Explore every episode of the podcast Reflective Parenting Podcast by Curious Neuron
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What's the Difference Between Discipline and Punishment? | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:54:09 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Georgianna Karamitos — a lawyer, educator, trauma-informed conflict resolution practitioner, and children's book author — to unpack the real difference between discipline and punishment. We dig into why repeating yourself doesn't work until a child feels heard, how power struggles hijack parent-child relationships, why "relational safety" is the missing piece in most conflict, and what the neuroscience actually says about spanking and harsh discipline. If you are a parent stuck in the loop of "I've said this ten times and nothing changes" then this episode is for you! Resources: Book: No Drama Discipline by Dan Siegal Study: Spanking and Child Outcomes: Old Controversies and New Meta-Analyses Guest Links:
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| What if conflict were actually an invitation for intimacy? | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:22:00 | |
Hi Reflective Parents, Ever feel stuck arguing about the same thing over and over with your partner? In this episode, I break down a key concept from the Gottmans' book Fight Right: that perpetual conflict often hides a deeper "dream" underneath it, and naming that dream can turn conflict into a chance for real intimacy. I also reflect on what this means for parenting from bedtime battles to unrealistic expectations and how getting curious with your child, the same way you would with a partner, can change everything. Come reflect with me! Learn more from the Gottman Institute:
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| Reflecting About the New School Year: Expectations, Slowing Down & Sparking Curiosity | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:30:06 | |
Hi Reflective Parents! As we jump into a new school year, I wanted to take some time to pause with you and reflect on how we can make this year feel a little less stressful and a lot more connected. This episode was inspired by a question from a mom that emailed me and I'm bringing in some unexpected inspiration — including a quote from a romance novel (Yours Truly) that changed the way I think about how we relate to our kids. I'm sharing three things I believe can make a real difference this year:
If you're feeling the back-to-school hustle already, I hope this episode gives you a moment to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what really matters this year. Happy reflections, my friends! See you inside our new book club! Interested in joining our 8-week cohort? Apply below! Classes start October 12th. https://form.typeform.com/to/F9qIbzPT?typeform-source=curiousneuron.com
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| Reflecting on how mental heath care is failing us all | 25 août 2026 | 00:25:15 | |
Hi Reflective Parents, In today's episode, I share my honest thoughts about mental health care and honestly, they are not that positive. It's been feeling a little heavy these days with the Lindsay Clancy trial, a father that reached out who is struggle with depression and my own mental health from not having been in our home since January. I share my thought and as always, I share what I am doing to work through this hard season. Come reflect with me and if you want more of this, don't forget to join our Reflective Parenting Book Club below to join the conversation and reflections with other parents.
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| Reflections on what we need to teach our kids about conflict (which also applies to adults) | 18 août 2026 | 00:17:28 | |
In this episode, I reflect on what it really means to teach children how to handle conflict. Drawing from my own experience coaching my seven- and nine-year-old sons through months of sibling conflict, I share practical ways to help children slow down, communicate their needs, listen to one another, and take responsibility for their part. Here are the 3 reflections you can discuss with your kids after they had conflict:
Don't miss my Tedx Talk! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDYJFY_9K9E&t=19s
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| Reflections on Conflict: What If Conflict Is Actually Healthy? | 11 août 2026 | 00:30:09 | |
What if conflict isn't something we need to avoid—but something we need to learn how to do? In this episode, I reflect on Brené Brown's idea of “rumbling” from Dare to Lead and what it can teach us about conflict at home. Instead of trying to win an argument, what if the goal was to unravel—to get curious, understand each other's perspectives, own our part, and work through the messy middle together? I share personal reflections on how my own experiences shaped the way I used to show up in conflict, why taking a timeout can actually be an act of love, and how we can teach our children that conflict doesn't have to mean disconnection. Because our kids don't need to see a home without conflict. They need to see what healthy conflict can look like. A rumble is a discussion, conversation or a meeting defined by a commitment to lean into vulnerability, to stay curious and generous, to stick with the messy middle of problem identification and solving, to take a break and circle back when necessary, to be fearless and own your own parts and to listen with the same passion which we want to be heard.
