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Have you ever felt crushed by the pressure to follow a specific parenting style perfectly? The weight of trying to fit into boxes labeled "positive parenting" or "conscious parenting" leaves many of us feeling inadequate and constantly seeking more information. What if there's a more sustainable approach?

The newly renamed Reflective Parenting Podcast launches with a powerful message: building emotional intelligence skills matters more than following perfect parenting scripts. After speaking with hundreds of parents, I've discovered a common pattern – parents frantically searching for specific advice for each developmental stage, yet never feeling competent or confident in their abilities.

Research shows that parents who struggle with emotional regulation tend to default to authoritarian parenting styles, creating chronically stressed homes and eventually teens who can't regulate their own emotions. This cycle continues unless we intentionally develop four critical domains of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, emotion regulation, parental awareness, and healthy relationship skills.

The reflective parenting approach isn't about memorizing what to say during tantrums or following rigid schedules. It's about developing your ability to pause, notice your emotional patterns, understand your child's unique needs, and respond from a place of genuine presence rather than reactivity. When we build these foundational skills, we gain the confidence to parent our specific children, not generic ones from parenting books.

Ready to break free from parenting labels and build genuine confidence? Join our Reflective Parent Club, where we focus on developing these essential skills together. Visit the link in the show notes to start with a 7-day free trial, or schedule a conversation about your specific parenting challenges. Let's become reflective parents together.

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Learn more with Curious Neuron:

Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!

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

Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:

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

Email: [email protected]

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Discover the importance of forging meaningful connections and the healing power of friendships, especially after periods of isolation. In today's episode, I chatted with author of The Connection Recession, Rich Woo. 

We discuss the following key points: 

• Emphasizing connection as essential for mental well-being 
• Personal anecdotes highlighting the necessity of nurturing relationships 
• Strategies to combat loneliness, especially for new parents 
• The value of intentional community engagement in maintaining friendships 
• Addressing barriers like fear of rejection and time management 
• The need for proactive communication in sustaining bonds 

Get his book here:

In Canada or in the US. 

Follow him Rich on Instagram here. 

Support the show

Learn more with Curious Neuron:

Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!

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

Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:

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

Email: [email protected]

Send us a text

We discuss the essential balance of parenting, focusing on how allowing children to fail fosters resilience and independence. Jessica Leahy shares insights from her book, The Gift of Failure, highlighting the dangers of over-parenting and the need to embrace failure as a part of learning.

• The significance of letting children experience failure 
• Over-parenting and its effects on children's autonomy 
• Emphasizing the process of learning rather than the end result 
• Strategies for fostering independence in children 
• The role of parental expectations and societal pressures 
• Practical tips for promoting resilience and problem-solving skills 
• Real-life examples demonstrating the advantages of allowing mistakes 
• Resources for parents to further explore these concepts

Research on overparenting:

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s43076-024-00407-x.pdf

Watch this on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/btVcqD9AQU8

Get The Gift of Failure:

Canada or the US

Follow Jessica on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/teacherlahey/

Support the show

Learn more with Curious Neuron:

Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!

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

Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:

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

Email: [email protected]

Send us a text

Understanding how to navigate emotional responses with our children is vital for fostering healthy relationships within families. This episode explores the importance of self-awareness, recognizing triggers, and methods to de-escalate conflicts with children for more effective communication and connection.

• Emphasizing the challenge of escalating vs. de-escalating situations 
• Identifying and managing parental triggers 
• Sharing a personal story about a challenging parenting moment 
• Discussing the impact of emotional regulation on children 
• Highlighting the importance of self-awareness and reflection in parenting 
• Exploring the unique emotional needs of each child 
• Encouraging connection as a solution in difficult moments 
• Suggesting practical techniques for parents to foster understanding and communication 
• Recommending engagement in the Reflective Parent Club for deeper support

Support the show

Learn more with Curious Neuron:

Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!

