Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron – Details, episodes & analysis
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Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron
Cindy Hovington, Ph.D.
Frequency: 1 episode/9d. Total Eps: 252
Parents don’t snap for one reason — they snap because stress builds faster than awareness.
The Reflective Parenting Podcast, hosted by neuroscientist and mom of three Dr. Cindy Hovington, helps parents understand what’s happening inside them before they snap and why recognizing it sooner is the key to change.
Through personal reflections and conversations with clinicians and experts, the podcast explores why parenting feels so intense, why insight often disappears under stress, and what it means to become a reflective parent.
A reflective parent isn’t perfect or calm all the time. They notice sooner, recover faster, and slowly build more trust in how they show up — even on hard days.
This podcast is your invitation to pause, reflect, and feel less alone.
New episodes weekly.
Join the private group on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/groups/reflectiveparentingpodcast/
Watch our FREE training for parents to understand why you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Purchase our course to Become a Reflective Parent!
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Follow us on Instagram @curious_neuron or Facebook @curiousneuron
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Are you having unhealthy conflict? Here's what science says.
Season 8 · Episode 35
lundi 10 novembre 2025 • Duration 25:16
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 questions from Jefferson Fisher that can change the next conversation
This is not about fixing the last fight.
This is about changing the next one.
If you shut down, explode, or get stuck repeating the same arguments this episode is for you.
Read our full blog post about this topic (it has all the research I mentioned in this episode):
https://curiousneuron.com/2025/11/09/the-science-of-healthy-conflict-patterns-in-couples/
Get the book The Next Conversation here
Don't miss this podcast episode to help you out with conflict:
Learn more with Curious Neuron:
Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
Understanding your nervous system in conflict with the authors of Beyond Difficult
Season 8 · Episode 34
lundi 3 novembre 2025 • Duration 36:15
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, or shut down.
This episode is not about “how to argue better.”
It’s about understanding why you show up the way you do in the first place.
You’ll learn why some of us chase repair desperately…
why others shut down to survive the moment…
and why conflict can feel like it happens faster than your ability to think.
We also talk about emotional flooding and the moment when your nervous system takes over the conversation before your communication skills even get a chance.
And if you are a parent, you will hear how this shows up not only with your partner but also with your child and what you can do starting today to interrupt the cycle.
You will walk away from this episode with clarity, hope, and self compassion because conflict is not just about skills.
It is about state.
Get their new book on Amazon here.
Follow Dr. Jessie on Instagram
Read our new blog post: The Science Behind How you Show up in Arguments here
Learn more with Curious Neuron:
Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
Replay: Looking beyond your child's behaviour with Dr. Mona Delahooke
Season 8 · Episode 25
lundi 18 août 2025 • Duration 54:26
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:
Learn more with Curious Neuron:
Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
A parent's guide to understanding their child's emotional development with Dr. Amanda Sheffield Morris
Season 5 · Episode 37
lundi 11 décembre 2023 • Duration 50:50
Ever wondered why your toddler's tantrums seem uncontrollable or why your teenager is always sulking? Is it a sign of underlying distress, or a normal part of growing up? These questions and more are answered in this episode where we welcome developmental psychologist, Dr. Amanda Sheffield Morris. She helps us unlock the mysteries of emotional regulation in children, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in their overall health and well-being. We also delve into the intricacies of the parent-child relationship, discussing how it changes as your child progresses through different stages of life. And to top it all off, Dr. Morris shares some practical nuggets from her new book, "Raising a Resilient Child."
But it's not just about the kids. Parents, we're in this too! Our inner world affects our outer reactions, especially when it comes to managing our child's emotions. How we regulate our own emotions can significantly impact our children's emotional development. We're not perfect – and we're not expected to be – but understanding our emotional triggers can help us respond more effectively to our children's needs. In this episode, we also navigate the tumultuous waters of emotions like anger, sadness, worry, and anxiety. We provide tips on how parents can set routines and rituals that support emotional regulation and offer insights into the importance of patience and understanding, especially during the early stages of your child's life.