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| Reflections on Daring to Lead as a Parent | 04 août 2026 | 00:25:23 | |
In this episode, I reflect on Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead and what it means to bring the principles of daring leadership into parenting. I explore how courage, vulnerability, self-awareness, and connection show up in our homes and in the way we lead our children. In this episode we reflect on:
Ready to join our new book club? Come reflect with me (even if you don't have time to read, I will do it for you) https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/reflective-parenting-book-club
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| Reflections on resilience, freedom & identity from the book In Order to Live | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:23:27 | |
In this episode, I reflect on In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park and the deep questions it raised for me about freedom, identity, resilience, and what it means to think for ourselves. The book prompted powerful reflections on how we understand our own stories, how we support our children’s sense of self, and how freedom can feel both expansive and exhausting. I also connect the book’s themes to parenting, especially around giving children room to explore who they are, make mistakes, ask questions, and develop their own identity. For parents, this episode is an invitation to pause and reflect on the mental load we carry, the freedoms we have, and the space we create for our children to become themselves. Reflections for this week:
See you inside our Book Club (it is only $10 for the entire year!)
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| Reflections on loving more deeply and being present | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:18:50 | |
This week, I'm sharing six simple mantras from the book How to Love that made me stop, reflect, and think differently about the way I show up as a parent, partner, and person. Together, we'll explore what it really means to be present, to recognize when someone we love is struggling, to ask for help when we're suffering, to notice the happy moments that are easy to overlook, and to remember that in conflict, two people can both be partly right. These aren't parenting tips or book summaries. They're invitations to pause, reflect, and become more intentional in the way we connect with the people we love. The six mantras we'll reflect on:
I hope this conversation gives you something to carry with you throughout the week. Join our book club this week to discuss other books or to dig deeper on that last mantra "you are partly right".
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| Reflections on the Hidden Risks Inside Kids' Group Chats | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:31:59 | |
What does Toy Story 5 have to do with raising emotionally healthy kids? Trigger warning: masturbation is mentioned in this episode. Much more than I expected. After watching the movie with my children, I found myself reflecting on something far bigger than screen time: the conversations we're not having about friendship, group chats, and cyberbullying. In this episode, I share the true story of a Grade 6 classroom that left me speechless, explore what research tells us about the long-term impact of cyberbullying, and offer three simple reflection questions you can use to start meaningful conversations with your own child. If we're going to hand our children devices, we also need to help them build the emotional skills to navigate the digital world. Join our book club for only $9.99 for an entire year! Read my blog post about cyberbullying: Read the scientific article I shared with you here:
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| 3 reflections about how we take care of ourselves as parents | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:23:44 | |
Why do so many parents feel like they don't have time to take care of themselves? The answer isn't as simple as being busy. This week, we're reflecting on a passage from the book How to Love by Thich Nhat Hanh and exploring why our own needs slowly disappear after becoming parents. I'll also share a simple reflection exercise that helped me reconnect with the things that brought me joy before having children—and why gratitude may be more powerful than we think. In this episode, we reflect on:
Sometimes the goal isn't finding more time. It's learning to notice what already helps us feel more like ourselves. Don't forget to join our NEW BOOK CLUB! https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ This week's resources:
Related podcast episodes you might have missed: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reflective-parenting-podcast/id1440533170?i=1000771848174 https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reflective-parenting-podcast/id1440533170?i=1000720552759 Watch this episode on YouTube:
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| Reflections on Radicalization: Could It Happen to My Child? | 30 juin 2026 | 00:38:32 | |
When we hear the word radicalization, we often think, "That could never happen to my family." But what if radicalization begins with something much more human—a need to belong, to feel understood, or to make sense of emotional pain? In this episode, I sit down with men's coach and former counterterrorism professional James Stamatelos to explore why some young people become vulnerable to extremist ideas, how social media can amplify that vulnerability, and what parents can do to build stronger protective relationships with their children. In this episode, we discuss:
Reflection Question: Book James mentioned: How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion (Amazon Canada) Resources: Connect with James or learn more from him: James J. Stamatelos is a professional coach and Certified Level 3 Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner who specializes in helping men overcome what he calls “anxious insecurity”—the persistent feeling of being chronically “not enough” despite external success.
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| 3 reflections on how you experience unpleasant emotions | 23 juin 2026 | 00:23:37 | |
How do you allow yourself to feel, experience and move past unpleasant emotions? In this episode, I share how unpleasant emotions like worry, sadness, or even boredom can lead to some behaviours we might want to be more aware of. If you notice that you often get stuck in unpleasant emotions or that your anger or frustration leads to harder moments with loved ones, then this episode is for you. Here are today's 3 reflections:
Hope you are liking this new version of the podcast! You can email me info@curiousneuron.com to let me know. In August, I will start focusing on a book of the month. Follow along on our private Facebook page or visit our website below!
