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In this episode of the Curious Neuron Podcast, Cindy Hovington speaks with Dr. Erin O'Connor, Ph.D., about the complexities of the mother-child relationship, the importance of attachment theory, and the impact of parental stress on parenting styles.

We discuss the significance of sensitivity and responsiveness in parenting, the challenges of separation anxiety, and the role of community support for parents. The conversation also touches on the teacher-child relationship, the importance of social-emotional learning, and the effects of parental accommodation behaviors on child development.

Erin is the Director of New York University's Early Childhood Education program, Erin is a Full Professor and holds a Doctorate in Human Development and Psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is also Chief of Education at Cooper - a platform designed to bring together parents, researchers, and teachers around issues of child development. She is also the co-host of the parenting podcast, Parenting Understood, which can be found on Apple and Spotify. 

Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/QZJcq6r_9K0

Sources: 

• Long-Term Effects of Social-Emotional Learning on Academic Skills: Evidence from a Randomized Trial of INSIGHTS
• A randomized-controlled examination of the effect of cognitive reappraisal instruction on maternal accommodation of child anxiety symptoms
• Trajectories of teacher–child relationships across kindergarten and first grade: The influence of gender and disruptive behavior

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What if you could turn fleeting happiness into lasting joy and protect yourself from worry and self-doubt? In the latest Curious Neuron podcast, join me, Cindy, as we explore the connection between joy and emotional regulation. We’ll dive into neuroscience and the insights of Brené Brown to tackle the fears and anxieties that often block joy.

Let’s rethink joy—not as material things, but as simple pleasures and meaningful moments. Learn how savoring these moments can boost your resilience, happiness, and emotional health. We'll share stories and challenge you to a week of joy-savoring. By embracing joy, we can model emotional resilience for ourselves and our children. Don’t miss out on making joy a key part of your life!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review or rating and please share it with a friend or group of parents.

Discover our membership:
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Related Curious Neuron Podcast Episodes:

1. The science of happiness with Stephanie Harrison
2. You don't have to create a new you
3. I don't have time for myself 

Curious Neuron blog posts:
Emotional Intelligence: Building a Home Where Emotions Thrive
Understanding Emotion Regulation: Key to Mental Health for Parents

Sources:

1. Jose, P. E., Lim, B. T., & Bryant, F. B. (2012) – Study on savoring and its link to life satisfaction, showing that people who actively savor joyful moments experience less anxiety and more happiness.
2. Brackett, M. A., Rivers, S. E., & Salovey, P. (2011) – Research on emotional intelligence and how allowing oneself to experience joy positively impacts emotional regulation and mental well-being.
3. Algoe, S. B., & Haidt, J. (2009) – Study on the power of positive emotions like gratitude and how they foster emotional resilience and build stronger social connections.

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]

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In this episode of the Curious Neuron podcast, host Cindy Hovington engages in a heartfelt conversation with Miranda, a mom of 3, about the complexities of parenting. They explore the evolution of parenting styles, particularly the shift towards more conscious and respectful approaches. 

Miranda shares her personal journey of navigating discipline, understanding developmental appropriateness, and the importance of emotional intelligence in parenting. 

The discussion highlights the challenges of co-regulation, the need for community support, and the significance of respect in parent-child relationships. They also offer valuable advice for new and expecting parents, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, practice, and the role of apologies in fostering healthy relationships with children.

Other episodes you might enjoy:

1. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1255388/episodes/15712010
2. Building confidence as a parent: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1255388/episodes/15420209
3. Understanding and Addressing Child Deception with Dr. Victoria Talwar https://www.buzzsprout.com/1255388/episodes/15338702

Join my free Reflection Webinar on October 22: How can connecting with my child improve their behaviour?
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/989145490b

Learn more about our membership, The Reflective Parent Club:
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Use code PODCAST60 to get 60% OFF your first month!
https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/the-reflective-parent-club-monthly

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

What if your automatic "no" responses are stealing precious moments of joy with your children? This week, I share an eye-opening personal story about how a spontaneous water gun fight with my kids became a treasured memory and a lesson in the power of saying "yes." We dive into the roots of our instinctual refusals and explore practical strategies to be more present and connected with our children. Discover how tools like emotional intelligence, effective communication, and stress management can enrich your parenting experience and turn fleeting moments into lasting bonds. Plus, I'll highlight some invaluable resources from the new Curious Neuron website and the Reflective Parenting Club to support you on this transformative journey.

