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Open 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
• Addressing children's fears by discussing safety measures
• Balancing parental emotions with children's emotional needs
• Engaging in community service to help children process feelings
• Recognizing signs of trauma in children’s behavior
• Establishing routines to provide normalcy
• Prioritizing self-care for parents during challenging times

Here is a growing directory of 500+ providers offering pro bono services for individuals impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uAMVz8TQMzShQeuEA6kmOP0jyRN7qe1Iiqb6JOLTPqg/edit?gid=303232729#gid=303232729

Helpful article in the LA Times:
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-11/kids-wildfire-losses-experts-eaton-palisades-fire


Listen to my conversation with research Dr. Susan King (from McGill University) to learn how natural disasters can impact expecting moms and their babies (and how to mitigate the stress).

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/curious-neuron-with-dr-cindy-hovington/id1440533170?i=1000502669619

Get your FREE 40-page workbook called Becoming a Reflective Parent:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/reflectiveparentingworkbook

Join our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child.
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected] and I will send you our most popular guide called Meltdown Mountain.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links below
Thank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation.

1. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a text

REPLAY EPISODE
Ever wondered how your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours impact your parenting? Prepare to gain a deeper understanding of your own emotional triggers and responses as we delve into the complexities of parenting with clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Bren. This episode is a masterclass in mindful parenting, giving you insights and practical tools to help you respond better to your child's behavior.

We tackle the all-important subject of parental triggers, exploring how understanding our vulnerabilities and personal history can help us better interpret our child's behavior. Learn to recognize your feelings and urges in the moment and practice the skills to manage them effectively. We assure you, this isn't about achieving parental perfection but gaining understanding and awareness that leads to a more effective response.

By the end, you'll understand why following the 'rules' of parenting isn't enough. It's about understanding yourself to become a more mindful and effective parent. Join us and Dr. Sarah Bren on this insightful journey into the heart of parenting.

Join Dr. Bren's FREE masterclass here:
https://drsarahbren.com/powerstruggles_CH

You can follow her on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drsarahbren/

Visit her website for more courses:
https://drsarahbren.com/

Yes, the Reflective Parent Club is STILL on sale. Don't miss out!
https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/the-reflective-parent-club-3-month-plan?coupon_code=CYBER30

Get Meltdown Mountain:
https://curiousneuron.com/shop/

Get your FREE 40-page workbook called Becoming a Reflective Parent:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/reflectiveparentingworkbook

Join our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child.
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected] and I will send you our most popular guide called Meltdown Mountain.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links below
Thank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation.

1. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a text

The episode highlights the vital role of self-regulation in parenting, especially in navigating holiday gatherings and family dynamics. Dr. Bruce Perry discusses the importance of understanding brain development and the processes involved in engaging with children emotionally. 

• The significance of regulating oneself before helping children 
• Strategies for approaching holiday gatherings with realistic expectations 
• The role of community support and resources in parenting 
• Understanding brain development through the hierarchy of functions 
• Importance of rupture and repair in parent-child relationships 
• Fostering resilience through connectedness and shared experiences 
• Overcoming the stigma of parenting struggles and being proactive 

Leave a rating and review for the podcast. Rate the podcast, leave a review and just send me an email. Let me know that you did it and I will send you Meltdown Mountain, which is a printable that you can put right up on your fridge and have the language to talk to your child about emotional awareness and what it feels like to be dysregulated.

Get your FREE 40-page workbook called Becoming a Reflective Parent:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/reflectiveparentingworkbook

Join our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child.
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected] and I will send you our most popular guide called Meltdown Mountain.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links below
Thank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation.

1. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a text

In this special 200th episode of the Curious Neuron podcast, we chat with renowned professor from the University of Calgary Dr. Nicole Letourneau. Her research focuses on enhancing parental reflective functioning (RF), the ability to understand and interpret one's own and a child's mental and emotional states.

