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Curious Neuron | Science of Parental Well-Being
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Curious Neuron | Science of Parental Well-Being

Author: Cindy Hovington, Ph.D.

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A space where parents can learn how to nurture their own psychological well-being. Neuroscientist, mom of 3 and entrepreneur, Dr. Cindy Hovington shares the science of well-being and nuggets of leaderships skills that help parents manage their stress, cope with emotions and build a strong relationship with themselves and their children. 

Past guests include Dr. Bruce Perry, Dr. Marc Brackett, Justin Baldoni, Amy Morin and Dr. Ramani Durvasula and Dr. Kristen Neff.

Follow Cindy on Instagram @curious_neuron and email her at  info@curiousneuron.com  (let her know if you leave a rating and review!)

Articles, Workbooks, Research and Speaking Engagements and more  at curiousneuron.com

171 Episodes
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In this conversation, Cindy Hovington speaks with Matt Brown and Leah Blain about the experiences of military families and their children. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and understanding of the unique lifestyle of military families and the support they require. The goal of the conversation is to shed light on the experiences of military children and promote empathy and support for them. Military families face unique challenges, including frequent moves and deployments, wh...
In this episode, Cindy Hovington interviews Kei Nomaguchi and Melissa Milkie about their research on parenthood and well-being. They discuss the concept of intensive parenting and the societal expectations placed on parents, particularly mothers. The conversation explores the pros and cons of intensive parenting and the challenges faced by parents in balancing work and family responsibilities. The need for workplace support and community connections is emphasized, as well as the importance of...
In this conversation, Jacqueline discusses the application of the science of wellbeing in daily life. She shares her personal journey of implementing wellbeing practices and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and self-reflection. The conversation explores misconceptions about happiness and the role of circumstances in our overall wellbeing. Jacqueline also highlights the significance of understanding and embracing different perspectives on happiness. The conversation delves into redef...
As a child of divorce, I know that it can be very difficult to go through. I have been getting lots of emails around this and so I asked my dear friend Dr. Tamara Soles to join me today. We break down divorce into before, during and after so that you have all the tips and advice you need to navigate this in a way that is best for you and your child. We discuss arguing in front of your child, what repair looks like, how to talk to your kids and how to co-parent. Don't miss this!Join me this We...
Navigating the tender complexities of mental health as a parent can often feel like a solitary journey, but it doesn't have to be. Nathalie shares candidly from the heart about her postpartum experiences, while Dr. Tina Montreuil of McGill University blends these personal narratives with academic insights. Together, we unravel the challenges and celebrate the resilience of birthing parents, marking World Maternal Mental Health Day as a beacon of support and solidarity.In the warm embrace of t...
Hello my dear friend, I get it, I have said this over and over myself. However, today, I would like you to take a step back and really reflect on this thought "I don't have time for myself".I walk you through some reflection prompts and how you can view this problem a little differently and work through it. Making time for yourself doesn't need to be 2 hours every day. It is a little moment of connection, a little moment that reminds you that you are important. Don't skip this activity ...
Let's chat about self-compassion with the scientist that created the self-compassion scale herself!Today, I am joined by Dr. Kristen Neff, Tedx speaker and author of Self-Compassion: The proven power of being kind to yourself. Leading expert in self-compassion, Dr. Neff walks us through what it means to be self-compassion and how we can start with baby steps to be kinder to ourselves. I remember being a first time mom and how I had so much guilt around everything I did with my daughter. Our i...
Have you ever found yourself scrubbing baseboards and questioned why you place so much pressure on yourself? As I prepare for my trip to California at the end of the month, that exact introspection led to a profound realization about the 'shoulds' in my life, a topic I eagerly explore with Erica Djossa, therapist and author of "Releasing the Motherload," on our latest Curious Neuron podcast episode. Together, we scrutinize the mental load that mothers bear, addressing the invisible tasks and ...
I really messed up last night and I want to share this with you so that you can learn from my mistake. When we are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it can trickle down to our kids. If we don't notice this, then all we see if a child that is "misbehaving" when in reality it is a child that is dysregulated, doesn't feel connected, doesn't feel validated or seen. When we NOTICE this, it makes it easier for us to switch our own behaviour or thoughts with the goal of changing how it is impac...
Let's talk about executive functions and how these skills support your child's academic performance! In today's episode, I chat with Dr. Stephanie Carlson, Tedx speaker and Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota. She investigates basic developmental processes in executive function in children. If your child often gets stuck in their emotions, struggle with staying focused or struggles with getting organized or planning,...
Ever wondered how your stress levels could be painting the world for your little ones? I unpack the spillover theory and zero in on pivotal insights from current studies that reveal the depth of our influence on our kids’ behavior. It’s a journey of reflection—a look in the mirror at our own stress and parenting styles—and a step towards cultivating a nurturing and conscious home environment.Finally, I arm you with the strategies to manage stress effectively. From recognizing what you c...
Ever wonder how your earliest experiences of love and connection with caregivers are playing out in your adult relationships? Join me, along with couples therapist Vanessa Morgan, as we uncover how attachment styles developed in infancy can have a far-reaching influence on our interaction patterns with romantic partners and even our children. Vanessa guides us through understanding different attachment styles, the importance of self-reflection, and the powerful effect of establishing secure c...
As a mom of three with a neuroscience background, I've come to understand that the emotional health of fathers is a critical but often overlooked topic. That's why I invited Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson, an expert in counseling and male psychology, onto the podcast. Our conversation offers an essential guide for anyone invested in the development of healthy boyhood and supportive environments for men as they embrace parenting, with insights into breaking cycles of anger and fostering emotion...
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 reflection prompts that support your emotional health? Purchase my Reflective Parent Workbook below (send me a screenshot o...
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 independent years. We confront the harsh truth that parenthood doesn't magically reform a narcissist and discuss th...
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. It also reminds, the parents, that we need to do the same. I hope you enjoy my story about my grandpa Roger, h...
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 about how social media can help connect parents and make them feel less alone.We don't just talk about the problems, thoug...
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 well. We discuss the delicate balance of setting boundaries in a relationship can feel like walking a tightrope, but it's a vital...
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 podcast; it's your backstage pass to leveling up your connection game at home.Emotional intelligence isn't just for suits – it's a game-ch...
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 perspective on emotions. We delve into the nuances of emotional granularity, exploring how a keen awareness of our m...
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Comments (4)

Cecily Van Horn

Awesome podcast. I had a few daycare kidlets heading off to kindergarten last week. on the last day for them it seemed that with the overload of excitement they forgot the basic rules of the daycare... clean up time, no running around, quiet at nap. It was frustrating for me... but after listening to the podcast, I had a sigh of "ah-ha! yes!"

Aug 29th
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Cecily Van Horn

Yes...Yes...Play is primordial for kids! 😍 I love watching and participating in the role playing with my daycare kidlets. They're so imaginative!!

Feb 20th
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Cecily Van Horn

YES!!!! Children learn from play and it always makes me laugh and smile when I observe my daycare 4-5 yr olds role playing. Their creativity is amazing!!

Feb 10th
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Cecily Van Horn

I really enjoyed this podcast. As an ECE, I think that positive reinforcement is important to develop confidence in the child and helps them to be able to slowly develop their autonomy when you progressively move away from constantly affirming each good behavior. I also agree that empty praise can confuse a child...saying simply "good job!" is ambiguous and doesn't provide a connection to the specific thing that you're reinforcing.

Jan 31st
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