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

Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:

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

Email: [email protected]

Send us a text

The episode delves into the critical role of play in both parental and child emotional development. Tina Payne Bryson shares insights from her book, *The Way of Play*, emphasizing how engaging in playful interactions can foster emotional intelligence and resilience in children while helping parents regulate their own stress.

• Exploring the connection between play and emotional development
• Importance of parental emotional well-being
• Practical strategies for incorporating play into parenting
• Understanding play as a tool for resilience building
• The role of scaffolding in teaching emotional management
• Encouraging open conversations about feelings through play
• Modelling emotional regulation for children in real-life scenarios

Sources:

Get The Way of Play on Amazon in  Canada or Amazon in the US

Follow Dr. Bryson on Instagram

https://www.tinabryson.com/

Support the show

Learn more with Curious Neuron:

Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!

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

Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:

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

Email: [email protected]

Send us a text

In this episode of the Curious Neuron podcast, I chat with therapist Travis Goodman about the rising concerns around addiction. We explore the importance of compassionate curiosity when approaching conversations about addiction, the role of the nervous system in addiction, and the necessity of managing personal emotions when dealing with loved ones struggling with addiction. 

The conversation emphasizes the need for connection and vulnerability as antidotes to shame and isolation often associated with addiction. In this conversation, Travis Goodman, LMFT, discusses the critical role of connection in healing from addiction, particularly for men. He emphasizes the importance of building support systems, whether through therapy or community, and the need for safe spaces where men can express vulnerability and accountability. 

The discussion also covers navigating denial in loved ones struggling with addiction, setting boundaries, and the significance of changing the narrative around addiction to foster understanding and empathy.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FDUyGUYBH5Q

Resources:

1. Follow Travis on Instagram @integratedmanproject
2. Join the next cohort of the Men's Collective with Travis here
3. Private coaching or counselling with Travis here
4. In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction here
5. Editorial: Human Connection as a Treatment for Addiction here

Support the show

Learn more with Curious Neuron:

Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!

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

Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:

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

Email: [email protected]

Send us a text

This episode explores the profound impact of childhood experiences on parenting styles, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and emotional healing. Brianna shares insights on building connections with children through understanding and compassion while setting healthy boundaries.

• Understanding how childhood wounds manifest in parenting
• Importance of self-reflection for emotional health
• The role of connection in nurturing healthy relationships
• Practical strategies for engaging with emotions
• Defining and communicating boundaries effectively
• Navigating partner dynamics in the parenting journey
• The need for compassion and curiosity in parenting conversations

Purchase Bryana's new book, Parent Yourself First:
In Canada or the US

Follow Bryana on Instagram (@consciousmommy)

Visit her website to learn more from her:
https://www.consciousmommy.com/

Support the show

Learn more with Curious Neuron:

Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!

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

Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:

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

Email: [email protected]

Send us a text

This episode encourages parents to shift their focus from rigid parenting styles to a more reflective, emotion-centered approach. We discuss the pressures of perfectionism, the importance of self-awareness, and how embracing the idea of "good enough" can transform parenting experiences. 

• Exploring the pressures of positive and conscious parenting 
• Emphasizing emotional awareness and self-regulation 
• Addressing perfectionism in parenting and its impacts 
• Promoting reflection as a tool for growth and understanding 
• Introducing the new structure of the Reflective Parent Club program 
• Encouraging parents to define what "good enough" means for them 
• Calling for compassion and flexibility in parenting practices

Watch this on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/PbnlJ7IUkR4

Support the show

Learn more with Curious Neuron:

Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!

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

Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:

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

Email: [email protected]

Send us a text

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

Support the show

Learn more with Curious Neuron:

Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!

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

Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:

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

Email: [email protected]

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/

Support the show

Learn more with Curious Neuron:

Snapping at your kid? Get this FREE training to learn how to catch your nervous system in overdrive BEFORE you snap!

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

Read to become a Reflective Parent? Purchase our course below:

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

Email: [email protected]