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| 3 reflections on what my grandma taught me about parenting | 16 juin 2026 | 00:26:22 | |
This was a hard episode for me to record but I needed to honour my grandmother who passed away yesterday. Today's reflections are:
I hope you enjoy this episode and that it helps you reflect on how you are showing up for your child in every day actions. This was a reminder for me as well! (no one is perfect!)
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| 3 reflections on self-love (and how this will nourish your happiness) | 09 juin 2026 | 00:22:43 | |
This week, we are reflecting on our self-love. This week's reflections are:
As parents I think we need to remember to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly nourishes us. This reminds us that we matter and that we do love ourselves. These reflections are inspired by the book How to Love. I hope this week's episode can help you be more intentional with what you consume so you can show up with more calm and connection in your daily lives. Book: How to love by Thich Nhat Hanh (Amazon.com) My conversation with Dr.Kristen Neff:
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| Why self-care isn't working for you | 02 juin 2026 | 00:25:28 | |
I'm Back! After five months away from the microphone, I'm finally back. If you've been wondering where I've been, thank you for checking in. Your emails, messages, and support meant more to me than you know. I explain what happened in this episode and share how this time away also gave me space to reflect. In also share what I've been learning about capacity the idea that our ability to cope, connect, parent, and respond changes throughout the day based on what's happening around us and within us. We often tell ourselves that we don't have time for self-care. But what if the real question isn't about self-care at all? What if it's about learning to notice and respond to our needs? In this episode, we explore:
This episode marks a new chapter for the podcast and for Curious Neuron. Whether you've been here since the beginning or you're joining for the first time, I'm grateful you're here. Let's reconnect, reflect, and continue this journey together.
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| You, Your Husband, and His Mother: Untangling a Tricky Family Dynamic with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:50:33 | |
Family dynamics can feel especially intense around the holidays and one of the most challenging patterns many parents face is the triangle between you, your partner, and your mother-in-law. In today’s episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish returns to the podcast to help us make sense of this dynamic with compassion, clarity, and evidence-based tools. In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, psychologist and author of You, Your Husband & His Mother, to unpack why the mother-in-law / daughter-in-law dynamic is so emotionally charged and how it quietly strains couples. We talk about boundaries, guilt, generational differences, cultural expectations, and what couples can do to stop feeling divided and start acting as a solid team. In this episode, we cover:
Join me for a free Webinar on December 17th at 8pm (and get the replay!): https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/ce962dd904 You can purchase Tracy's book, You, Your Husband and Your Mother in Law, in the US or in Canada. You can also get her first book (which I also highly recommend called "I didn't Sign up for This" in the US or Canada. Listen to my previous conversation with Tracy below:
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| Your Triggers Aren’t a Parenting Failure — They’re a Signal | 08 déc. 2025 | 00:27:16 | |
If you’ve ever ended a night thinking, “Why did I snap again?” — this episode is for you. Today, we’re diving into what’s really happening in your brain and body when your child pushes your buttons. Because those intense reactions? They aren’t proof that you’re a bad parent. They’re signals from a nervous system in overdrive — and once you can recognize those signals, you can change the way you respond. We’ll talk about:
You’ll walk away with practical reflection questions and simple shifts that help you move from snapping to connecting — even on the hard days. Join next week's FREE webinar (or get the replay): https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/ce962dd904 Read the full article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24392687/ Share your thoughts and questions with me: https://form.typeform.com/to/Dadaa8ns Read a blog post about this: https://curiousneuron.com/2025/12/03/why-you-still-snap-even-when-youve-done-the-work/
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| The reason you snap at your kids (and what you can try instead) | 01 déc. 2025 | 00:22:34 | |
Hi Reflective Parents! This week, we are talking about something I keep hearing from parents which is snapping at our kids even when we are working on ourselves by learning about parenting or even going to therapy. You are not failing your child. You are still learning many skills that lead to you becoming more aware of your own state before you snap. In this episode, I walk you through 3 steps that might help you catch yourself the next time you snap (notice I didn't say BEFORE you snap....that isn't always realistic). I would love to find a way to communicate better with all of you. Share your story that is related to this episode in the link below OR ask a question to help me create a future podcast episode. https://form.typeform.com/to/Dadaa8ns
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| Why parenting advice won't help you stop snapping at your kids | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:24:30 | |
If you keep snapping, shutting down, or feeling guilty, even though you “know” what to do... this episode will finally make it make sense. After speaking with more than 200 parents, I’ve noticed the same pattern: In this episode, I talk about:
You don’t need more advice. New! Becoming a Reflective Parent course is now available!!! https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
