Reflective Parenting Podcast

Send us Fan Mail As I dive into leadership and business books, I can't help make the link with parenting. I think leadership books are the best parenting books! I gave a workshop this week to a leadership team and realized how many of these tips applied to parenting so this week, I break down 3 aspects of this talk and give you some reflection prompts to apply this to your home. Want more ref...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Ramani and I rigorously tackle the complexities that emerge when parenting with or alongside a narcissist, offering invaluable strategies for setting boundaries and cultivating a nurturing environment for both parents and children. We discuss the often-overlooked impact narcissistic parenting has on the developmental stages of children, from their tender infancy to their more...

Send us Fan Mail My grandfather Roger always said that the true measure of character is found not in comfort, but in the face of challenge.  In this episode, I share my story of a day I called my grandpa pretending to be sick when I was in high school. This story is a reminder that we need to place our children in uncomfortable situations to help them work on their inner dialogue and motivation. I...

Send us Fan Mail Being a new parent can make you feel really alone. But don't worry, I talked to Dr. Kelly Elliott and Dr. Tracy Vozar, and we had a chat that might make you feel better. Today, we talk about the different ways people raise kids and how it can affect our feelings. We also look at how feeling anxious and trying to be the perfect parent can make us feel really lonely. We talk ab...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how to keep the spark alive in your relationship and fend off the threat of monotony that might edge you toward divorce? Join me, Cindy Hovington, along with Amy Morin, author of "13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do," as we uncover the secrets to a flourishing partnership that benefits not just you and your spouse, but your children as...

Send us Fan Mail Hang tight for a cozy chat that's like catching up with your parent BFF – we're spilling the beans on emotions and parenting with Jenny from EQ School. No fancy talk, just a laid-back convo packed with aha moments. From decoding our emotions to setting real, self-care boundaries, we're giving you the inside scoop on the family feels. This isn't your typical pod...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder why your heart races with anticipation or why a simple hug can calm your nerves? Prepare to unlock the mysteries of your emotional landscape with the theories of Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, author of How Emotions are Made, as we examine the complex world of constructed emotions. I am reading her book and I want to share some key concepts with you that will change your pe...

Send us Fan Mail Today is a very special episode on emotional intelligence with world renowned researcher Dr. Marc Brackett, director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. As we navigate the intricate ties between emotions, parenting, and education, Dr. Brackett shares his profound expertise on the RULER approach and the pivotal role of emotions in shaping our lives. Our conversation exte...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Curious Neuron, where our sixth season reminds you to prioritize your emotional health. Join me as we unearth the power of journaling and reflection. I also announce the launch of my new workbook called The Reflective Parent You can purchase it here if you are looking for support in working on yourself this year and relflecting on your emotional and mental well-being. h...

Send us Fan Mail Season five comes to a close, and what better way to bid adieu than with a heartfelt guide to steering through the festive frenzy as a parent? I'm Cindy Hevington, and this wrap-up is deeply personal as I share the trials my own family has faced, including my grandmother's recent diagnosis. But it's more than just a story; it's a treasure chest of strategies fo...

Send us Fan Mail Trapped in a hospital chair at 91, my grandmother's heartfelt story paints a vivid picture of an overlooked issue in our healthcare system. Her trauma-induced aggression, misinterpreted and mishandled, opened my eyes to the crying need for a more compassionate, trauma-informed approach. Together, let's challenge the conventional healthcare narrative and understand the pr...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why your toddler's tantrums seem uncontrollable or why your teenager is always sulking? Is it a sign of underlying distress, or a normal part of growing up? These questions and more are answered in this episode where we welcome developmental psychologist, Dr. Amanda Sheffield Morris. She helps us unlock the mysteries of emotional regulation in children, emphasiz...

Send us Fan Mail From my personal encounters with teaching empathy to my six and eight-year-old to sparking young minds' curiosity for neuroscience, this episode has a lot to offer. I'll share how a Nintendo dispute became a perfect opportunity to teach my kids the power of perspective taking in arguments and the crucial role of empathy in conflict resolution. It's a lesson that goe...

Send us Fan Mail Many parents with neurodivergent children have told me that parenting advice they read early helps them support their child. With the help of renowned neuropsychologist Dr. Julie Scorah, explore the unique challenges often faced by neurodivergent children.  We'll talk about the need to plan ahead to prevent stress, the significance of responding over reacting, and the importa...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we unravel the profound effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the potential consequences of parental burnout and stress. It's time to break intergenerational cycles for the well-being of future generations. I'll be sharing the latest eye-opening research and statistics. Neglect, abuse, divorce, parental incarceration, these adversities can lead to ch...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt like you're drowning in the deep end of parenthood, with the overwhelming demands of child-rearing overshadowing your own needs? I've got you! This week, I chatted with Dr. Morgan Cutlip. She sheds light on the delicate balance of meeting the needs of your family while honoring your own. We take a frank and honest look at the emotional milieu of motherhood, unp...

Send us Fan Mail Wondering why your two-year-old is not keen on sharing toys with their playmates? I have a reel that is about to hit 4 MILLION views...and it's about sharing. Many people don't agree with my post so today's episode is all about understanding child development and sharing - a concept that genuinely blossoms around the age of four.  Let's unravel the misconceptio...

Send us Fan Mail Growing up, I was no stranger to criticism. Now, as an adult, I can't help but notice its lingering effects on my self-esteem, my internal narrative, and my motivation. For better or worse, that criticism has shaped me. In this episode, we explore how a critical environment can influence marriages and parenting. We unpack the early warning signs that criticism could signal in...

Send us Fan Mail Everything you need to know about your child's temperament!  Concetta Ferretti brings a unique perspective to parenting and child development. As we delve into the complexities of temperament, Concetta brilliantly dissects its genetic and environmental influences, and its transformative relationship with personality. As parents, it's crucial to understand how temperament...

Send us Fan Mail Relating to your child's fear or shyness can be disheartening and challenging. I vividly remember the time when my 3-year-old daughter was hesitant to join a community center due to fear. This episode shares the journey we embarked on to help her face her fears and build resilience.  We break down strategies such as acknowledging the fear instead of dismissing it, breaking ta...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how to weave mindfulness into the bustling tapestry of your everyday life? Prepare to discover new threads of wisdom with our special guest, Tatianna, an experienced physiotherapist with a particular knack for connecting the dots between mental and physical well-being. Together, we poke at the curious interplay of mindfulness and our bodies, unearthing the profound i...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it takes to shift gears from pursuing a PhD in neuroscience to the demanding commitment of homeschooling? Well, today, your host Cindy Hovington opens up about her intriguing life journey, sharing the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. In this riveting conversation, I recount how I've learned to trust my gut, embrace failure, and never negle...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors 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 you...

Send us Fan Mail Do you know the power of your own mind and how journaling can unlock that potential? Let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. This episode is a deep dive into the transformative power of journaling, an instrumental tool in shaping thoughts and managing anxieties. We explore how journaling helps in understanding oneself better and how it can be used to tackle ev...

Send us Fan Mail Why do some struggle so much with their relationship after having kids? Has your relationship changed?  Tune in for some marriage advice in today's episode! As an experienced clinical psychologist and couples therapist, our guest Dr. Tracy Dalgleish shares marriage advice about the complexities of relationships post-parenthood. In her new book "I Didn't Sign Up for...