Shows
Reflective Parenting by Curious NeuronI wish I were a more playful parentSend us a textIn 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 g...2025-07-1423 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronWhat Happens When You Let Kids Just Be Kids? (And Why It Matters)Send us a textwith Amy ChiuIn 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 importance of slowing down. Amy explains how play isn’t just fun—it’s...2025-06-2245 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronWorking parent guilt: What no one tells youSend us a textwith Daisy DowlingBalancing 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. Instead, Daisy shares practical “hacks” to help working parents manage stress, set realistic expectations, and take meaningfu...2025-06-0959 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronThe New Parent Journey: Essential Tools for Achieving Balance, Connection & WellbeingSend us a textwith Erica DiamondThose 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, but meaningful shifts in your day-to-day life can help you feel less re...2025-06-021h 01
Mama KnowsNavigating your Child's Boredum w/ Dr. Cindy HovingtonIn this conversation, Nina and Dr. Cindy explore the concept of boredom, particularly in the context of parenting. They discuss how societal pressures often lead parents to keep their children busy, which can hinder emotional development. Dr. Cindy emphasizes that boredom is an emotion that needs to be acknowledged and managed, rather than avoided. The discussion highlights the importance of allowing children to experience boredom as a means of fostering creativity and emotional regulation. They also provide practical strategies for parents to support their children in coping with boredom and understanding their emotions. In this conversation, Cindy and Nina...2025-05-2742 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronParenting in the digital world: the conversations families may not be having (but should)Send us a textWe 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—together with our children.Jessica, author of the global best-seller The Danish Way of Parenting and her latest book, The Danish Way Every Day shares what she’s l...2025-05-2653 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronWhy meaningful friendships are important for parental well-being with Dr. Miriam KirmayerSend us a textDr. Miriam Kirmayer, clinical psychologist and friendship expert, joins Cindy to discuss the profound impact of friendships on our psychological well-being and how we can cultivate meaningful connections despite the challenges of parenthood.Here is what we discussed:• Social connections are one of the most powerful predictors of health, happiness, and longevity• The "over-under" phenomenon: we overestimate the effort relationships take and underestimate their benefits• Loneliness during parenthood is normal and serves as a signal of our need for connection• Even brief interactions (10 minutes) with friends...2025-04-1453 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronExploring Perimenopause with Dr. Kristina CalderSend us a textDr's Cindy Hovington and Kristina Calder explore perimenopause, the hormonal transition that begins in women's 40s and significantly impacts mental health, energy, and body composition.• Perimenopause often starts in your 40s but can begin as early as late 30s• Symptoms include irregular periods, insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, mood swings, and diminished stress resilience• Declining estrogen affects the GABA-ergic system in the brain, explaining increased anxiety and mood changes• Strength training becomes crucial during perimenopause to maintain muscle mass and metabolic health• Most women need significantly more protein than they...2025-03-311h 03Reflective Parenting by Curious NeuronHow to talk to children about the Los Angeles wildfires with Dr. Tamara SolesSend 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 • Addressi...2025-01-1328 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronScreen time vs Play time in kids under 5 with Tammy SchamuhnSend us a textIn this conversation, Cindy Hovington chats with Tammy Schamuhn, Registered Psychologist, Best-Selling Author, Co-Founder of the Institute of Child Psychology and the Executive Director of Family Counselling Centres discuss the importance of parental involvement in child development, the challenges parents face, and the need for setting boundaries. They explore the emotional struggles parents encounter, especially in the wake of COVID-19, and emphasize the significance of understanding one's own emotional wounds to better support their children. The discussion also highlights the balance between providing autonomy to children while maintaining authority as parents...2024-12-0250 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronAsk Dr. Cindy: How can I better manage my mental load?Send us a textA parent from our membership asked me "How can I manage the mental load" and in today's episode, I break down the advice I gave this parent. We all have a mental load and sometimes it seems like nothing can make it disappear. However, there are ways that we can manage this better and feel less of this burden on our minds. I share tips from the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown and one study that I found on productivity. I summarize these 4 changes you can make...2024-11-2528 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronThe Role of Community and Support in Fertility with Lauren EnrightSend us a textIn this conversation, Cindy and Lauren discuss the multifaceted role of a fertility coach, emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates emotional and physical well-being. They explore the significant stress associated with fertility journeys, the impact of societal expectations, and the importance of community support. Lauren shares insights on emotional processing, the necessity of allowing oneself to feel pain, and the value of listening and holding space for those experiencing fertility challenges.They discuss the emotional burden of keeping secrets, the need for mental health support in fertility treatments, and the integration...2024-11-1142 min