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| What all dads need to hear about emotions and their son's future mental health | 17 nov. 2025 | 00:49:29 | |
Today on the Reflective Parenting Podcast, I’m sitting down with Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski-Hartman to talk about something many parents quietly wonder about: Why do boys sometimes pull away emotionally and how can we support them without pushing too hard? Brendan is a researcher who has spent years studying boys, masculinity, and emotional expression. What he learned in his PhD work is both reassuring and eye-opening: boys do feel deeply, even when it looks like they’ve shut down. And the reasons they hold back are often more complex and tender than we realize. This is a grounded, thoughtful conversation, especially meaningful for dads who want to connect more with their sons but aren’t always sure where to start. In this episode, we cover:
Read our blog post about this topic: https://curiousneuron.com/2025/11/15/boys-emotional-needs-study/ Learn more from Brendan below: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36176325/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9513388/
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| Are you having unhealthy conflict? Here's what science says. | 10 nov. 2025 | 00:25:16 | |
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:
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:
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| Understanding your nervous system in conflict with the authors of Beyond Difficult | 03 nov. 2025 | 00:36:15 | |
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.” You’ll learn why some of us chase repair desperately… 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. 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
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| Relational Savoring: The Neuroscience of Calm and Connection | 27 oct. 2025 | 00:28:37 | |
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 how this practice calms your nervous system, reduces stress, and builds emotional security — for both you and your child. They also unpack the role of temperament and sensitivity in relationships. Why do some people (and kids) feel everything more deeply? What does that mean for how we connect, comfort, and communicate? If you’ve ever said, “I wish I could stay calm when things get hard,” this conversation will give you the science and the self-awareness to start doing exactly that. Because connection isn’t about perfection — it’s about noticing, savoring, and showing up with compassion. Read their new book: Beyond Difficult: An attachment-based guide to dealing with challenging people Read the science article: Savoring interventions for mothers of young children: Mechanisms linking relational savoring and personal savoring to reflective functioning Listen to more podcast episodes: Read our blog post:
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| What Many Parents Get Wrong About Toddler Behavior | 20 oct. 2025 | 00:51:17 | |
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 me?” or “I said no… why can’t they just listen?” then this episode will make you feel seen, supported, and ready for the next tantrum (yes, really). In this episode, you’ll learn:
Get Devon's book here: Follow her on Instagram: @transformingtoddlerhood Read our blog post:
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| The missing skill that helps parents and kids stay calm: Interoception | 13 oct. 2025 | 00:39:12 | |
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 calm. We’ll explore what the research says including new studies showing that people who strengthen their interoception become more mindful, less reactive, and better at managing stress (Zamariola et al., 2019; Smith et al., 2023). You’ll learn:
If you’ve ever said, “I know the tools, but I can’t seem to use them when I’m stressed,” this episode will show you whyand exactly how to change that. Tune in now to learn how body awareness can be your most powerful parenting tool and share this episode with a friend! Get Laura's book: A Kid's Book about Neurodiversity Follow Laura on Instagram: @theotbutterfly Listen to part 1 of this conversation: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reflective-parenting-by-curious-neuron/id1440533170
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| Why understanding your nervous system helps you with your emotions | 06 oct. 2025 | 00:31:33 | |
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 “defiant.” Laura explains how your child’s behavior is actually a message from their nervous system and why understanding this changes everything about the way you respond. You’ll learn:
If you’ve ever wondered “Why does my child react this way — and why do I lose my cool, too?” this episode will open your eyes to what’s really happening beneath the surface. Listen now and get ready to see your child’s behavior through a completely new lens. Get Laura's Book: A Kids Book About Neurodiversity Follow Laura on Instagram @theotbutterfly
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| How do we build resilience in our kids without being harsh or overprotective | 29 sept. 2025 | 00:50:41 | |
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 in today’s messy, complicated world. Here’s the truth: ➡️ Your kids will struggle with self-doubt, negative self-talk, and tough emotions. ➡️ How you respond in those moments can either shut them down or help them build lifelong confidence. ➡️ And the secret isn’t telling them “Don’t say that” it’s something much more powerful (and doable). In this episode, you’ll learn:
This conversation will give you the practical, science-backed strategies you need to: ✔️ Stop feeling helpless when your child is hard on themselves ✔️ Build their confidence in everyday moments ✔️ Feel more equipped to parent in a world that often feels overwhelming This is one of those episodes you’ll want to save, re-listen to, and share with every parent you know. Join Melinda's Newsletter, Now What: https://www.melindawennermoyer.com/ Follow Melinda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melindawmoyer/ Parenting Self-compassion: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-020-01401-x