Through the development of the ATTACH™ program, a 10-week intervention, she has demonstrated that improving RF leads to stronger parent-child interactions, secure attachment, and better child outcomes, including enhanced social-emotional skills, fewer behavioral issues, and improved cognitive abilities.

Her work highlights the role of RF in fostering healthy relationships, reducing child anxiety and aggression, and promoting emotional and psychological well-being. Parents can apply these insights by engaging in reflective practices and interventions like ATTACH™ to deepen their connection with their children and support their development.

You DON'T want to miss this episode!

To celebrate this special episode, if you send me a screenshot of your review AND a screenshot of you sharing the podcast on either a newsletter at work, a Facebook parent page etc, I will give you 3 FREE months for the Reflective Parent Club that Curious Neuron launched in September. That is a $79 value!

How to Contact Dr. Letourneau:
For more information about Dr. Nicole Letourneau and the Attach program visit attach.teachable.com for program details and links to research findings.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/4/3078

Get your FREE 40-page workbook called Becoming a Reflective Parent:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/reflectiveparentingworkbook

Join our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child.
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected] and I will send you our most popular guide called Meltdown Mountain.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links below
Thank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation.

1. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a text

Grief is a complex journey, especially when it involves the devastating loss of a loved one by suicide. Join us as we sit down with Reshma, a mother of three, who shares her heartfelt story of healing following her husband's tragic death. Through her lens, we explore how mindfulness has been a beacon of hope for her family, providing essential tools for emotional regulation and coping with stress. Reshma's experience serves as a poignant reminder of the power of community and mindfulness, especially in moments of profound sorrow. By fostering an environment of presence and awareness, families can build emotional well-being and resilience, finding strength in shared experiences and mindful practices.

About Reshma:

Follow her on Instagram: @reshmakearney

Reshma Kearney is a widowed mom of three and a certified mindfulness instructor passionate about helping children and families cultivate emotional resilience and mental wellbeing. After losing her husband to suicide in 2022, she turned to the mindfulness practices she had been sharing with her children even before his passing, using them as a lifeline to navigate grief and support their healing. Her website is currently being created so if you want to reach her, please reach her through Instagram. 

Get your FREE 40-page workbook called Becoming a Reflective Parent:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/reflectiveparentingworkbook

Join our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child.
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected] and I will send you our most popular guide called Meltdown Mountain.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links below
Thank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation.

1. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a text

Discover how to navigate the stress of the holiday season while prioritizing your mental well-being and fostering a joyful atmosphere for yourself and your family. This episode promises to equip parents with actionable strategies and insights, offering three essential tips to manage the challenges of family gatherings, financial pressures, and past negative experiences.

But that's not all—the episode also sheds light on the art of boundary-setting, ensuring you maintain holiday sanity amid the chaos. Learn how to set realistic expectations for your children's behavior and effectively collaborate with your partner to handle responsibilities. We discuss the importance of financial boundaries to keep holiday spending in check, alongside techniques for gracefully managing unsolicited family advice.

Email me a screenshot of your podcast review for your chance to win a free 3-month access to the Reflective Parent Club! [email protected]

Join the Reflective Parent Club and get 30% off!
https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/the-reflective-parent-club-3-month-plan?coupon_code=CYBER30


Related Podcast Episodes:

1. Thriving during the holidays
2. How I taught my kids to take on each others perspectives during arguments
3. Parenting children with strong temperaments 

Articles about stress and Dr. Letourneau's research:

1. How To Identify If Your Stress Is Healthy Or Toxic
2. Can Toxic Stress Impact Your Attachment with Your Child?

Get your FREE 40-page workbook called Becoming a Reflective Parent:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/reflectiveparentingworkbook

Join our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child.
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected] and I will send you our most popular guide called Meltdown Mountain.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links below
Thank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation.

1. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a text

In 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, and the necessity of emotional expression in both children and parents.

