
Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron
A parenting podcast that doesn't tell you HOW to parent your own child. We teach you how to think during parenting challenges and help you build emotional intelligence skills to lower your stress and help you cope with those challenging emotions that come with parenting.Neuroscientist, Dr. Cindy Hovington can help you parent your child with confidence and feel competent by helping you understand your triggers, recognize and break your emotional patterns and teach you how to model healthy emotional coping skills for your child. Cindy is the founder and CEO of Curious Neuron, is an internationally recognized emotional well-being resource for parents with their evidence-based educational content being consumed in over 70 countries! She is a leading thought expert in emotion regulation and parental well-being as well as an international speaker on well-being and emotional development in children. The goal of this podcast is to help parents gain awareness of their emotional triggers, build your confidence as a parent, understand how their past influences behavioural patterns they can stuck in and help them learn how to model healthy emotional coping skills for their children. We do this by discussing the science of emotional intelligence and effective parenting practices. Join us every Monday for conversations with leading researchers and best selling authors in parental well-being, childhood adversity, attachment, emotional development, stress management and emotion regulation skills. Past guests include Dr. Bruce Perry, Dr. Marc Brackett and best-selling authors Dr. Ramani Durvasula and Stephanie Harrison.Join me and become a Reflective Parent! Subscribe today not to miss next week's episode! To learn more from Curious Neuron or to join The Reflective Parent Club, visit www.curiousneuron.com.Follow us on Instagram @curious_neuron.
Latest episodes

Aug 12, 2024 • 19min
Why is parenting hard for me but it seems so easy for my partner? It's frustrating!
Send us a textI had an interesting conversation with a parent that felt frustrated because parenting felt like a struggle for her while it seemed so easy for her partner. Can you relate?I thought it would be interesting to break this down and think of a way we could reflect on this.If you can relate to this, don't miss this quick episode! More ways to build emotion regulation skills with Curious Neuron! Record your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Start your 7 day FREE trial of the Reflective Parent Club 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 our FREE Monthly Parental Well-Being Webinar Series: 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 FREE Kids Activity: Help! My Emotions Are Confusing Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting F...

Aug 5, 2024 • 26min
How your well-being of today could impact your relationship with your future teen
Send us a textI read this fascinating article that looked at parental well-being of parent with teens. This article reminded me of a few things that I think you should know as well. There are lots of things we should be working on today that can have an influence on our well-being when our kids become teens. Life's purpose, our relationship and conflict resolution skills are talked about and I give you a few reflection prompts. Here is the article I talk about:Predictors of Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents' ParentsRead a FULL SUMMARY of this article on the Curious Neuron website:Join the waitlist for The Reflective Parent Club (launching in September):https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664 Chat with me:https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindyJoin this week's FREE webinar:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/9cf4e76674Thank you for being here my dear friend! See you next week!Cindy xxMore ways to build emotion regulation skills with Curious Neuron! Record your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Start your 7 day FREE trial of the Reflective Parent Club 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 our FREE Monthly Parental Well-Being Webinar Series: 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 FREE Kids Activity: Help! My Emotions Are Confusing Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting F...

Jul 29, 2024 • 23min
How would you score on a well-being test?
Send us a textIn this episode, Cindy discusses the topic of psychological well-being and the importance of nurturing different domains of well-being. She introduces the six domains of psychological well-being according to Dr. Carol Ryff: self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth. Cindy emphasizes the significance of these domains for parents and encourages listeners to reflect on their own well-being and identify areas that may need attention. She also shares her vision for the Reflective Parent Club membership and upcoming webinars on values and mindfulness.TakeawaysPsychological well-being encompasses different domains, including self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth.Parents should reflect on their own well-being and identify areas that may need attention and nurturing.Nurturing psychological well-being is important for parents to show up for their children and maintain healthy relationships.Cindy introduces the Reflective Parent Club membership and upcoming webinars on values and mindfulness.Resources and Links:Schedule a call with me and help me reach 100 conversations with parents:https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindyGet your free "Assess my psychological well-being" workbook:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/553fa4ceadJoin the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club (launching in September):https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664Join our FREE webinar called Redefining your purpose and discovering your values:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/9cf4e76674More ways to build emotion regulation skills with Curious Neuron! Record your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Start your 7 day FREE trial of the Reflective Parent Club 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 our FREE Monthly Parental Well-Being Webinar Series: 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 FREE Kids Activity: Help! My Emotions Are Confusing Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting F...

