Send us a text 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 awaren...
Jan 15, 2024•29 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Send us a text 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 ...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Send us a text 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...
Jan 01, 2024•37 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Send us a text 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 t...
Dec 25, 2023•22 min•Season 5Ep. 39
Send us a text 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 aggressi...
Dec 18, 2023•32 min•Season 5Ep. 38
Send us a text 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 intricaci...
Dec 11, 2023•51 min•Season 5Ep. 37
Send us a text 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. T...
Dec 04, 2023•20 min•Season 5Ep. 36
Send us a text 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 st...
Nov 27, 2023•50 min•Season 5Ep. 35
Send us a text 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 imp...
Nov 20, 2023•33 min•Season 5Ep. 34
Send us a text 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 ...
Nov 13, 2023•47 min•Season 5Ep. 33
Send us a text 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...
Nov 06, 2023•21 min•Season 5Ep. 32
Send us a text 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, ...
Oct 30, 2023•22 min•Season 5Ep. 31
Send us a text 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 ...
Oct 23, 2023•53 min•Season 5Ep. 30
Send us a text 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 v...
Oct 16, 2023•24 min•Season 5Ep. 29
Send us a text 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, i...
Oct 09, 2023•45 min•Season 5Ep. 28
Send us a text 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 ...
Oct 02, 2023•23 min•Season 5Ep. 27
Send us a text 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 under...
Sep 25, 2023•59 min•Season 5Ep. 26
Send us a text 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 understa...
Sep 18, 2023•25 min•Season 5Ep. 25
Send us a text 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 sa...
Sep 11, 2023•40 min•Season 5Ep. 24
Send us a text 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 o...
Sep 04, 2023•28 min•Season 5Ep. 23
Send us a text 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 2SLG...
Aug 28, 2023•55 min•Season 5Ep. 22
Send us a text 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 ...
Aug 21, 2023•21 min•Season 5Ep. 21
Send us a text 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&...
Aug 14, 2023•22 min•Season 5Ep. 20
Send us a text 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 he...
Aug 07, 2023•18 min•Season 5Ep. 19
Send us a text 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 ...
Jul 31, 2023•21 min•Season 5Ep. 18
Send us a text 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...
Jul 24, 2023•17 min•Season 5Ep. 17
Send us a text 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 ...
Jul 17, 2023•41 min
Send us a text 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 c...
Jul 10, 2023•23 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Send us a text 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 co...
Jul 03, 2023•43 min•Season 5Ep. 14
Send us a text 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 ...
Jun 26, 2023•25 min•Season 5Ep. 13
