Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron
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/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Join 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
This episode will change how you see conflict.
We’re talking about the proven communication patterns that destroy connection and how to replace them with healthier ones.
You’ll learn:
- the Four Horsemen (with real examples)
- how the demand–withdraw cycle keeps couples stuck
- the shocking research: negative conflict literally slows wound healing
- how your nervous system shapes your reactions (before your thoughts do)
- 3 simple...
If you’ve ever wondered why you become a different version of yourself during conflict… this episode is going to change the way you see those moments forever.
I’m sitting down with psychologists and authors Rachel Samson and Dr. Jessie Stern to unpack the science beneath conflict: your attachment history, your temperament, your nervous system sensitivity, and how all of this shapes the way you argue, withdraw, pursue, ...
Ever wonder why some moments with your child feel effortless and deeply connected — while others leave you drained, reactive, or misunderstood? In this episode, we break down the science behind why.
Dr. Jessie Stern and psychologist Rachel Samson join Cindy to explore relational savoring — a simple yet powerful way to strengthen your bond by intentionally remembering moments of warmth, safety, and love. You’ll learn ho...
In today’s episode, Devon Kuntzman and I dive deep into what’s really happening inside your toddler’s brain when they lose it — and how you can respond without spiralling yourself.
We unpack why your child’s meltdowns aren’t your fault, what they’re trying to tell you through their behavior, and the simple mindset shift that will change how you see tantrums forever.
If you’ve ever thought, “Why is my child doing this to...
Last week, we uncovered how your child’s behaviour is really their nervous system communicating.
Today, we’re going deeper, inside the body, to explore the science of interoception, the hidden sense that helps us feel and understand our emotions.
My guest, Laura Petix, is back to break down how learning to tune into your body’s internal signals can transform the way you regulate emotions, set boundaries, and parent with...
You’ve heard the advice: “Teach your child to name their emotions.”
But what if the real secret to helping your child (and yourself) regulate emotions starts deeper inside the body?
In this episode, I sit down with pediatric occupational therapist Laura Petix (The OT Butterfly) to uncover what’s really going on when kids have meltdowns, get overstimulated, or shut down. Spoiler alert: it’s not about being “bad” or “defi...
Do you ever hear your child say things like, “I’m such a bad kid” or “I’ll never be good at this” and your heart sinks because you don’t know what to say?
You’re not alone. And this episode is about to change the way you respond.
Today, I’m sitting down with award-winning science journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer to talk about her latest book Hello, Cruel World, a toolkit for raising confident, resilient kids i...
Parents, this one is big.
Today we’re breaking down punishment vs discipline, what science says, how it impacts your child’s brain, and why so many of us feel stuck in the cycle of punishing even when we don’t want to.
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to yell, spank, or threaten…but it just slips out when I’m overwhelmed,” you are not alone.
Here’s what you’ll learn today:
What studies reveal about how spanking and h...
This episode will change how you see your child’s moods and how you respond to them.
If you’ve ever tiptoed around your child in the morning, worried the “wrong” cereal bowl or shirt will set off a meltdown, this conversation is for you.
Joining me is Dr. Alex Reed, pediatric clinical psychologist and mom of two, who has spent years helping families understand temperament, moodiness, and emotional regulation. Together, ...
This episode will inspire you to see music as a powerful tool for connection, healing, and everyday parenting.
It’s an invitation to play, sing, and create moments of joy with your children while learning how music can also soothe anxiety, ease transitions, and strengthen emotional bonds.
And it’s a behind-the-scenes look at the real science of music therapy – far beyond entertainment and how it can transform ...
I am going to be taking a short break.
Meanwhile, enjoy this replay of one of my favourite episodes with Dr. Mona Delahooke. If you have a young child that has tantrums or that acts out in ways you don't know how to support, this episode will help you understand how to support your child in these challenging moments.
Learn more from Dr. Delahooke below:
Join our Refle...
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 emotio...
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...
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 imp...
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 lis...
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 you...
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 ...
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...
with Amy Chiu
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be tough to slow down and truly let kids be kids. We often get caught up in schedules, expectations, and the pressure to “make learning happen.” But what if the most powerful learning happens when we pause, play, and simply show up with presence?
In this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington speaks with early childhood expert Amy Chiu about the magic of free play and the importan...
In today's solo episode, I share a little more of my personal story with the hopes of helping you feel validated, less alone or even empowered.
Father's Day (or even Mother's Day) can be difficult when you have a parent that is alive yet you have no idea where they are because they left your family decades ago.
They knew you existed and they chose to leave you.
I share a little more about my childhood a...
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