Towards the end of our discussion, we dive deeper into the world of emotional well-being in parenting. Dr. Morris introduces the concept of "shark music" – the scripts and patterns we have in our minds when it comes to parenting – and how this affects our interactions with our children.
Amanda's Book is out now! Raising a Resilient Child in a World of Adversity: Effective Parenting for Every Family
Amazon US
Amazon Canada
Publications:
Parents’ adverse childhood experiences and current relationships with their young children
Parent and Peer Emotion Responsivity Styles: An Extension of Gottman’s Emotion Socialization Parenting Typologies
Learn more with Curious Neuron:
Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
How I taught my kids to take each others perspective during arguments
Season 5 · Episode 36
lundi 4 décembre 2023 • Duration 19:48
From my personal encounters with teaching empathy to my six and eight-year-old to sparking young minds' curiosity for neuroscience, this episode has a lot to offer. I'll share how a Nintendo dispute became a perfect opportunity to teach my kids the power of perspective taking in arguments and the crucial role of empathy in conflict resolution. It's a lesson that goes beyond parenthood – it's fundamentally about understanding and communicating with each other.
The importance of parental mental health is often underappreciated, and that's what we'll be delving into in the later half of our episode. As a community, we ought to acknowledge the emotional and mental toll parenting can take and work together to provide the support needed. I encourage you to help us understand better what parents need to maintain their mental and emotional wellbeing by providing your input. Let's wrap up the week with a meaningful discussion about empathy, perspective, and mental health. Here's to a positive end to the week and a wonderful week ahead!
Please take 3-5 min to fill in this form on parental well-being. I am going to use it to apply for a research grant to study the impact of Curious Neuron!
https://forms.gle/ZwPUiDTjoPxjXd5d6
Learn more with Curious Neuron:
Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
Supporting social-emotional skills in neurodivergent children with Dr. Julie Scorah
Season 5 · Episode 35
lundi 27 novembre 2023 • Duration 49:53
Many parents with neurodivergent children have told me that parenting advice they read early helps them support their child. With the help of renowned neuropsychologist Dr. Julie Scorah, explore the unique challenges often faced by neurodivergent children.
We'll talk about the need to plan ahead to prevent stress, the significance of responding over reacting, and the importance of teaching your child coping skills in their calm moments. We'll also touch upon proactive strategies like relaxation techniques and utilizing sensory breaks and social stories. With Dr. Scorah's expertise and our collective experiences, we aim to navigate you through these troubled waters with patience and understanding.
In this final section, we'll explore the impact of neurodiversity on children's social skills and behavior. We'll underline the importance of teaching neurodivergent children alternative means of communication, which can lead to a marked improvement in their behavior over time. Moreover, we'll discuss the societal pressure on children to be social and share some strategies to support their social development in a manageable and beneficial way. So, join us on this enlightening journey and let's learn together.
Learn more with Curious Neuron:
Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
77% of children who experience abuse or maltreatment are victimized by their parents
Season 5 · Episode 34
lundi 20 novembre 2023 • Duration 32:49
Today, we unravel the profound effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the potential consequences of parental burnout and stress. It's time to break intergenerational cycles for the well-being of future generations. I'll be sharing the latest eye-opening research and statistics.
Neglect, abuse, divorce, parental incarceration, these adversities can lead to chronic illness and mental health issues later in life. It's crucial to scrutinize the negative impacts of spanking and shaming while cultivating a positive home environment. Remember, our children's well-being starts with us.
Lastly, we'll dive into the essence of reflection and how it contributes to nurturing parental well-being.
30-days of reflection prompts for parents:
https://curiousneuronacademy.mykajabi.com/pl/2148017427
Parental well-being survey (3-5 min to answer):
https://forms.gle/yeek2YdJxjmAW62K8
FREE e-book about kids emotions:
https://wondergrade.myflodesk.com/tih3dfrtwr
Sources:
https://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/aces-infographic/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2516103220967937
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8205446/
Learn more with Curious Neuron:
Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
How to Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself with Dr. Morgan Cutlip
Season 5 · Episode 33
lundi 13 novembre 2023 • Duration 46:59
Ever felt like you're drowning in the deep end of parenthood, with the overwhelming demands of child-rearing overshadowing your own needs? I've got you! This week, I chatted with Dr. Morgan Cutlip. She sheds light on the delicate balance of meeting the needs of your family while honoring your own. We take a frank and honest look at the emotional milieu of motherhood, unpacking expectations, and the importance of self-care, all while discussing Dr. Cutlip's riveting new book "Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself."
