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
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:
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...
with Daisy Dowling
Balancing work and parenting feels impossible sometimes, doesn’t it? Between deadlines, meetings, and the constant demands at home, many working parents feel overwhelmed, guilty, and stretched too thin.
In this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington talks with Daisy Dowling, author of Work Parent, about redefining what work-life balance really means — and why aiming for a perfect “straight line” isn’t the goal....
Hi dear friends,
From the number of you that downloaded our last grounding meditation, it seems like you enjoyed it!
I decided to created another one for you, this time it is to help you on a day when you feel like you are failing.
If there is a specific moment you struggle with, tell me in the form below and I will...
with Erica Diamond
Those early days of parenthood can feel like survival mode—your routines are gone, your identity feels blurry, and the overwhelm is constant. Between sleepless nights, mental overload, and trying to “do it all,” it’s easy to lose yourself.
In this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington is joined by Erica Diamond—certified life & career coach and creator of the List Your Goals Journal—to explore how small, b...
We often focus on limiting and banning our kids’ screen time—but what if the most effective digital parenting conversations require a completely different approach, one that starts with curiousity, not control?
In this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington is joined by bestselling author Jessica Joelle Alexander to explore how we can reframe and shift from control to curiosity & learning in the digital world—toget...
The next time you experience a chaotic moment and need to pause, listen to this 5 min audio to help you regulate.
Let me know if you want more of these and please share it with a friend who needs this!
Record 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 ...
Hi friends! I have been hearing so many parents tell me that they feel overwhelmed trying to figure out how to balance work and family life. I know this can be stressful so I thought of a different way for us to approach this problem.
What if we asked ourselves "How do I want to design my life?". What do I need more of in my life? What do I need less of?
Let's try taking this more proactive approach to o...
Happy Mother's Day!
I wanted to post today on Mother's Day because of the conversations I have been having with moms all week.
It helped me realize that so many of us are powering through motherhood not addressing our needs or communicating them to those around us.
Take 20 min out of your day today to listen to this quick solo episode and remind yourself how important your needs are!
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