Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron

Cindy Hovington, Ph.D.

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. 

  1. ١١ أغسطس

    Is my child ready for kindergarten readiness? (emotionally)

    Send us a text Is your child ready for kindergarten from an emotional perspective? In this episode, Cindy discusses the emotional aspects of kindergarten readiness, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in children. She introduces the tripartite model of parental socialization, which highlights how parents' emotional coping, parenting styles, and conflict resolution impact children's emotional development. The conversation also covers practical strategies for parents to support their children's emotional growth and prepare them for school. Takeaways Kindergarten readiness involves emotional preparation, not just academic skills.Self-awareness is crucial for coping with emotions.Parents should model emotional regulation for their children.Understanding triggers helps children manage their emotions better.Emotional intelligence is built through conversations about feelings.Expecting children to be emotionally perfect is unrealistic.Parental emotional coping styles influence children's behavior.Setting boundaries while being sensitive is key in parenting.Conflict resolution in the home teaches children about emotions.Curiosity and relationship-building are essential for school readiness.Don't miss these podcast episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reflective-parenting-by-curious-neuron/id1440533170?i=1000720552759 https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reflective-parenting-by-curious-neuron/id1440533170?i=1000715100953 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...

    ٣٥ من الدقائق
  2. ٤ أغسطس

    A science-based tool that helps you shift your perspective (and build your resilience)

    Send us a text In this episode, we explore the idea of “shifting your lens” — a powerful metaphor grounded in science that helps parents understand how their interpretation of a situation shapes their emotional response. Drawing on the work of psychologist James Gross and his research on cognitive reappraisal, we break down how the lens you’re wearing (like blame, control, or shame) can fuel conflict and dysregulation, especially in moments of parenting stress. You’ll learn how to identify the lens you’re in, how to shift your lens to something more helpful (like curiosity or compassion), and how this shift not only supports your own regulation but also helps you model emotional intelligence for your child. Real-life parenting examples, practical tips, and reflection prompts will help you bring this tool into everyday moments even when things get messy. Read our blog post here: https://curiousneuron.com/2025/08/03/how-to-shift-your-lens-and-stay-calm-in-parenting-conflicts/ Read a science article: For Whom and What Does Cognitive Reappraisal Help? A Prospective Study Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TOURlBqtmIc 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...

    ٢٧ من الدقائق
  3. ٢٨ يوليو

    Can Parenting Style Differences Hurt Your Child? Here's What the Science Says

    Send us a text Are you following positive parenting but your partner is more authoritarian?  This is a common question I receive from parents and so in today's episode, I share a study that was fascinating to me.  In this solo episode, I talk about how you can address parenting differences with your partner without making them feel bad, I chat about the different parenting style and I answer the question of what the long-term impacts are to having different parenting styles.  Source: Differences in perceived parenting style between mothers and fathers: Implications for child outcomes and marital conflict. Read a blog post about this study on our website: https://curiousneuron.com/2025/07/28/can-parenting-style-differences-hurt-your-child-heres-what-the-science-says/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wpl1LkhK4B4?si=AfrHaOtasFd2529q Listen to this podcast to learn more about parenting styles: Nurturing a secure attachment with reflection skills The Science of Modern Parenting 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...

    ٣٢ من الدقائق
  4. ٢١ يوليو

    How does your child respond to stress in conflict?

    Send us a text Have you ever asked yourself this question?  In today's episode, I give you a different perspective on your child's behaviour....understanding how they respond to conflict. This is important because it impacts their behaviour in conflict (which is what we see when they "misbehave").  I hope you enjoy this solo episode! SOURCES: I look back at my conversation with Dr. Marc Brackett as well. You can listen to this episode below in case you missed it: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reflective-parenting-by-curious-neuron/id1440533170?i=1000640865943 Below is the article I mention "RSA reactivity to parent-child conflict as a predictor of dysregulated emotion and behavior in daily life"  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7908813/pdf/nihms-1668983.pdf The blog post related to this podcast: https://curiousneuron.com/2025/07/20/child-conflict-stress-response-behaviour/ Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NwH988IDIi4 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...

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  5. ١٤ يوليو

    I wish I were a more playful parent

    Send us a text In this episode of the Reflective Parenting Podcast, host Cindy Hovington delves into the transformative power of playfulness in parenting. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, Cindy explores how embracing play can enhance parent-child connections and support emotional development.  Discover practical tips to integrate play into daily routines, even when it feels challenging, and learn why joining your child's world can be a game-changer. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that encourages parents to let go of guilt and embrace the joy of play. Use CODE: PODCAST15 to get 15% off your first 3 months of the Reflective Parenting Club Resources: Study: Quality and Quantity: A Study of Father–Toddler Rough-and-Tumble Play Listen to my interview with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Amy Chiu: Supporting Emotional Development Through Play with Tina What happens when we let kids be kids with Amy 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...

    ٢٤ من الدقائق
  6. ٧ يوليو

    Invalidation in your relationship: Understanding the impact of dismissing emotions

    Send us a text In this podcast episode, I delve into invalidation and its significant impact on romantic relationships. I highlight common invalidating statements such as "Why are you upset?", "You're overreacting," or "Calm down," explaining that these make a partner feel their emotions are wrong, unjustified, or excessive. This can lead to increased frustration, shame, and a sense of being alone in their struggle, mirroring the hurt children feel when invalidated. I emphasize the importance of using validating alternatives, such as "I see that you're feeling upset. Can you tell me what's making you feel this way?" or "It sounds like you're feeling anxious right now. That must be really uncomfortable. How can I support you?". These phrases aim to make the partner feel seen and heard, fostering connection and reducing conflict. I then introduce a study on marital conflict behaviors, categorizing them into three styles: •Destructive: Includes actions like yelling, insults, criticism, or bringing up past issues. •Constructive: Involves calm discussion, active listening, saying nice things, or trying to make a spouse laugh. •Withdrawal: Entails disengaging, such as becoming quiet or leaving the situation. The study found that, as expected, husbands and wives who reported using more destructive behaviors had a higher rate of divorce. A particularly fascinating and counter-intuitive finding was that greater constructive behaviors among wives predicted greater divorce rates. Learn more in this episode! Listen to my conversation with author of Validation, Dr. Caroline Fleck: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reflective-parenting-by-curious-neuron/id1440533170?i=1000715100953 Read the full study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3777640/pdf/nihms494814.pdf 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...

    ٢٩ من الدقائق
  7. ٣٠ يونيو

    Psychologist shares how learning the skill of validation can transform your relationships

    Send us a text Do you ever wonder why your child’s big emotions feel so overwhelming—or why small conflicts with your partner can spiral? In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Dr. Caroline Fleck to unpack the skill of validation—what it is, why it matters, and how it can radically change the way you connect with yourself, your kids, and everyone you love. We explore what invalidation really sounds like (it’s often subtle) and why even well-meaning parents can accidentally shut down their child’s emotions. Dr. Fleck shares simple, powerful scripts for validating feelings without condoning hurtful behaviors, and we discuss research showing how invalidation increases the risk of mental health struggles and gets passed across generations. Whether you’re parenting a toddler or a teen—or just want more connected relationships—this episode will give you tools to break cycles of invalidation and build deeper trust through emotional clarity. Don’t miss this conversation—because learning to “validate the valid” might be the most important parenting skill you ever master. Sources: Caroline's Book: Validation (amazon.ca and amazon.com) Science Sources: Examining the intergenerational transmission of parental invalidation: Extension of the biosocial model Parental Validation and Invalidation Predict Adolescent Self- Harm 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...

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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. 

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