We offer insights on overcoming defensiveness, different worldviews, and role expectations to help navigate the mental load of parenting with your partner. Join us!
About our guest:
Dr. Morgan Cutlip, PhD in Psychology and highly sought-after relationship expert, knows what it feels like to lose yourself in motherhood, and she’s determined to help mothers navigate it better.
Her book: Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself
Canada Amazon
US Amazon
Dr. Cutlip's Instagram Page @drmorgancutlip
Her website:
https://drmorgancutlip.com/
Learn more with Curious Neuron:
Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
This is why we shouldn't discipline toddlers for not sharing
Season 5 · Episode 32
lundi 6 novembre 2023 • Duration 20:30
Wondering why your two-year-old is not keen on sharing toys with their playmates? I have a reel that is about to hit 4 MILLION views...and it's about sharing. Many people don't agree with my post so today's episode is all about understanding child development and sharing - a concept that genuinely blossoms around the age of four. Let's unravel the misconceptions and shed light on the research behind this fascinating aspect of child growth.
Developing pro-social behavior in children is an art. And the canvas - relationships! Yes, kids are more likely to share with people they're familiar with. But how can we, as parents and educators, encourage these skills? Let's get practical as we discuss everything from how to inspire your child to pass on their balloon to their best bud, to sharing a yummy cookie with grandma. We explore the importance of patience, understanding, and excellent guidance in nurturing these essential life skills.
Play, the universal language of children, is our secret weapon. We dive into how play can teach children about sharing, mine vs. yours, patience, and even conflict resolution. The episode wraps up with some love for our wonderful listeners, emphasizing how much we appreciate your ratings and reviews. We hope to continue delivering insightful episodes and wish you a beautiful week ahead! Don't miss out on this enlightening journey into the world of child development and sharing.
Get free weekly activity packs that teach your kids about emotions HERE
Sources:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxdAEjzOVua/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Mine or Yours? Development of Sharing in Toddlers in Relation to Ownership Understanding HERE
The development of recipient-dependent sharing behavior and sharing expectations in preschool children HERE
Learn more with Curious Neuron:
Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
Why we shouldn't criticize our children
Season 5 · Episode 31
lundi 30 octobre 2023 • Duration 22:07
Growing up, I was no stranger to criticism. Now, as an adult, I can't help but notice its lingering effects on my self-esteem, my internal narrative, and my motivation. For better or worse, that criticism has shaped me. In this episode, we explore how a critical environment can influence marriages and parenting. We unpack the early warning signs that criticism could signal in marriages, and draw parallels with our relationships with our children.
Moving into the second half, we shift our focus to communication with our children. The weight of criticism is heavy on their growing shoulders. It can knock their self-esteem down, and shape their inner voice, sometimes in damaging ways. It's a balance we have to strike - maintaining firmness without sacrificing warmth and sensitivity. Listen in as we delve into the power and potential of language. We discuss how our words can inspire our children, rather than criticize them, and how we can foster their growth, instead of stifling it. This episode is not just about the impact of criticism; it's a conversation about resilience, nurturing positive relationships, and the immeasurable power we hold as parents.
FREE weekly activities teaching kids about emotions:
https://www.wondergrade.com/printables
Curious Neuron Podcast Episode about negotiation:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/curious-neuron/id1440533170?i=1000618304723
Sources:
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman HERE
Parental behavioural control in adolescence: How does it affect self-esteem and self-criticism? HERE
How to Make Repair Attempts So Your Partner Feels Loved HERE
Parents’ Use of Praise and Criticism in a Sample of Young Children Seeking Mental Health Services HERE
Family Emotional Processes and Adolescents' Adjustment HERE
Learn more with Curious Neuron:
Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
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