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| The Science of How Discipline and Punishment Impact a Child’s Brain Differently | 22 sept. 2025 | 00:29:21 | |
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 harsh discipline change the way your child’s brain processes fear, mistakes, and emotions. Why your nervous system is the most powerful discipline tool you have. A simple framework from Dr. Lori Desautels’ book Connections Over Compliance that helps you “connect before you correct.” And if you’re ready to go deeper, join us inside The Reflective Parent Club. That’s where we take this science and make it real in our daily lives, with support, tools, and a community of parents walking this same journey. Because when you regulate, connect, and guide, you’re not just shaping behaviour. You’re shaping the brain. Articles: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33835477/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36152947/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34197808/ Read blog post: Podcast episode with Dr. Bruce Perry:
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| How to connect with a child that shuts you down (without losing your cool) | 15 sept. 2025 | 01:08:35 | |
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, we pull back the curtain on what’s really happening when your child seems unpredictable, reactive, or even says, “I hate you.” You’ll learn:
This is not about quick fixes or “tricks” for behavior. It’s about raising kids who can handle their big feelings, and parents who can show up with confidence, calm, and connection—even in the hardest moments. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a new way to think about your child’s temperament, and practical steps you can use today to stop walking on eggshells. Join the conversation about this episode on our private Facebook group: Read a science article about this:
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| How music can lower stress and anxiety (for you and your child) | 08 sept. 2025 | 00:51:27 | |
This episode will inspire you to see music as a powerful tool for connection, healing, and everyday parenting.
Joining me is Tanya Lavoie, a certified music therapist who works in pediatric hospitals and specializes in using music to support regulation, pain management, and emotional expression. In this heartfelt and practical conversation, Tanya shares how her work combines neuroscience, creativity, and compassion to help children and families thrive. You’ll learn:
If you’re ready to bring more connection, calm, and joy into your home and discover the therapeutic power of music this conversation is your starting point.
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| Replay: Looking beyond your child's behaviour with Dr. Mona Delahooke | 18 août 2025 | 00:54:26 | |
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:
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| Is my child ready for kindergarten readiness? (emotionally) | 11 août 2025 | 00:34:45 | |
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
Don't miss these podcast episodes:
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| A science-based tool that helps you shift your perspective (and build your resilience) | 04 août 2025 | 00:27:07 | |
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
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| Can Parenting Style Differences Hurt Your Child? Here's What the Science Says | 28 juil. 2025 | 00:32:02 | |
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. Read a blog post about this study on our website: 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
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| How does your child respond to stress in conflict? | 21 juil. 2025 | 00:19:55 | |
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: 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
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| I wish I were a more playful parent | 14 juil. 2025 | 00:23:51 | |
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
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| Invalidation in your relationship: Understanding the impact of dismissing emotions | 07 juil. 2025 | 00:29:08 | |
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: Read the full study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3777640/pdf/nihms494814.pdf
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| Psychologist shares how learning the skill of validation can transform your relationships | 30 juin 2025 | 00:59:54 | |
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 modelParental Validation and Invalidation Predict Adolescent Self- Harm
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| What Happens When You Let Kids Just Be Kids? (And Why It Matters) | 22 juin 2025 | 00:45:33 | |
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 importance of slowing down. Amy explains how play isn’t just fun—it’s a key tool for building curiosity, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. She shares why giving kids space to lead their play fosters deeper learning than worksheets ever could. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, you'll find science-backed insights and simple, practical ways to support your child—by doing less. 🔑 What You’ll Hear:
Related Podcast Episode: Over-parenting (helicopter parenting) Mentioned in This Episode: Follow Amy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-chiu-msed-a09a1a27b/ Scientific Article: Learning Through Play at School – A Framework for Policy and Practice
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| How not having a present father impacted my life | 16 juin 2025 | 00:25:45 | |
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 and about how that impacted me later when I became a parent. Do you have a story you want to share (anonymously) with me about your own dad or your journey as a dad? Click the link below! https://curiousneuron.typeform.com/to/kd6zw438 Here is the study I referred to in the episode in case you want more details. If you are a dad ready to learn how to cope and regulate your emotions, try out the Reflective Parent Club, free for 7 days before committing. See link below.