Get ready to embrace those brief, joyful moments that can make a world of difference. This episode also teases exciting upcoming conversations, including a deep dive into healthy parent-child relationships with a parent interview, and a chat with a New York-based researcher about the influence of teacher-child interactions on your child's development.

Don't forget to check out the show notes for a free wellbeing kit and other useful tips. Let's make this week about turning some of those "no's" into meaningful "yes's" and finding joy in the little things. Join me and let's reflect on how we can all be more present, compassionate, and emotionally intelligent parents.

Use code PODCAST50 to get 50% off your first month (only $14.50) to join us this month inside the Reflective Parent Club. Learn more below:
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/


Other Podcast episodes you might enjoy:
Why is parenting hard for me but it seems so easy for my partner? It's frustrating!

The science of happiness with Stephanie Harrison, author of the New Happy

How I taught my kids to take each others perspective during arguments

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]

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In this conversation, I chat with Connie about the critical aspects of preschool education, emphasizing the importance of play in child development. We explore the challenges children face in adapting to open-ended play, the significance of emotional regulation, and the need for realistic expectations from parents. The discussion highlights the role of curiosity in learning, the nurturing of compassion and empathy, and practical tips for parents to support their children's development at home. Ultimately, they advocate for preserving the spirit of childhood and allowing children the freedom to explore and learn at their own pace.

See below for a discount code for our favourite open-ended play app called Pok Pok!

Rest, Play, Grow Book:
Amazon.ca
Amazon.com

Read a blog post about play and child development to get more tips:
https://curiousneuron.com/2024/09/21/the-importance-of-play-in-preschool-development/

Join this Tuesday's Parent Coaching Call inside our membership (topic will be about how to set boundaries):

Get 20% off a yearly membership with code PODCAST20:

Get 50% off your first month with code PODCAST50 (This coupon code expires on October 1st, 2024)

https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Related Podcast Episodes:

1. Why boredom is important for kids with Susie Allison from Busy Toddler 
2. How to support the development of executive function skills with Dr. Aliza Pressman

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, Kirsten Cobabe, a teen coach, discusses how parents can navigate the challenges of raising teenagers. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong connection with teens and understanding their perspective. Kirsten suggests that parents should shift their mindset and approach the teenage years with openness and curiosity. She encourages parents to set boundaries while also holding space for their teens' emotions and experiences. Kirsten also highlights the significance of community support and mentorship for both parents and teens.

The conversation explores the importance of active listening, vulnerability, and building a strong relationship with teenagers. It emphasizes the need for parents to slow down, pause, and think critically instead of trying to know everything. The fear of not knowing can be a barrier to true connection and understanding. It is important for parents to work on their own emotional regulation and self-compassion in order to support their teenagers effectively. The conversation also highlights the significance of meeting teenagers in their negative moments and refraining from name-calling or labeling them. Apologizing and making promises to improve the relationship can be powerful steps towards rebuilding trust.

Visit Kirsten's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kirstencobabe/

Get coaching from Kirsten:
https://www.kirstencobabe.com/


Learn about about our membership called The Reflective Parent Club:
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

Join the 8-week Reflection Challenge:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/befe29cb43

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, I discuss the importance of parental stress and its impact on parenting. I introduce the Reflective Parent Club (IT'S FINALLY OPEN!!), a membership program aimed at helping parents pause, reflect, and regulate their emotions. I emphasize the need for parents to respect their time and create meaningful connections with their children. I also encourage parents to evaluate their schedules, set boundaries, and prioritize quality time with their families. The episode concludes with an invitation to join the Reflective Parent Club and a reminder to leave a rating and review for the podcast.