Jul 22, 2024 • 26min
It's easier to be angry than sad: Tips to support your child (and yourself)
Send us a textRegardless of being a child or an adult, it is much easier to express anger than sadness. Something happened the other day with one of my kids that helped me realize I had missed this in my own child. There "easily upset" behaviour was actually them feeling sad about something. This episode outlines the conversation I had with my child, gives you tips to teach your child emotion regulation skills and a reflection prompt to understand your own anger if you get upset very easily. This week in the Reflective Parent Club, we are talking about triggers. We are testing this membership all summer, but don't miss out on the September launch. Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club below:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664Jump on a Zoom call with me (I am on a mission to speak with 100 parents):https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindySource:https://curiousneuron.com/2024/07/20/understanding-and-supporting-your-childs-emotion-regulation/More ways to build emotion regulation skills with Curious Neuron! Record your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Start your 7 day FREE trial of the Reflective Parent Club 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 our FREE Monthly Parental Well-Being Webinar Series: 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 FREE Kids Activity: Help! My Emotions Are Confusing Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting F...

Jul 16, 2024 • 24min
Building Confidence as a Parent
The podcast delves into topics such as parental self-efficacy, confidence building, setting high standards, and self-awareness in parenting. It emphasizes the importance of feeling connected and supported as a parent, reflecting on one's level of confidence, and recognizing areas for improvement in parenting.

Jul 8, 2024 • 15min
When you feel like a shitty parent for giving your child a consequence...
Setting boundaries in parenting can be a real challenge, yet essential for building respect and trust. The host shares a personal story that highlights the emotional conflict parents often feel when enforcing rules. Reflection prompts are provided to guide parents through their discomfort and empower their approach. A supportive community initiative is introduced, aiming to connect parents and share experiences. Ultimately, boundaries should be established with love, demonstrating both strength and care.

Jul 1, 2024 • 49min
Understanding and Addressing Child Deception with Dr. Victoria Talwar
Send us a textIn this conversation, Cindy Hovington interviews Victoria Talwar about the topic of lying in children. They discuss the development of lying in children, the different types of lies, and the role of parents in teaching honesty. They also touch on the importance of modeling honesty and the impact of lies on trust. The conversation provides guidance for parents on how to handle lies and teach honesty to children of different ages. In this conversation, Victoria Talwar discusses the topic of children lying and provides insights on how parents can effectively address and understand this behavior. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on honesty rather than just discouraging lying. Talwar suggests using stories and examples to teach children about honesty and its positive consequences. She also advises parents to create a warm and supportive environment that encourages open communication and trust. Additionally, she highlights the significance of understanding the motivation behind a child's lie and seeking professional help if lying becomes persistent or problematic.TakeawaysChildren's ability to lie is a sign of cognitive development and understanding of different perspectives.Young children's lies may not always be intentional and can be a result of wish fulfillment or acquiescence.Parents play a crucial role in modeling honesty and should reflect on their own honesty habits.Lies can impact trust, and it is important for parents to consider the consequences of their own lies.Teaching honesty involves having conversations with children, setting clear expectations, and addressing both the lie and the transgression.White lies can be a complex topic, and parents should consider the values they want to teach their children about honesty and kindness. Focus on teaching children about honesty rather than just discouraging lying.Use stories and examples to illustrate the importance of honesty and its positive consequences.Create a warm and supportive environment that encourages open communication and trust.Understand the motivation behind a child's lie and address it accordingly.Seek professional help if lying becomes persistent or problematic.Join the waitlist for The Reflective Parent Club:httMore ways to build emotion regulation skills with Curious Neuron! Record your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Start your 7 day FREE trial of the Reflective Parent Club 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 our FREE Monthly Parental Well-Being Webinar Series: 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 FREE Kids Activity: Help! My Emotions Are Confusing Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting F...