HERself256. Parental Stress Matters with Dr. Cindy HovingtonYou cannot miss this episode! Cindy Hovington, PhD, mother of three, and creator of Curious Neuron is our guest on today’s episode. Cindy specializes in mental health and emotions and has made it her mission to support parents in developing skills and habits that will allow them to nurture their own well-being. She also helps parents to develop leadership skills, coaching skills, and learn science-based well-being tips to encourage parenting and emotional intelligence. We are diving into some deep and heavy topics today with Cindy, but you know here at HERself, it’s our passion to bring you...2024-10-211h 08Reflective Parenting by Curious NeuronAttachment, Emotions & Separation Anxiety with Erin O'Connor, Ph.D.Send us a textIn this episode of the Curious Neuron Podcast, Cindy Hovington speaks with Dr. Erin O'Connor, Ph.D., about the complexities of the mother-child relationship, the importance of attachment theory, and the impact of parental stress on parenting styles. We discuss the significance of sensitivity and responsiveness in parenting, the challenges of separation anxiety, and the role of community support for parents. The conversation also touches on the teacher-child relationship, the importance of social-emotional learning, and the effects of parental accommodation behaviors on child development.Erin is the Director of...2024-10-2147 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronDo you allow yourself to feel joy?Send us a textWhat if you could turn fleeting happiness into lasting joy and protect yourself from worry and self-doubt? In the latest Curious Neuron podcast, join me, Cindy, as we explore the connection between joy and emotional regulation. We’ll dive into neuroscience and the insights of Brené Brown to tackle the fears and anxieties that often block joy.Let’s rethink joy—not as material things, but as simple pleasures and meaningful moments. Learn how savoring these moments can boost your resilience, happiness, and emotional health. We'll share stories and challenge you to a we...2024-10-1426 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronWere you ever told "You need to discipline your child right now!"?Send us a textIn this episode of the Curious Neuron podcast, host Cindy Hovington engages in a heartfelt conversation with Miranda, a mom of 3, about the complexities of parenting. They explore the evolution of parenting styles, particularly the shift towards more conscious and respectful approaches. Miranda shares her personal journey of navigating discipline, understanding developmental appropriateness, and the importance of emotional intelligence in parenting. The discussion highlights the challenges of co-regulation, the need for community support, and the significance of respect in parent-child relationships. They also offer valuable advice for new and ex...2024-10-0730 min
The Rev Rx Podcast | Bible-Based Strategies to Strengthen Your Faith, Family, and HealthEpisode 29: 'Brain-Based Parenting: Expert Tips' with Neuroscientist Dr. Cindy HovingtonIn today's episode, I interview Dr. Cindy Hovington, a neuroscientist and founder of Curious Neuron, to discuss the science behind parenting. Dr. Hovington combines the latest neuroscience research with practical parenting strategies to help parents raise happy, healthy, and resilient kids. Whether you're a parent seeking intentional guidance or curious about the impact of brain science on parenting, this conversation is for you!
To connect with Dr. Hovington or to find out more about Curious Neuron, use the links below:
Curious Neuron Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/curious-neuron/id...2024-09-2547 min
The Rev Rx Podcast | Bible-Based Strategies to Strengthen Your Faith, Family, and HealthEpisode 29: 'Brain-Based Parenting: Expert Tips' with Neuroscientist Dr. Cindy HovingtonIn today's episode, I interview Dr. Cindy Hovington, a neuroscientist and founder of Curious Neuron, to discuss the science behind parenting. Dr. Hovington combines the latest neuroscience research with practical parenting strategies to help parents raise happy, healthy, and resilient kids. Whether you're a parent seeking intentional guidance or curious about the impact of brain science on parenting, this conversation is for you!
To connect with Dr. Hovington or to find out more about Curious Neuron, use the links below:
Curious Neuron Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/curious-neuron...2024-09-2547 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronWhat are your 2 core values and how do they help you make hard decisions?Send us a textLast week inside the Reflective Parent Club, we assessed our core values with our special guest expert Christina. Today, I walk you through this and help you identify your 2 core values. We chat about what this means in your life, what to do if you partner's values don't align with yours, and reflect on if your core values are similar to how you were raised.Assess your values:https://jamesclear.com/core-values You might want to listen to these podcast episodes:...2024-08-1825 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronHow your well-being of today could impact your relationship with your future teenSend 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...2024-08-0526 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronHow 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....2024-07-2922 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronIt'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...2024-07-2226 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronBuilding Confidence as a ParentSend us a textIn this episode, Cindy reflects on her conversations with parents and the importance of feeling connected and supported. She introduces the concept of parental self-efficacy and encourages listeners to reflect on their own confidence as parents. Cindy provides a brief self-efficacy scale for parents to assess their level of confidence and offers guidance on how to improve it. She also discusses the impact of setting high standards for oneself and the importance of self-awareness in parenting. TakeawaysFeeling connected and supported as a parent is crucial f...2024-07-1623 min
The Mom RoomKids & Screens Revisit: What the research actually says, with Neuroscientist, Dr. Cindy HovingtonEP416. It is a screen time revisit! As parents, all we hear about is how bad screens are for kids. We are bombarded with guidelines about how much screen time kids should get and what kinds of shows they should be watching. Dr. Cindy Hovington breaks down what the research actually says about screens. She gives us tips for how to manage screen time at home, she tells us what her favourite kids shows are, and she stresses the importance of balance when it comes to screens and other activities. RENEE REINAwww.themomroom.com2024-07-0954 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronWhen you feel like a shitty parent for giving your child a consequence...Send us a textIn this episode, Cindy discusses the challenges parents face when setting boundaries with their children. She shares a personal experience of setting a strong boundary with one of her kids and feeling conflicted about it. Cindy emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and provides reflection prompts for parents to work through their struggles with boundary-setting. She highlights the empowering nature of boundaries and the positive impact they have on building respect and trust in relationships.TakeawaysSetting boundaries is an essential part of parenting and helps build respect...2024-07-0815 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronUnderstanding and Addressing Child Deception with Dr. Victoria TalwarSend 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...2024-07-0148 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronYou don't have to re-create a "new you": focus on getting to know yourself insteadSend 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.2024-06-2418 min
