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How can we better support dads in their crucial roles during prenatal and postpartum stages, and why is it so vital to address their mental health?

Join us as we explore this essential topic with Dr. Deborah Da Costa, a researcher at McGill University, and my guest co-host, Travis Goodman, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and returning guest and father. Together, we aim to break the stigma surrounding dads in mental health and shed light on the importance of open, compassionate conversations.

We'll discuss the impact of men's mental health on the family dynamic and the potential benefits of engaging dads in mental health conversations. Our conversation also covers the importance of paternity leave, the varying policies across Canada and the US, and the effects of maternal gatekeeping on fathers' mental health. Dr. Da Costa shares her insights on the lack of resources available for fathers, while Travis provides his invaluable perspective as a dad and family therapist.

You will also learn more about Dr. Da Costa's new research study, Fathers Matter, where scientists are trying to better understand fathers’ involvement in pregnancy and develop resources to help with the transition to parenthood. They are currently recruiting (please see the link below).

In this eye-opening conversation, we advocate for greater acceptance and support for men's mental health issues, including tailored resources and community programs. We address the lack of funding for initiatives to support men's mental health and stress the importance of recognizing fathers in the prenatal and postpartum stages. By challenging the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality, we aim to dismantle the narrative of failure that may prevent men and fathers from seeking the help they need. Don't miss this vital discussion on the role of dads in parenting and mental health!

The Da Costa Lab is currently recruiting couples having their first baby in order to learn more about fathers’ involvement in pregnancy and early parenthood.
Learn more:
https://fathersmatter.ca/

Join Dr. Da Costa on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dacosta_lab_ri_muhc/

Learn more about Travis Goodman:
https://www.therapy4dads.com/about

Listen to Travis's podcast (Therapy4dads) on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/therapy4dads/id1569718711

Resources:
Dads Get Sad Too: Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Expectant First-Time Fathers:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1557988315606963

HealthyDads.ca: What Do Men Want in a Website Designe

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Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.

Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below:

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

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Are you unknowingly fostering unhealthy food relationships in your household? Join us as we chat with Evelyn Tribole, co-author of Intuitive Eating, to discover how to nurture a healthy relationship with food for ourselves and our kids, and break free from the detrimental diet culture that can creep into our homes.

Unintentionally, parents may contribute to the restriction of their kids' eating, causing more harm than good. In this episode, we delve into the intuitive eating framework, which relies on our body's internal wisdom. Evelyn shares valuable insights on setting boundaries and fostering a safe space for teen food relationships, emphasizing the importance of mental health and making peace with food.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation as we also discuss understanding our body's biology and its role in our eating behaviors. Learn how to create a loving environment at home and have respectful conversations about food with family members. Tune in and empower your family with a healthy and intuitive relationship with food.

Resources:
https://www.evelyntribole.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Intuitive-Eating-4th-Anti-Diet-Revolutionary/dp/1250255198/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2XYJ62NWHDJGB&keywords=intuitive+eating&qid=1686543696&sprefix=intuitive+eating%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1471015318302046

Support the show

Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.

Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below:

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

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Ever find yourself stuck in a spiral of what-if thoughts, unable to shake off the anxiety that accompanies them? I've been there, and so have my kids. Let me share with you a powerful conversation I had with them that helped us all better understand and manage our emotions. Listen in as we explore techniques for letting go of these thoughts, such as talking to someone or writing them down, to gain emotional awareness and keep our worries from taking over our lives.

You're not alone if you've struggled with anxiety – I've personally experienced postpartum anxiety and learned the value of journaling and self-talk in processing my emotions. Join me as we discuss how to help our children identify and cope with their feelings, equipping them with the tools they need to navigate their emotions and foster emotional awareness. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from my experiences and adopt new strategies for managing anxiety in both yourself and your children.

Support the show

Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.

Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below:

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

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Can you predict your child's attachment style before they're even born? Join us as we unravel the fascinating world of pregnancy, attachment, and mental health with our special guests Drs. Shalaka and Allison. As Shalaka shares her research on predicting attachment through biological predictors and exposure to prenatal and postnatal stress, Allison offers her expertise as a doctor specializing in internal medicine, cardiology, nephrology, and obstetrical medicine.

Together, we debunk myths surrounding pregnancy and gender predictions while emphasizing the importance of evidence-based information when it comes to lifestyle during pregnancy. We also discuss the uncomfortable experience of having strangers touch your belly while pregnant and explore the need for more conversations about pregnancy and childbirth in our society. Our guests also touch on the crucial role community support plays for new parents and the cultural expectations often placed on mothers.

Don't miss out on this engaging discussion about the significance of reflection during pregnancy and the need to focus on both our children's individual needs and our own mental health and stability. Learn about the research surrounding attachment and the importance of recurrent interactions between children and their caregivers, and how Shalaka and Allison's Growing Facts Podcast is helping to create much-needed conversations around pregnancy and parenting.

About our guests:

Hosts of The Growing Facts Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/growing-facts-podcast/id1651492535

Shalaka earned her Ph.D. in child psychology at McGill University. Her thesis is on the influence of maternal prenatal stress, child genetics, and parenting on the development of attachment in children. 

She has completed her clinical residency in Victoria, B.C. She is a registered psychologist and sees children and families in her clinical practice in Montreal. 

During the course of this podcast, she shares her journey to successfully conceiving a child through IVF. She lives with her two cats, Tonks and Remus, and her husband.

Alyson is an internal medicine specialist in Victoriaville, Quebec. She went to medical school at McGill and then did her residency at the Université de Montréal. She has a particular interest in obstetrical medecine, which focuses on illnesses in the pregnant woman, and is involved in the GEMOQ (Groupe d’Étude en Médecine Obstétrical du Québec) as an administrator. 