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| Working parent guilt: What no one tells you | 09 juin 2025 | 00:59:31 | |
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. Instead, Daisy shares practical “hacks” to help working parents manage stress, set realistic expectations, and take meaningful moments for rest and self-care. They dive into how to build your personal and professional “brand,” why keeping an “already done” list can lower overwhelm, and how small choices today can lead to a happier future — both at work and at home. This episode is full of relatable insights and actionable strategies to help working parents feel less frazzled and more grounded. 🔑 What You’ll Hear:
Mentioned in This Episode: → A go-to guide for working parents struggling with the dual challenges of careers & kids.
Read our blog post:
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| 2 min reflection for days you feel like you are failing at parenting | 04 juin 2025 | 00:02:21 | |
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 create an audio for this moment. https://curiousneuron.typeform.com/to/UoUF6piC I hope you enjoy it!
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| The New Parent Journey: Essential Tools for Achieving Balance, Connection & Wellbeing | 02 juin 2025 | 01:01:19 | |
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, but meaningful shifts in your day-to-day life can help you feel less reactive, more grounded, more present, and more connected to yourself and your child as a parent. They talk about the mindset traps many new parents fall into, why setting boundaries matters more than ever, and how simple, everyday tools can help you create a more balanced and connected environment—for you and your child. This isn’t about a total life overhaul—it’s about small, daily, actionable steps that lead to significant shifts overtime.
📚 Mentioned in This Episode: → 100 list-making prompts specifically crafted to help you reach your goals. 💬 Enjoying the podcast? 📲 Know a parent who could benefit from this episode? SHARE it with them! As a thank-you, email us the word “SHARED” within 7 days of this episode, and we’ll send you a free tool loved by our exclusive Reflective Parent Club members.
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| Parenting in the digital world: the conversations families may not be having (but should) | 26 mai 2025 | 00:53:31 | |
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?
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| 5 min moment of pause to help parents regulate | 21 mai 2025 | 00:05:12 | |
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!
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| Struggling with work-life balance? Try the design your own life approach instead! | 19 mai 2025 | 00:32:46 | |
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 our lives rather than we keep saying we are aiming for "work-life" (whatever that means!). I hope you enjoy today's episode! Make sure you subscribe to the podcast!
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| Mother's Day Reflection: Am I addressing my needs? | 11 mai 2025 | 00:22:10 | |
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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| Should I hug my child or ignore them during a tantrum? | 05 mai 2025 | 01:01:35 | |
In this episode of the Reflective Parenting Podcast, I chat with Albiona Rakipi who is a parent coach. I love her work and it is well-aligned with the research I read around co-regulation and teaching kids how to regulate emotions. If you are a parent that often questions what to do DURING a tantrum, then this episode is for you. You will learn her simple method that makes it easy to know what to do and what to say to your toddler. Learn more from Albiona: The Parenting Reframe: https://www.theparentingreframe.com https://albiona.substack.com/podcast Watch this episode on YouTube: Read a research study on tantrums: Read a short blog post on our website about tantrums: https://curiousneuron.com/2025/05/04/how-warmth-not-harsh-discipline-helps-toddlers-behave-better/
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| Am I a helicopter parent? The science of overparenting. | 28 avr. 2025 | 00:33:20 | |
In today’s episode, we dive into the science of overparenting and explore what research says about its impact on children’s mental health. I break down a recent meta-analysis that shows how overparenting is linked to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and emotional struggles in kids and young adults. We also explore Self-Determination Theory—the idea that kids need autonomy, competence, and connection to thrive—and how overparenting can unintentionally block these critical needs. I’ll help you reflect on what overparenting might look like at home, with real-life examples for younger and older kids. Tune in to find out if you might be leaning into helicopter parenting and how you can support your child’s independence, resilience, and confidence instead. Sources: Overparenting and offspring depression, anxiety, and internalizing symptoms: A meta-analysis Read the blog on curiousneuron.com Watch on YouTube:
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