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...

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 misconceptions and shed light on the research behind this fascinating aspect of child growth. Developing pro-social behavior in children is an...

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 marriages, and draw parallels with our relationships with our children. Moving into the second half, we shift our...

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 impacts a child's sensitivity and overall growth. Concetta sheds light on why children with more challenging temperaments...

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 tasks into smaller manageable steps, and empowering children to explore their feelings. We touch on the valuable...

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 impacts of achievable daily practices. Fascinatingly, as Tatianna shines a light on mindful movement, it becomes...

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 neglect self-care. We'll discuss my conscious decision to prioritize privacy by avoiding the exposure of my children's identities...

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 your child's behavior.  We tackle the all-important subject of parental triggers, exploring how understanding our...

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 everyday issues. It is a candid conversation about the journey of self-reflection, learning and understanding propelled...

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 This", she uncovers the harsh reality that 67% of couples experience a decrease in relationship satisfaction after having a...

Ever wondered how emotional intelligence impacts our lives? Can understanding your own emotions positively influence your relationships and success? This episode invites you on a journey of self-exploration, examining emotional intelligence and its profound effects on our well-being. With the guidance of two remarkable books - Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goldman and Emotional Agility by Dr. Susan David, we'll demystify this often misunderstood concept and how it shapes our every day. We...

Get ready to discover how media shapes our children's perception of the world in our insightful conversation with Kim and Adriana, leading voices in children's media. We delve deeper into how children's media, while entertaining, can also be a powerful tool to support their learning and social skills. With these experts, we unpack the importance of diversity and inclusivity in children's media - from South Asian representation to Indigenous characters, and 2SLGBTQ characters - and the...

What if the arguments you have in front of your children are shaping their future emotional well-being? That's what we're tackling in today's episode with the help of some intriguing science and my background in neuroscience and parenting. We go beyond the surface-level understanding, exploring how even a young child's heart rate can increase and their fight or flight response can be triggered by loud, intense arguments. It's a fascinating discussion that uncovers the significant impact of...

A parent asked me "Is screen time messing up my child?" and I thought it would be important to address this in a podcast episode.  We've all had those moments of guilt, especially around screen time. Well, it's time to say goodbye to that guilt! This episode encourages you to establish clear screen time boundaries and involve your kids in the process, whether it's by designing a visual schedule with Canva or deciding on activities to enjoy as a family. You'll learn how devoting intentional...

Ever wondered why your child's emotional outbursts seem to trigger your own? It's time to break free from this exhaustive cycle! We're unravelling the wisdom behind Dr. Susan David's 'Emotional Agility'. This episode shifts the focus from managing our children's emotions to assisting them in emotional regulation - it's all about creating a constructive pause or space between a child's action and our reaction. Let's dive into the heart of emotional agility and explore the profound impact our...

Drawing from my grandmother's experiences wrangling with dementia, I share five crucial life lessons on being present, practicing self-care, speaking your truth, forgiveness, and generosity with time.  These teachings provide a pathway towards a fulfilling life and a positive influence on our children. Through a thoughtful exploration of family dynamics, we delve into the often-ignored need to truly understand our children beyond the material gifts and the impact of childhood trauma lasting...

Welcome to a deeply personal journey, where I open the doors to my home and share a heartfelt practice that has transformed our lives.  This episode is an open book, revealing how urging positive reflection in children can heighten their emotional articulation and deepen their connections.  Listen to the steps I took to help my child shift his perspective from the "bad moments" to the brighter side of life. Discover the importance of mindful communication about our day and the art of...

Ready to embark on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery? Brace yourselves for a deep and insightful conversation with the esteemed Andrea Navedo, famed for her role as Jane's mother in the hit show Jane the Virgin and author of The Otherness Is Our Strength. Andrea and I delve into her values of connection and growth, and discuss how these principles have shaped her personal journey and acting career. Have you ever wondered about the struggles single moms face and how they cope...

Join me on an eye-opening journey as we confront an issue that's often left in the shadows - parental child maltreatment, and the risks surrounding it. Promise me you won't shy away from this uncomfortable conversation, as we aim to shed light on the importance of emotional regulation. We're not pointing fingers here, but acknowledging the powerful role of our own emotions, and learning how to better regulate them to construct a secure and nurturing milieu for our children. We're diving...

Do you ever feel like your relationship takes a backseat once kids come into the picture? I'm Cindy Hovington, and I promise you, by the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the tools to ensure your relationship doesn't falter while you're navigating parenthood. With the insights shared by our esteemed guests,Rachel and Stacey, two licensed marriage and family therapists from Decoding Couples, you'll learn how to regulate emotions, handle heated conversations and model these...

Can parenting advice be found in a book about negotiation? Surprisingly, the answer is yes! As I recently explored the book Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, I discovered that the lessons I gained from this read not only improved my business negotiation skills but also offered valuable insights into parenting. Join me in this enlightening episode that will change your perspective on parenting conversations, arguments, and even interactions with your partner. Being attuned to emotions...

How can we better support dads in their crucial roles during prenatal and postpartum stages, and why is it so vital to address their mental health? Join us as we explore this essential topic with Dr. Deborah Da Costa, a researcher at McGill University, and my guest co-host, Travis Goodman, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and returning guest and father. Together, we aim to break the stigma surrounding dads in mental health and shed light on the importance of open,...

Are you unknowingly fostering unhealthy food relationships in your household? Join us as we chat with Evelyn Tribole, co-author of Intuitive Eating, to discover how to nurture a healthy relationship with food for ourselves and our kids, and break free from the detrimental diet culture that can creep into our homes. Unintentionally, parents may contribute to the restriction of their kids' eating, causing more harm than good. In this episode, we delve into the intuitive eating framework, which...

Ever find yourself stuck in a spiral of what-if thoughts, unable to shake off the anxiety that accompanies them? I've been there, and so have my kids. Let me share with you a powerful conversation I had with them that helped us all better understand and manage our emotions. Listen in as we explore techniques for letting go of these thoughts, such as talking to someone or writing them down, to gain emotional awareness and keep our worries from taking over our lives. You're not alone if you've...