Jun 24, 2024 • 19min
You don't have to re-create a "new you": focus on getting to know yourself instead
Send us a textConstantly striving for an idealized version of yourself might not be as beneficial as it seems. Do you ever wonder if the endless pursuit of self-improvement is actually doing more harm than good? Join me, as I challenge the pervasive self-help culture that pressures us into relentless self-improvement. Inspired by an enlightening anecdote from Phil Knight's "Shoe Dog," I'll highlight the value of embracing our inherent traits and accepting our flaws. Discover how true self-acceptance can lead to healthier mindsets and better relationships, without the overwhelming pressure to be someone you're not.In this episode, we'll also explore practical ways to reflect on self-improvement without feeling overwhelmed. Learn how simple tools, like using the word "because," can help you identify and understand the root causes of your stress. I'll share insights on making small, manageable improvements by recognizing your strengths and focusing on what you don't need to change. Plus, stay tuned for a sneak peek into our next episode where we'll dive into the intriguing world of lying and truth-telling with a researcher from McGill University. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful discussions!Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664Schedule a 20 min chat with me:https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindyMore ways to build emotion regulation skills with Curious Neuron! Record your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Start your 7 day FREE trial of the Reflective Parent Club 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 our FREE Monthly Parental Well-Being Webinar Series: 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 FREE Kids Activity: Help! My Emotions Are Confusing Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting F...

Jun 17, 2024 • 37min
The Power of Connection and Community for Dads with Chris Rodack
Send us a textIn this conversation, Chris discusses his personal journey of transformation and how he helps dads improve their lives. He shares his experience of going through phases of discipline and inconsistency, and how he reached a point of dissatisfaction that motivated him to make a change. Chris emphasizes the importance of connection and the power of a supportive community in helping dads overcome their struggles. He also addresses the challenges that arise in relationships when one partner is working on self-improvement while the other is not, and the need for open and effective communication in these situations. The conversation explores the importance of commitment in relationships and the impact of mental health on fathers. It emphasizes the need for self-care and personal growth, as well as breaking cycles of negative behavior. The role of community and support in improving mental well-being is highlighted.TakeawaysPersonal transformation requires discipline and consistency.Connection and support from a community are crucial for overcoming struggles.Open and effective communication is essential in relationships.Friction and discomfort can lead to growth and positive change. Commitment in relationships requires saying yes or no forever, rather than questioning compatibility during arguments.Focusing on discipline and physical well-being can lead to better overall well-being.Self-care involves internal work and dialogue, not just external activities like going to the spa.Breaking cycles of negative behavior requires self-reflection, journaling, therapy, and support from others.Building a community of like-minded individuals can provide accountability and help in personal growth.More ways to build emotion regulation skills with Curious Neuron! Record your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Start your 7 day FREE trial of the Reflective Parent Club 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 our FREE Monthly Parental Well-Being Webinar Series: 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 FREE Kids Activity: Help! My Emotions Are Confusing Email: info@curiousneuron.com 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting F...

Jun 10, 2024 • 22min
Have you been feeling disconnected lately? Here are 3 tips to reconnect.
Feeling disconnected lately? You're not alone! Many parents report losing touch with themselves and their partners. A recent trip to Italy sparked insights on the vital need for intentional connections in relationships. Discover practical tips to strengthen bonds with loved ones. Plus, there's an exciting initiative aimed at building a supportive community for parents. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of connection and reflection!