Reflection Prompt: Am I being respectful of my time?

Download our 8-week Reflection Challenge:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/befe29cb43

Takeaways

• Parental stress is a public health concern and can impact parenting.
• The Reflective Parent Club offers tools and support for parents to regulate their emotions and build confidence.
• Respecting and managing time can reduce stress and create more meaningful connections with children.
• Evaluating schedules, setting boundaries, and prioritizing quality time are important for parental well-being.
• Joining the Reflective Parent Club provides access to resources and expert guidance.

Join me inside the Reflective Parent Club NOW OPEN!!

Use the code REFLECT50 to get 50% off your first month in a monthly subscription HERE

Use code REFLECT20 to get 20% off your first year (only $18/month!!) with our yearly subscription HERE

Or learn more by clicking the link below:
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/


Source:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/28/health/surgeon-general-parent-stress-wellness/index.html

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

Curious about finding real happiness even in life's chaos? In this episode of the Curious Neuron podcast, we explore what happiness truly means, with insights from Stephanie Harrison, author of New Happy. She shares simple ways to bring joy into your life through small, meaningful actions.

We also challenge the idea that you have to go it alone and talk about the importance of community and support systems. Learn how gratitude and kindness can improve your relationships and well-being. Plus, we introduce the Reflective Parent Club, where you can join weekly sessions to connect with guests like Stephanie for practical tips on personal growth and parenting.

This episode offers personal stories and practical advice to help you find happiness by embracing the present moment with love and compassion, both for yourself and your children. Don’t miss this chance to redefine happiness and build a more connected, compassionate life.

Purchase the New Happy book:

In Canada: https://amzn.to/47hmvYE
In the US:  here

Follow the New Happy:
https://www.instagram.com/newhappyco/

LEARN MORE:

Science article "Helping and Happiness: A Review and Guide for Public Policy" 


REFLECTION PROMPT:
What is one small change I can make this week to boost my feeling of happiness?


Download our FREE 40-page parental well-being workbook

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

Have you ever wondered why children's natural curiosity seems to fade as they grow older? This episode takes you on a reflective journey from the inception of Curious Neuron, inspired by a transformative comment from a Harvard professor. I share the pivotal moments from my academic path, including my PhD in neuroscience and postdoctoral studies, that led to the creation of Curious Neuron.

From the spark of an idea to a full-fledged business, I recount the challenges and triumphs of starting Curious Neuron. Listen as I navigate the hurdles of balancing work with motherhood, making the emotional decision to leave my postdoctoral journey, and forgoing a position at Harvard to be with my terminally ill grandfather. These experiences shaped the direction of Curious Neuron, focusing solely on supporting parents and children through innovative educational strategies.

Balancing work, homeschooling, and household responsibilities has been a constant struggle, particularly during the pandemic. I open up about the emotional toll of early parenthood and the importance of self-compassion. Through the Reflective Parent Club, we aim to provide a supportive space for parents to nurture their own well-being. As we gear up for season seven, I’m excited to share conversations with inspiring guests like Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy, offering insights into personal growth and effective parenting. Join us as we wrap up season six, reminding parents that it's okay to struggle and emphasizing the importance of nurturing both their children’s curiosity and their own emotional health.

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

Last week inside the Reflective Parent Club, we assessed our core values with our special guest expert Christina.

Today, I walk you through this and help you identify your 2 core values. We chat about what this means in your life, what to do if you partner's values don't align with yours, and reflect on if your core values are similar to how you were raised.

Assess your values:
https://jamesclear.com/core-values

You might want to listen to these podcast episodes:
Dr. Tracy Dalgleish: How to maintain a healthy relationship after having kids

5 regrets I don't want to have when I am 90: lessons from my grandmother

Mastering Parent-Child Conversations with Negotiation Skills

Ask Cindy Anything (I will answer in next week's episode!)
https://forms.gle/bqL5y5RQC3YtBA7z8

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]