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I had an interesting conversation with a parent that felt frustrated because parenting felt like a struggle for her while it seemed so easy for her partner. Can you relate?

I thought it would be interesting to break this down and think of a way we could reflect on this.

If you can relate to this, don't miss this quick episode! 

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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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I read this fascinating article that looked at parental well-being of parent with teens.

This article reminded me of a few things that I think you should know as well. There are lots of things we should be working on today that can have an influence on our well-being when our kids become teens.

Life's purpose, our relationship and conflict resolution skills are talked about and I give you a few reflection prompts.

Here is the article I talk about:
Predictors of Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents' Parents

Read a FULL SUMMARY of this article on the Curious Neuron website:


Join the waitlist for The Reflective Parent Club (launching in September):
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664

Chat with me:
https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindy


Join this week's FREE webinar:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/9cf4e76674

Thank you for being here my dear friend! See you next week!

Cindy xx

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 this episode, Cindy discusses the topic of psychological well-being and the importance of nurturing different domains of well-being. She introduces the six domains of psychological well-being according to Dr. Carol Ryff: self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth.

Cindy emphasizes the significance of these domains for parents and encourages listeners to reflect on their own well-being and identify areas that may need attention. She also shares her vision for the Reflective Parent Club membership and upcoming webinars on values and mindfulness.


Takeaways

• Psychological well-being encompasses different domains, including self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth.
• Parents should reflect on their own well-being and identify areas that may need attention and nurturing.
• Nurturing psychological well-being is important for parents to show up for their children and maintain healthy relationships.
• Cindy introduces the Reflective Parent Club membership and upcoming webinars on values and mindfulness.

Resources and Links:

Schedule a call with me and help me reach 100 conversations with parents:
https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindy


Get your free "Assess my psychological well-being" workbook:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/553fa4cead

Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club (launching in September):
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664

Join our FREE webinar called Redefining your purpose and discovering your values:

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/9cf4e76674

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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Regardless of being a child or an adult, it is much easier to express anger than sadness.

Something happened the other day with one of my kids that helped me realize I had missed this in my own child. There "easily upset" behaviour was actually them feeling sad about something.

This episode outlines the conversation I had with my child, gives you tips to teach your child emotion regulation skills and a reflection prompt to understand your own anger if you get upset very easily.

This week in the Reflective Parent Club, we are talking about triggers. We are testing this membership all summer, but don't miss out on the September launch.

Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club below:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664

Jump on a Zoom call with me (I am on a mission to speak with 100 parents):
https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindy


Source:
https://curiousneuron.com/2024/07/20/understanding-and-supporting-your-childs-emotion-regulation/

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 this episode, Cindy reflects on her conversations with parents and the importance of feeling connected and supported. She introduces the concept of parental self-efficacy and encourages listeners to reflect on their own confidence as parents. Cindy provides a brief self-efficacy scale for parents to assess their level of confidence and offers guidance on how to improve it. She also discusses the impact of setting high standards for oneself and the importance of self-awareness in parenting. 

Takeaways

• Feeling connected and supported as a parent is crucial for personal growth and well-being.
• Parental self-efficacy, or the belief in one's ability to effectively manage and positively influence their child's behavior, is influenced by confidence.
• Reflecting on one's level of confidence and identifying areas for improvement can lead to more effective parenting.
• Setting high standards for oneself as a parent can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
• Self-awareness is key in recognizing and addressing areas of improvement in parenting.

Sources:
Factors associated with parenting self-efficacy: A systematic review
DOI: 10.1111/jan.14767

Book a call with me to talk about your parenting journey:
https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindy

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 this episode, Cindy discusses the challenges parents face when setting boundaries with their children. She shares a personal experience of setting a strong boundary with one of her kids and feeling conflicted about it. Cindy emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and provides reflection prompts for parents to work through their struggles with boundary-setting. She highlights the empowering nature of boundaries and the positive impact they have on building respect and trust in relationships.

Takeaways

• Setting boundaries is an essential part of parenting and helps build respect and trust in relationships.
• Parents may feel conflicted and even guilty when setting boundaries, but it is important to prioritize the well-being and growth of their children.
• Reflection prompts can help parents navigate the challenges of setting boundaries and prepare for potential resistance from their children.
• Boundaries should be set with love and firmness, demonstrating strength and leadership without being authoritarian.
• Setting boundaries is a continuous process that requires self-reflection and adaptability.

My favourite quote from the episode:
"A boundary is saying to the other person in front of you, I matter, my needs matter and I need to set this boundary for myself."

