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...

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....

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...

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...

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 can...

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...

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 emotional...

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...

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...

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, he...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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 extends beyond theory to offer tangible strategies that help us grant both ourselves and our children the...

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. https://curiousneuronacademy.mykajabi.com/offers/FE2tgqG2/checkout This season will be a great one with amazing ...

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 for setting boundaries and creating game plans with your children. These tactics are crucial, now more than ever, to safeguard our...

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 profound links between the young and old, their reactions often misunderstood as misbehavior or aggression. While we journey...

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, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in their overall health and well-being. We also delve into the intricacies of the...

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 goes beyond parenthood – it's fundamentally about understanding and communicating with each other.  The importance of parental...

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 importance of teaching your child coping skills in their calm moments. We'll also touch upon proactive strategies like...

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 chronic illness and mental health issues later in life. It's crucial to scrutinize the negative impacts of spanking and...

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, unpacking expectations, and the importance of self-care, all while discussing Dr. Cutlip's riveting new book "Love Your Kids...