

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

Jun 6, 2022 • 55min
Parental & workplace burnout with Shelley Kemmerer PA-C & Dr. Jaclyn Margolis
Send us a textIn today’s episode we chat with two experts about burnout. Dr. Jaclyn Margolis, PhD explains how to manage and prevent burnout in the workplace. Meanwhile Shelley Kemmerer, PA-C, sheds light on parental burnout and how to maintain wellbeing at home when demand is higher than your resources. We learn about the main symptoms of this syndrome and how to recognize when your stress has turned into burnout. Shelley helps us understand how family planning is burnout prevention while Jaclyn explains how to deal with an unmanageable expectations and setting boundaries at work. We talk about realistic ways to include self-care in your routine to restore your energy.Research paper discussed: The biology & consequences of burnout Join Shelley on Instagram and TikTok Visit the Run Tell Mom WebsiteJoin Jaclyn on Instagram~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

May 30, 2022 • 26min
Being a parent is similar to being a CEO
Send us a textI think that being a parent is similar to being a CEO of a company. You need to be a great leader, you need to understand the members of your team and communicate goals and strategies you want them to execute. Listen to today's episode to get 3 tips that will change how you feel and think as a parent. Take out your Curious Neuron notebooks! 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: https://www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcast 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

May 23, 2022 • 50min
Can a child's teeth predict their mental health with Dr. Erin Dunn
Send us a textTrigger warning: early life stress, child abuse, spousal abuse.In today’s episode, we speak to Dr. Erin Dunn, social and psychiatric epidemiologist at Harvard University. We discuss the difference between stress, early life adversity, and childhood trauma. We learn about the long-term effects of adversity and what parents can do to mediate or buffer them. Dr. Dunn answers questions from the audience using scientific research as evidence. My favorite part of the episode is talking about TEETH! But why teeth? Dr. Dunn studies the layers within your child’s baby teeth to understand how early life stress can be recorded in tooth development. This discussion is absolutely fascinating, I’m so sure you’re going to love it! If you’re interested in donating your child’s teeth, visit https://teethforscience.com/ e-mail Dr. Dunn edunn2@mgh.harvard.edu or visit Dr. Dunn's website http://www.thedunnlab.comFollow the Dunn Lab for updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheDunnLab Twitter https://twitter.com/ErinDunnScDInstagram @thesciencetoothfairySupport 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

May 16, 2022 • 60min
How to teach young children to think critically with Julie Bogart
Send us a textIn today’s episode, we are joined by Julie Bogart, author of Raising Critical Thinkers and The Brave Learner. We all know the story of the three little pigs, but have you heard it from the wolf’s perspective? Every story has two sides, Julie explains how we can use simple storytelling and poems to introduce the concept of critical thinking to our young children. She urges parents to stop with the “parental propaganda” and allow children to collect their own data and draw conclusions for themselves. Getting your kids to cooperate boils down to understanding why your child doesn’t want to cooperate, what is the WHY behind the meltdown? We take some time to understand the baby steps of learning to read and really realize how important reading is for success in all subjects. Julie has a very interesting stance on how important homework and testing are, tune in to see if you agree!“Follow your child but follow as his leader” – Maria MontessoriYou can join Julie:https://bravewriter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BraveWriter The Brave Learner: https://thebravelearner.com/ Raising Critical Thinkers: https://raisingcriticalthinkers.com/ Books mentioned in this episode: Pedagogy of the Oppressed HERERaising Critical Thinkers by Julie Bogart HEREThe Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life by Julie Bogart 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

May 9, 2022 • 57min
The importance of community when you have a neurodivergent child
Send us a textIn today’s episode, we are joined by Megan Champion M. Ed. Teacher, and mother of 3. She shares with us her journey being a mother to a neurodivergent child and we learn the difference between tantrums and meltdowns and define what sensory sensitivities are. Megan sheds light on how she would like mothers of neurodivergent and neurotypical children to support each other and explains what she looks for in parenting advice platforms online. She gives us an insight into how to beat “mom guilt”. Tune in to find out why Cindy labels her kids as air, water, and fire and understand what parenting the “Champion way” means. Today’s episode is all about giving yourself a break and doing what works best at the moment. Join Megan and other mothers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/on.the.hard.days/?hl=en Mother Together support group: https://www.ontheharddays.com/motherstogether On the hard day's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-hard-days/id1551044106 TILT parenting podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tilt-parenting-raising-differently-wired-kids/id1102055778 The explosive child “what you could do”: https://www.amazon.ca/Explosive-Child-Understanding-Frustrated-Chronically/dp/0062270451 The Highly Sensitive Person: https://hsperson.com/books/the-highly-sensitive-child/ 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: https://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

May 2, 2022 • 20min
This will change how you view your child's behavior
Send us a textIn today's solo episode with Cindy, she helps you view your child's behavior in a way that will help you be more compassionate. It is easy to see whining, tantrums, hitting, yelling, and talking back as disruptive or bad behaviors, but when you add the word "because" after you describe their behavior....it sheds light on something very important. Listen to this episode to find out more. 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: https://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

Apr 25, 2022 • 53min
Parenting that focuses on mutual respect with Alyson Schafer
Send us a textIn today’s episode, we chat with Alyson Schafer, one of Canada’s leading parenting experts. Have you ever heard of Adlerian or democratic parenting? If not, this episode will teach you all about Alfred Adler’s parenting strategies founded on mutual respect. Alyson discusses how important it is to regulate your own emotions and learn to be uncomfortable so you can better parent your child. We touch on the importance of “me time” whether it be alone or with your children, and how therapy can be very beneficial. Overall, we discuss how parenting has changed over the years and where it's heading.For more resources, you can head to Alyson’s website https://alysonschafer.com/ where you can find a free “Home Responsibilities By Age” tip sheet.Parenting Teens Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alysonschafersparentingteens/ Books mentioned in this episode:Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers https://www.amazon.ca/Why-Zebras-Dont-Ulcers-Stress-Related/dp/0805073698 Atomic Habits https://www.amazon.ca/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 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

Apr 18, 2022 • 1h 27min
Encore: Eating real food during and after pregnancy with Lily Nichols
Send us a textWhat does "eat well" during pregnancy really mean? What is the difference between micro and macronutrients, and how to make sure my body is getting everything it needs to make sure my baby is developing well? What are the best foods, and what to avoid, according to recent research? Can I trust the conventional prenatal guidelines when it comes to nutrition? I am getting enough protein in my prenatal diet? What is choline, and why is important for fetus development? What about food cravings, what do they mean (and should I listen to them)? What if I crave junk food? If I follow a vegetarian or vegan diet during pregnancy, will my baby get all the nutrients he/she needs? What is gestational diabetes and what can I do to prevent it? Joins us as we chat with Lily Nichols, a registered dietitian/nutritionist, and certified diabetes educator to learn more about nutrition before, during, and after pregnancy. This is the most downloaded episode thus far for the Curious Neuron Podcast which is why we are sharing it with you again. Learn more about Lily on our website here:https://www.curiousneuron.com/podcast/2021/5/19/ep-27-real-food-and-nutrition-with-lily-nichols?rq=lilyFollow Curious Neuron on Instagram at @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

Apr 11, 2022 • 19min
Teaching children about gratitude
Send us a textIn today’s episode, I am solo and I discuss an article I found that explains how to teach children about gratitude. Reminding our children to say thank you when they receive a gift isn’t as impactful as we might think! We also need to keep in mind a child's development, we can’t expect a 3-year-old to say thank you every time! Take out your note pads because at the end of this episode I give you tips you can apply today!I also share a story from my home. If you have a child that looks up to their older sibling and does everything they do, you will want to listen to the first 7 minutes of this episode!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: https://www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcastResources:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286063379_Benefits_Mechanisms_and_New_Directions_for_Teaching_Gratitude_to_Childrenhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CGQS72oBGoJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkSupport 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

Apr 4, 2022 • 59min
Why parents should be child advocates with Anna Skates
Send us a textIn today’s episode, we speak with Anna Skates, a child and family advocate, parent coach, and founder of Otterly. In a world where our kids are rarely considered, we need to take a step back and see them as human beings experiencing life. Why is my kid reacting this way? How is my kid experiencing this moment? Anna gives us some important mantras that can be repeated daily to improve how we react and understand heated moments. She explains why we need to be curious about how our child is experiencing the world and what we can do to support them.Kids are human and they deserve respect.Anna can be reached on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_skates/ Website: https://www.annaskates.co/ You can find more information about her company here:https://www.otter.ly/ https://www.instagram.com/otter.ly/ Please take a moment to rate and review our podcast on iTunes. Send us proof of your review by email at info@curiousneuron.com or on Instagram at @curious_neuron and we will send you a free product from our online shop. 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