She is currently living in Victoriaville with her partner, their huge dog ‘Buck’, and her newborn twins!

Support the show

Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.

Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below:

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

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Let's talk about both euphoric moments in parenting and rage moments.

I did something very "out of the box" with my kids this weekend and I wanted to share it with you so that you can give it a try too.

Also, I have been talking a lot about "mom rage" online these past 2 weeks but let's get into the science and create a game plan to help you out if this is something you are experiencing.

I hope you enjoy this episode!

Our partners:
Get 50% off yearly membership for the Pok Pok app for kids:
playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 

Support the show

Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.

Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below:

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

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In today’s episode we are joined for a second time by Susie Allison, M. Ed., a former teacher and creator of Busy Toddler.

• What did Susie post that instigated this conversation?
• Why did Susie make the reel?
• What is the real definition of “social skills”
• How exactly can a parent teach a child social skills?
• How can parents intentionally model emotion regulation skills?
• How and when can a parent teach conflict resolution to their child?
• Are all social skills mostly learned in school?

Follow Susie on Instagram.

Our partners:
Get 50% off a yearly membership for the Pok Pok app for kids:
playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON

Resources:
Development of social skills in children: neural and behavioral evidence for the elaboration of cognitive models

Support the show

Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.

Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below:

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode we are joined by Tarah Schwartz, Canadian journalist and author of Can’t Help Falling - A Long Road to Motherhood.

• Why did Tarah write this book?
• Should you mention anything when you know someone had a pregnancy loss?
• When should you go back to work after a pregnancy loss?
• Are there any local support groups that were helpful?
• What can you do to support the non-pregnant parent after a pregnancy loss?
• How does adoption actually work?
• Was it hard writing the book or part of Tarah’s healing?
• Has a community grown from the book?
• Who’s the book for?

You can join Tarah through her website: https://tarahschwartz.ca/

Thank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently.

Please leave a rating for our podcast on iTunes!

Join our community: Instagram: @curious_neuron Website: www.curiousneuron.com Podcast website: www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcast

Our partners:
Get 50% off a yearly membership for the Pok Pok app for kids:
playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 

Support the show

Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.

Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below:

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

Send us Fan Mail

In today's solo episode, I chat about a 3 day weekend I had my family and extended family.

By the time it was over,  I had some body discomfort and I couldn't figure out why. The weekend had gone fairly well but I did hold back from saying a few things to my mom. Whenever I do express frustration or anger,  it almost ALWAYS becomes about her.

The weekend I attended was a special occasion and I didn't want to get into an argument with her so I kept my feelings to myself...only to feel physically ill by the end of the weekend for the amount of bottled-up emotions I had.

Can you relate? Listen to this episode to learn more! 

Want to join my Wondergrade Emotionally Aware Parent Challenge? Click the link below for your FREE 28-page PDF and a weekly Zoom call.

Try the app for free below!

Need help to support your child? Get our new Curious and Compassionate Parenting Bundle!
https://curiousneuronacademy.mykajabi.com/

Support the show

Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.

Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below:

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

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In today’s episode we are joined by Karl Mercuri a Social-Emotional Learning Consultant and Coach based in Montreal, Canada

3:56 - Who is Karl Mercuri?

6:06 - The increase of complaints from school about child behavior changes since the pandemic, isn’t about behavior… it’s about missing social skills.

8:53 - Do all schools implement social emotional learning programs?

11:00 - What exactly is SEL: Social emotional learning?

12:43 - What are the 5 competencies of SEL and how are they taught?

16:40 - How can we implement discipline in schools keeping in mind SEL?

19:19 - What are community circles?

22:16 - What is a signature practices and how do you know if your school has them? How could a teacher or parent start SEL practices in their school?

27:00 - What are some first steps educators can take with very young children without a full framework implemented in the classroom?

35:50 - How can SEL help us in our adult relationships?

38:48 - What language can teachers use to model SEL in the classroom?

41:00 - Once a teacher knows how the students in the class are doing? How can they structure their activities?

43:51 - What does Karl dream about when it comes to SEL in a classroom?

Join Karl on Twitter or by e-mail: [email protected]

Read the blog post by Karl: https://www.curiousneuron.com/blog/2023/2/6/the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-a-school-that-nurtures-your-childs-social-emotional-well-being

Watch the YouTube Live video with Karl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APTILnWzEg8

CASEL: The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning https://casel.org/

Permission to Feel - Marc Brackett, explains RULER: https://www.marcbrackett.com/about/book-permission-to-feel/

Support the show

Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.

Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below:

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, we are joined by Bethan O’Riordan, psychotherapist and mom of 3.

5:57 - What does Bethan do?

7:50 - What is the number one thing I need to know before becoming a parent?

9:31 - How do you deal with a partner who isn’t interested in doing the work themselves?

11:57 - How can we make the shift from negative self-talk to having more self-compassion?

17:01 - Is it possible to go forward in our emotional growth journey without learning more about our past?

19:46 - What’s the key to raising a securely attached child?

23:00 - Should parents be stressed about leaving their children alone to play throughout the day?

31:04 - How can a parent start taking steps toward doing the work?

36:10 - Why is Bethan’s #1 advice to hold your tongue in hard moments?

39:51 - What is compassion-focused therapy?

“The greatest therapist a child can ever have is their own parent” - Bethan O’Riordan

Visit Bethan’s website

Join Bethan’s group open to all parents here.

Strange Situation: A Mother’s Journey Into The Science Of Attachment - Bethany Saltman

Browse the Curious Neuron Academy here.

Thank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently.

Please leave a rating for our podcast on iTunes!

Join our community: Instagram: @curious_neuron Website: www.curiousneuron.com Podcast website: www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcast

Support the show

Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.

Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below:

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/