Book a chat with me! Help me meet my goal of chatting with 100 parents this summer:
https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindy


Join the waitlist of the Reflective Parent Club:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664

Learn more about the club:
https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/

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 this conversation, Cindy Hovington interviews Victoria Talwar about the topic of lying in children. They discuss the development of lying in children, the different types of lies, and the role of parents in teaching honesty. They also touch on the importance of modeling honesty and the impact of lies on trust. The conversation provides guidance for parents on how to handle lies and teach honesty to children of different ages. In this conversation, Victoria Talwar discusses the topic of children lying and provides insights on how parents can effectively address and understand this behavior. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on honesty rather than just discouraging lying. Talwar suggests using stories and examples to teach children about honesty and its positive consequences. She also advises parents to create a warm and supportive environment that encourages open communication and trust. Additionally, she highlights the significance of understanding the motivation behind a child's lie and seeking professional help if lying becomes persistent or problematic.

Takeaways

• Children's ability to lie is a sign of cognitive development and understanding of different perspectives.
• Young children's lies may not always be intentional and can be a result of wish fulfillment or acquiescence.
• Parents play a crucial role in modeling honesty and should reflect on their own honesty habits.
• Lies can impact trust, and it is important for parents to consider the consequences of their own lies.
• Teaching honesty involves having conversations with children, setting clear expectations, and addressing both the lie and the transgression.
• White lies can be a complex topic, and parents should consider the values they want to teach their children about honesty and kindness. Focus on teaching children about honesty rather than just discouraging lying.
• Use stories and examples to illustrate the importance of honesty and its positive consequences.
• Create a warm and supportive environment that encourages open communication and trust.
• Understand the motivation behind a child's lie and address it accordingly.
• Seek professional help if lying becomes persistent or problematic.

Join the waitlist for The Reflective Parent Club:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664

Book: The Truth About Lying (Amazon Canada) or (

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

Constantly striving for an idealized version of yourself might not be as beneficial as it seems. Do you ever wonder if the endless pursuit of self-improvement is actually doing more harm than good? Join me,  as I challenge the pervasive self-help culture that pressures us into relentless self-improvement. Inspired by an enlightening anecdote from Phil Knight's "Shoe Dog," I'll highlight the value of embracing our inherent traits and accepting our flaws. Discover how true self-acceptance can lead to healthier mindsets and better relationships, without the overwhelming pressure to be someone you're not.

In this episode, we'll also explore practical ways to reflect on self-improvement without feeling overwhelmed. Learn how simple tools, like using the word "because," can help you identify and understand the root causes of your stress. I'll share insights on making small, manageable improvements by recognizing your strengths and focusing on what you don't need to change. Plus, stay tuned for a sneak peek into our next episode where we'll dive into the intriguing world of lying and truth-telling with a researcher from McGill University. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful discussions!


Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664

Schedule a 20 min chat with me:
https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindy

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 this conversation, Chris discusses his personal journey of transformation and how he helps dads improve their lives. He shares his experience of going through phases of discipline and inconsistency, and how he reached a point of dissatisfaction that motivated him to make a change. Chris emphasizes the importance of connection and the power of a supportive community in helping dads overcome their struggles. He also addresses the challenges that arise in relationships when one partner is working on self-improvement while the other is not, and the need for open and effective communication in these situations. The conversation explores the importance of commitment in relationships and the impact of mental health on fathers. It emphasizes the need for self-care and personal growth, as well as breaking cycles of negative behavior. The role of community and support in improving mental well-being is highlighted.

Takeaways

• Personal transformation requires discipline and consistency.
• Connection and support from a community are crucial for overcoming struggles.
• Open and effective communication is essential in relationships.
• Friction and discomfort can lead to growth and positive change. Commitment in relationships requires saying yes or no forever, rather than questioning compatibility during arguments.
• Focusing on discipline and physical well-being can lead to better overall well-being.
• Self-care involves internal work and dialogue, not just external activities like going to the spa.
• Breaking cycles of negative behavior requires self-reflection, journaling, therapy, and support from others.
• Building a community of like-minded individuals can provide accountability and help in personal growth.

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

I just came back from a trip to Italy and there was a moment at a park where I realized something....we need to connect more with ourselves and those we love.

I polled our Instagram audience and 50% of parents feel disconnected and of these, 43% feel disconnected from their partners.

If you can relate to this, have a listen to this short solo episode.

You can also read the blog post I wrote about this and add a comment:
https://www.curiousneuron.com/blog/2024/6/8/are-we-too-busy-findings-ways-to-disconnect-from-our-kids-rather-than-moments-of-connection

If you want to join the waitlist for our upcoming community called the Reflective Parent Community this Fall, click the link below:
https://curiousneuronacademy.mykajabi.com/reflective-parenting-community-8751f762-a8f3-4562-b0e8-e37de4ab7187?preview_theme_id=2157310111

Purchase the Reflective Parent Journal below (get $10 off if you email me the review you leave for the podcast):
https://curiousneuronacademy.mykajabi.com/offers/FE2tgqG2/checkout

Thanks for listening! 

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/