelmed as they face challenges, looking at the problem in a different way and having the resilience to try again are the keys to unlocking solutions. You can watch  Luna, Chip and Inkie: Adventure Rangers Go by clicking the link below:www.knowledgekids.ca You can watch the trailer here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psH4arXI5HUFacebook: @KnowledgeKidsInstagram: @Knowledge.Kids and @lunachipinkieSupport 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

Send us a textIn today’s episode, we chat with Cheryl Gotthelf, educator by trade and TV child development consultant. Cheryl shares her years of experience in terms of deciding whether a show is developmentally appropriate for a child. We discuss the criteria television channels evaluate to decide what age category to place a show. Take out your Curious Neuron notebooks because Cheryl gives us a list of questions to ask before deciding on a show to present to the children. We take some time to chat about screen time and positive/negative effects of spending time in front of a screen. We touch on the importance of balancing a busy schedule and trusting yourself as a parent. Most importantly, we speak about the amazing new Knowledge Kids television show “Luna, Chip & Inkie: Adventure Rangers Go”.Lastly, we discuss commercials and the appearance of fearful stimuli – are they bad for our kids?Resources from this episode:https://www.knowledgekids.ca/Luna, Chip & Inkie: https://www.knowledgekids.ca/videos/luna-chip-inkie TV Show rating platform: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ Thank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently.Please leave a rating for our podcast on iTunes!Join our community:Instagram: @curious_neuronWebsite: www.curiousneuron.comPodcast website: www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcastSupport 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

Send us a text3 tips or conversations I wish someone would have told me when I was expecting my first child. In today's episode, our host, Dr. Cindy Hovington, discusses some tips she wishes she would have received when she was expecting her first child. We often get advice as new parents. How should we hold our baby? How should we feed them? Where should they sleep? However, in today's episode, we move past this type of advice and dig deeper into what all new parents should think of. Thank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently.Please leave a rating for our podcast on iTunes!Join our community:Instagram: @curious_neuronWebsite: www.curiousneuron.comPodcast website: www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcastSupport 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

Send us a textTrigger warning: physical and sexual abuseIn today’s episode, we speak with two dads and men's mental health advocates Emmanuel Flores and therapist Travis Goodman, LMFT. We cover so many important topics, I think this is one of my favorite episodes. We talk about how men are often told to push their emotions under the carpet and be strong, while also being told they need to open up more. We highlight the importance of communication between couples, about your past, present, and future; it is so necessary to understand your partner’s behavior. Emmanuel shares with us his childhood experience, how it has influenced his parenting style, and how his wife helped him grow as a person. Travis gives us advice on how partners can support their men during their emotional growth journey. Take out your Curious Neuron notebooks, there’s so much great information here!Join Travis on his website https://www.therapy4dads.com/ and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/therapy4dads/ You can reach Emmanuel on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emmanuelfloresabad/ and join his men's safe space https://www.instagram.com/bronchclub/Resources mentioned in this episode:The Four Agreements: https://www.amazon.ca/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319 Justin Baldoni’s Man Enough movement https://manenough.com/ and book HERECheck out Curious Neuron episode 34 for more info https://www.curiousneuron.com/podcast/2021/9/16/ep-34-fatherhood-and-masculinity Thank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently.Please leave a rating for our podcast on iTunes!Join our community:Instagram: @curious_neuronWebsite: www.curiousneuron.comPodcast website: www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcastSupport 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