

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

Mar 3, 2025 • 47min
How the connection recession is impacting parents with Rich Woo
Send us a textDiscover 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 relationships • Strategies to combat loneliness, especially for new parents • The value of intentional community engagement in maintaining friendships • Addressing barriers like fear of rejection and time management • The need for proactive communication in sustaining bonds Get his book here:In Canada or in the US. Follow him Rich on Instagram here. Support the showRecord your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Learn how to become a Reflective Parent! A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join the next FREE webinar about stress management and parenting: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b 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

Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 12min
How to build resilience in children by allowing them to fail with Jessica Lahey
Send us a textWe 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 children's autonomy • Emphasizing the process of learning rather than the end result • Strategies for fostering independence in children • The role of parental expectations and societal pressures • Practical tips for promoting resilience and problem-solving skills • Real-life examples demonstrating the advantages of allowing mistakes • Resources for parents to further explore these conceptsResearch on overparenting:https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s43076-024-00407-x.pdfWatch this on YouTube:https://youtu.be/btVcqD9AQU8Get The Gift of Failure:Canada or the USFollow Jessica on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/teacherlahey/Support the showRecord your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Learn how to become a Reflective Parent! A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join the next FREE webinar about stress management and parenting: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b 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

Feb 17, 2025 • 33min
Am I escalating this situation with my child?
Send us a textUnderstanding 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 • Identifying and managing parental triggers • Sharing a personal story about a challenging parenting moment • Discussing the impact of emotional regulation on children • Highlighting the importance of self-awareness and reflection in parenting • Exploring the unique emotional needs of each child • Encouraging connection as a solution in difficult moments • Suggesting practical techniques for parents to foster understanding and communication • Recommending engagement in the Reflective Parent Club for deeper supportSupport the showRecord your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Learn how to become a Reflective Parent! A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join the next FREE webinar about stress management and parenting: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b 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

Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 10min
Supporting emotional development through play with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
Send us a textThe 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 development• Importance of parental emotional well-being• Practical strategies for incorporating play into parenting• Understanding play as a tool for resilience building• The role of scaffolding in teaching emotional management• Encouraging open conversations about feelings through play• Modelling emotional regulation for children in real-life scenariosSources:Get The Way of Play on Amazon in Canada or Amazon in the USFollow Dr. Bryson on Instagramhttps://www.tinabryson.com/Support the showRecord your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Learn how to become a Reflective Parent! A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join the next FREE webinar about stress management and parenting: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b 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

Feb 3, 2025 • 56min
The power of connection in addiction treatment with Travis Goodman
Send us a textIn 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 conversation emphasizes the need for connection and vulnerability as antidotes to shame and isolation often associated with addiction. In this conversation, Travis Goodman, LMFT, discusses the critical role of connection in healing from addiction, particularly for men. He emphasizes the importance of building support systems, whether through therapy or community, and the need for safe spaces where men can express vulnerability and accountability. The discussion also covers navigating denial in loved ones struggling with addiction, setting boundaries, and the significance of changing the narrative around addiction to foster understanding and empathy.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FDUyGUYBH5QResources:Follow Travis on Instagram @integratedmanprojectJoin the next cohort of the Men's Collective with Travis herePrivate coaching or counselling with Travis hereIn the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction hereEditorial:Support the showRecord your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Learn how to become a Reflective Parent! A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join the next FREE webinar about stress management and parenting: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b 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 27, 2025 • 44min
How to parent yourself first and break unhealthy cycles with Bryana Kappadakunnel
Send us a textThis 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 emotional health • The role of connection in nurturing healthy relationships • Practical strategies for engaging with emotions • Defining and communicating boundaries effectively • Navigating partner dynamics in the parenting journey • The need for compassion and curiosity in parenting conversationsPurchase Bryana's new book, Parent Yourself First:In Canada or the USFollow Bryana on Instagram (@consciousmommy)Visit her website to learn more from her:https://www.consciousmommySupport the showRecord your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Learn how to become a Reflective Parent! A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join the next FREE webinar about stress management and parenting: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b 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 20, 2025 • 25min
Moving away from positive parenting and towards reflective parenting
Send us a textThis 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 awareness and self-regulation • Addressing perfectionism in parenting and its impacts • Promoting reflection as a tool for growth and understanding • Introducing the new structure of the Reflective Parent Club program • Encouraging parents to define what "good enough" means for them • Calling for compassion and flexibility in parenting practicesWatch this on YouTube:https://youtu.be/PbnlJ7IUkR4Support the showRecord your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Learn how to become a Reflective Parent! A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join the next FREE webinar about stress management and parenting: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b 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 13, 2025 • 29min
How to talk to children about the Los Angeles wildfires with Dr. Tamara Soles
Send us a textOpen 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 the fires or those that are hearing about it. • Importance of initiating conversations about crises with children • Assessing children's current understanding of events • Fostering empathy through reflective questioning • Addressing children's fears by discussing safety measures • Balancing parental emotions with children's emotional needs • Engaging in community service to help children process feelings • Recognizing signs of trauma in children’s behavior • Establishing routines to provide normalcy • Prioritizing self-care for parents during challenging timesHere is a growing directory of 500+ providers offering pro bono services for individuals impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uAMVz8TQMzShQeuEA6kmOP0jyRN7qe1Iiqb6JOLTPqg/edit?gid=303232729#gid=303232729Helpful article in the LA Times:https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-11/kids-wildfire-losses-experts-eaton-palisades-fireListen to my conversation with research Dr. Susan King (from McGill University) to learn how natural disasters can impact expecting moms and their babies (and how to mitigate the stress). https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/curious-neuron-with-dr-cindy-hovington/id1440533170?i=1000502669619Support the showRecord your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Learn how to become a Reflective Parent! A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join the next FREE webinar about stress management and parenting: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b 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 6, 2025 • 1h 2min
Understanding and Managing Emotional Triggers for Mindful Parenting with Dr. Sarah Bren
Send us a textREPLAY 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 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/Yes, the Reflective Parent Club is STILL on sale. Don't miss out! https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/the-reflective-parent-club-3-month-plan?coupon_code=CYBER30Get Meltdown Mountain: https://curiousneuron.com/shop/Support the showRecord your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Learn how to become a Reflective Parent! A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join the next FREE webinar about stress management and parenting: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b 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 30, 2024 • 1h 25min
Strengthening Family Connections through Self-Regulation With Dr. Bruce Perry (Replay)
Send us a textThe 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 gatherings with realistic expectations • The role of community support and resources in parenting • Understanding brain development through the hierarchy of functions • Importance of rupture and repair in parent-child relationships • Fostering resilience through connectedness and shared experiences • Overcoming the stigma of parenting struggles and being proactive Leave a rating and review for the podcast. Rate the podcast, leave a review and just send me an email. Let me know that you did it and I will send you Meltdown Mountain, which is a printable that you can put right up on your fridge and have the language to talk to your child about emotional awareness and what it feels like to be dysregulated.Support the showRecord your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Learn how to become a Reflective Parent! A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join the next FREE webinar about stress management and parenting: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b 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