They discuss the critical role of play in child development, emphasizing the need for autonomy, belonging, and competence. They explore the importance of downtime and boredom for children's mental health, the challenges of screen time, and the significance of fostering a family culture that encourages helpfulness and collaboration. The discussion highlights practical strategies for parents to create a nurturing environment that supports children's growth and well-being.

30% OFF BLACK FRIDAY SALE for The Reflective Parent Club:
https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/the-reflective-parent-club-3-month-plan?coupon_code=CYBER30

Learn more from Tammy:
Her Book: The Parenting Handbook: Your Guide to Raising Resilient Children

Join her Facebook page with over 700k followers:
https://www.instagram.com/instituteofchildpsych/

Tammy's Website:
https://instituteofchildpsychology.com/

Tammy's Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-child-psych-podcast/id1649611804

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life

License code: UN8FXUZSGMNFOC2P

Get your FREE 40-page workbook called Becoming a Reflective Parent:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/reflectiveparentingworkbook

Join our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child.
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected] and I will send you our most popular guide called Meltdown Mountain.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links below
Thank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation.

1. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a text

A 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 at the end of the episode but if you need a space to be held accountable, to get support from a community and to get weekly check-ins to see how you are progressing, then don't forget to join our membership called the Reflective Parent Club!

Ask Dr. Cindy Anything! Fill in this form to ask your question and have it answered on the podcast or our newsletter:
https://forms.gle/Ab5UDe6eFspvctsi6

Join The Reflective Parent newsletter for free:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/1ee8afcb30

A new IG account I love:
https://www.instagram.com/concisevisuals/

An article I recommend:
Time management and academic achievement (and well-being)

Get your FREE 40-page workbook called Becoming a Reflective Parent:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/reflectiveparentingworkbook

Join our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child.
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected] and I will send you our most popular guide called Meltdown Mountain.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links below
Thank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation.

1. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a text

In this conversation, Dr. Pierre Azzam discusses the intersection of mental health and professional coaching, particularly focusing on the experiences of fathers. He highlights the stigma surrounding mental health for men and the importance of understanding postpartum depression in fathers. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassionate communication and support for men experiencing mental health challenges, especially during the transition to fatherhood.

We tackle the sensitive subject of postpartum depression in men, shattering the misconceptions that it only affects women. Men may manifest this condition through anger, isolation, or even numbness, and we need to increase awareness and support for them. The discussion wraps up by redefining resilience—not as a single trait but as a set of attributes that include courage, agency, and purpose. By modeling these for children and understanding the role of connection in mental health, we strive to promote a healthier, more inclusive approach to emotional well-being for fathers and families alike.

Follow BraverMan and Dr. Azzam's work:

https://www.bravermancoaching.com/

Follow him on Instagram:
@braver.man

Listen to similar podcast episodes:

1. The science of happiness
2. The power of community for dads
3. Empowering dads to express emotions
4. How my grandpa taught me resilience 

Get your FREE 40-page workbook called Becoming a Reflective Parent:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/reflectiveparentingworkbook

Join our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child.
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected] and I will send you our most popular guide called Meltdown Mountain.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links below
Thank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation.

1. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a text

In 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 of holistic approaches with traditional medicine. The dialogue highlights the significance of mind-body programs and the power of thoughts in emotional well-being, offering practical advice for individuals navigating fertility challenges.

Watch it on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/9NZ6n6efahQ

Learn more with Lauren:
https://www.breathewithlauren.com/

https://www.facebook.com/breathewithlauren/

https://www.instagram.com/breathewithlauren

Sign up for Lauren's Mind-Body Fertility toolkit:
https://breathewithlauren.mykajabi.com/fertility-toolbox

Sources:
Emotional stress and reproduction: what do fertility patients believe?

Get your FREE 40-page workbook called Becoming a Reflective Parent:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/reflectiveparentingworkbook

Join our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child.
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected] and I will send you our most popular guide called Meltdown Mountain.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links below
Thank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation.

1. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron