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
Feb 5, 2021 • 1h 27min
Embracing Neurodiversity with Beck Spectrum
Send us a textIf we want to learn more about people we share this planet with, we need to start listening to each other. Whether it is mental health or Autism, our journey to reduce stigma around these starts by listening to those who are living with these conditions. I wanted to interview an Autism person for the topic of neurodiversity so that we could begin to listen and learn. What is neurodiversity? How has a woman with Autism experienced life differently than neurotypical people? I learned a lot from Beck and I hope you do as well. To access the resources mentioned by Beck, click the link below:https://www.curiousneuron.com/podcast/2021/2/4/episode-21-embracing-neurodiversity-with-beck-spectrumIf you are enjoying the Curious Neuron Podcast, please leave a review and rate it on iTunes. You can visit us at www.curiousneuron.com to read our blog posts, join our membership, purchase parenting guides at our shop, or sign up for our free weekly parenting support groups called Family Meetings.You can email me at info@curiousneuron.com if you have any questions. 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
Jan 21, 2021 • 1h 19min
Cultivating a secure attachment with our child with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
Send us a textHave you ever wondered, “How do I know if I am providing secure attachment?”. This episode is for you if you have ever asked yourself, “Why does my child cry when I leave?” or “Am I giving her too much attention?”. Does this mean you do not have a good attachment? Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and I dig deep into this topic and dispel the misconceptions of attachment. We also highlight the importance of making repairs in your relationships and the power of showing up. No matter what age you are, it is never too late to develop a secure attachment!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
Jan 7, 2021 • 57min
The gut-brain connection in children with Dr. Bridget Callaghan
Send us a textIn today’s episode we discuss the connection between our brain and our gut. Have you ever had a “gut feeling” or butterflies in your stomach? Ever had an upset stomach when you were nervous? There really is a connection between our gut and our brain. In this episode we discuss whether probiotics are helpful to boost our gut health, how our microbiota is formed as infants, the link between mental health and our gut health and the role of diet in maintaining a healthy gut.To access our Dr. Callaghan's studies and read the key points of this episode click below:https://www.curiousneuron.com/podcast/2021/1/5/ep-19To join our membership, click below:https://www.patreon.com/curiousneuronTo join our 12-week better me, better parent challenge, click below:https://www.curiousneuron.com/bettermebetterparentJoin us on Instagram @curious_neuronLeave a rating and review on iTunes to support our podcast.Email me at info@curiousneuron.com for comments and questions (or to say hello!)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
Dec 17, 2020 • 53min
Stress during pregnancy with Dr. Suzanne King
Send us a textIn today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Suzanne King, a scientific researcher from McGill University in Montreal. We discussed stress during pregnancy. Given the pandemic, many expecting moms might be going through lots of stress. Although it might be worrisome to think of what this stress can lead to, the take-home message of this episode is that we need to look for ways to minimize our stress and after the baby is born, we can create a stimulating environment for the baby to minimize the impact. Please rate and leave a review on iTunes to help support our podcast.Join us every Monday night at 8:30pm ET for a free parenting webinar we like to call the Family Meeting. If you would like access to all the replay's of these Family Meetings, you can become a member at https://www.patreon.com/curiousneuronJoin us on Instagram @curious_neuronIf you have any questions email Cindy at info@curiousneuron.comTo read the episode summary or to access Dr. King's research articles visit out website:https://www.curiousneuron.com/podcast/2020/12/15/episode-18-stress-during-pregnancy-with-dr-susanne-kingSupport 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
Dec 3, 2020 • 54min
Interest-led learning and homeschooling with Jen Lumanlan
Send us a textIn today’s episode, I chat with Jen about homeschooling. Many of us have been homeschooling our children because of Covid. We might have the idea that homeschooling means sitting at a desk for hours and hours on end. We might feel that a child doesn’t socialize enough if they are homeschooling. Jen and I chat about some of these misconceptions around homeschooling and we dive into interest-led learning. 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 17, 2020 • 1h 15min
Positive parenting with Yehudis Smith: What is the best way to discipline my child?
Send us a text(missing intro from previous version has been added!)When we think of disciplining our children, we often think of punishing them for their bad behavior. However, this doesn't teach our child what to do when they are frustrated or which behaviour is appropriate when they are mad. My guest today, Yehudis Smith (Author of Rethinking Discipline) teaches us about conscious parenting. Learn how we should discipline our child according to conscious parenting. If you are enjoying this podcast please rate this podcast and leave a review. Thanks for listening! For more info visit curiousneuron.comSupport 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
Jul 14, 2020 • 44min
How does a father nurture their child’s development?
Send us a textFathers play an important role in a child’s development. Some are similar to a mother’s such that research shows that when a father is sensitive to their child’s needs, it helps a child build their emotional skills and even helps them with academics later on. The roles are different such that when a father plays in a more risky way with their child. it helps build their confidence and autonomy because they learn how to push their boundaries. In this episode, I chatted with Patrick Greenwood, Founder & Inventor at Kontu www.kontukids.com, to learn a little more about how he invented a toy to help teach his daughter math skills in preschool.To access the articles I mentioned in this episode, visit:https://www.curiousneuron.com/podcast/2020/7/14/episode-15-father-play-and-child-developmentSupport 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
Jun 11, 2020 • 41min
Why are rules important for my child's development?
Send us a textBoundaries (also called limits or rules) are more important than we might think. They give children a sense of security, even if might think so given that they love to push boundaries! In today’s episode, I chat with Jess, a therapist and founder of Our Mama Village. She provides examples of boundaries, how to set them, reinforce them and how to control our own emotions when boundaries are pushed. Boundaries are linked to the parenting style called Authoritative parenting. I provide the details of a study that describes 4 different parenting styles (See resources below) and how authoritative parenting leads to a child feeling more confident during academic challenges.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 29, 2020 • 58min
School readiness is not about ABC's and 123's
Send us a textIs your child about to start Kindergarten? Have you ever wondered if they are ready to begin school? Which skills do they need to succeed not only in Kindergarten, but throughout their academic life? This week’s guest is Rebecca Weiner. She is an educational consultant and specializes in play-based learning. Rebecca and I discuss important brain skills that have been suggested, according to research, to be pivotal to a child’s academic success. Executive functions, self-regulation, resilience, problem solving skills, emotional and social skills and more. What is the best way to develop these skills? Through play!Join Curious Neuron on Instagram @curious_neuronResources for this episode can be found on our website here:https://www.curiousneuron.com/podcast/2020/5/28/episode-13-school-readiness-is-not-about-abcs-and-123sGet a free 9 page handout to help you teach your child how to play independently here:https://mailchi.mp/186208c5732d/independent-playSupport 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 14, 2020 • 1h 3min
Motor milestones in babies 0-12 months
Send us a textIn today’s episode, we are talking about motor milestones in babies! Why is tummy time important? Why is it important for a baby not to skip crawling? What are some head-shape abnormalities? When should a baby start turning, crawling, or walking? What is W-sitting?Visit us at curiousneuron.com for more info about child development and learning! Join us on Instagram @curious_neuron to quizzes about brain development, Live interviews with experts in pediatrics, summaries of research studies, play ideas, and more! 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