YOU DID ITHIGHLIGHTs of episode 24: Regulating emotions, tantrums & self-healing with Dr. Cindy HovingtonGet ready for an enriching HIGHLIGHT episode as I sat down with the esteemed Dr. Cindy Hovington,Founder and Director of Curious Neuron, Host of the Curious Neuron Podcast Co-Founder of Wondergrade. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Hovington shares her expertise on navigating the intricate landscape of emotions and life's challenges. We chat about the nuances of emotional health, discussing practical strategies to understand, manage, and harness the power of emotions for personal growth. With her wealth of experience, Dr. Hovington provides invaluable insights into fostering emotional resilience and maintaining a positive mindset in today's fast-paced world.2024-06-1808 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronGenerational Adversity and its Effects on the Gut MicrobiomeSend us a textIn this conversation, Bridget Callaghan PhD, discusses her research on the gut-brain-microbiome connection and the impact of generational adversity. The study they conducted found that different forms of adversity were associated with unique signatures in the child's microbiome, and some of these microbes were associated with the emotional health of the children. In this conversation, Cindy and Bridget discuss the impact of early environments on children's gut health and microbiome. They explore the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on children's gut composition and the importance of exposure to germs for developing a healthy microbiome...2024-06-0345 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronUnderstanding the Challenges of Military FamiliesSend us a textIn this conversation, Cindy Hovington speaks with Matt Brown and Leah Blain about the experiences of military families and their children. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and understanding of the unique lifestyle of military families and the support they require. The goal of the conversation is to shed light on the experiences of military children and promote empathy and support for them. Military families face unique challenges, including frequent moves and deployments, which can have negative impacts on children's academic and social-emotional well-being. However, research shows that with proper support and...2024-05-271h 00Reflective Parenting by Curious NeuronExploring the Challenges and Solutions of Modern Parenting: Insights from ResearchSend us a textIn this episode, Cindy Hovington interviews Kei Nomaguchi and Melissa Milkie about their research on parenthood and well-being. They discuss the concept of intensive parenting and the societal expectations placed on parents, particularly mothers. The conversation explores the pros and cons of intensive parenting and the challenges faced by parents in balancing work and family responsibilities. The need for workplace support and community connections is emphasized, as well as the importance of recognizing the rewards and meaningfulness of parenting. The episode concludes with a call for societal changes to better support parents and...2024-05-2044 minReflective Parenting by Curious NeuronWhat to do when you keep saying "I don't have time for myself"Send us a textHello my dear friend, I get it, I have said this over and over myself. However, today, I would like you to take a step back and really reflect on this thought "I don't have time for myself".I walk you through some reflection prompts and how you can view this problem a little differently and work through it. Making time for yourself doesn't need to be 2 hours every day. It is a little moment of connection, a little moment that reminds you that you are important. 2024-04-2220 min
Raising Healthy Kid Brains69. The Parent’s Role in Children’s Emotional Regulation with Dr. Cindy Hovington, Ph.D.Where do we begin when it comes to equipping our children with healthy emotional regulation skills? Like so many things, it begins with our ability to model the behavior ourselves. My guest on this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington, is a mom of three, neuroscientist, and expert on children’s emotional health, and she’s here to walk us through our role as parents in creating an emotionally regulated home for our children. Listen in as Dr. Cindy walks us through the three-part model of parental socialization, how to embrace healthy conflict resolution within your household, and h...2024-03-1438 min
YOU DID ITNeuroscientist Dr. Cindy Hovington on regulating emotions, tantrums and self healingEmotional Health with Dr. Cindy HovingtonGet ready for an enriching episode of YOU DID IT as I sit down with the esteemed Dr. Cindy Hovington,Founder and Director of Curious Neuron, Host of the Curious Neuron PodcastCo-Founder of Wondergrade. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Hovington shares her expertise on navigating the intricate landscape of emotions and life's challenges.We chat about the nuances of emotional health, discussing practical strategies to understand, manage, and harness the power of emotions for personal growth. With her wealth of experience, Dr. Hovington provides invaluable...2024-02-201h 10Reflective Parenting by Curious NeuronHow to become a mentally strong couple with Amy MorinSend us a textHave you ever wondered how to keep the spark alive in your relationship and fend off the threat of monotony that might edge you toward divorce? Join me, Cindy Hovington, along with Amy Morin, author of "13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do," as we uncover the secrets to a flourishing partnership that benefits not just you and your spouse, but your children as well. We discuss the delicate balance of setting boundaries in a relationship can feel like walking a tightrope, but it's a vital act for maintaining a healthy connection...2024-01-2951 min