Send us a text Today, I want you to change your guilt around yelling to compassion for yourself for being dysregulated. Sometimes, we power through our days, weeks, months, and years without addressing our needs. Our brain and nervous system have needs too. If we don't address them, we can't nurture them. What needs does your nervous system have? What causes you to feel "off"? What makes you feel warm and connected inside? As a challenge this week, I would like you to start u...
Apr 10, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Hello friend! In today's solo episode, I discuss what it means to be an emotionally aware parent. We are having the Emotionally Aware Parent Challenge over at Wondergrade (I am the co-founder of this company). You can sign up with the link below: https://forms.gle/cmASL48RhMsWKW1L6 Many parents tell me they easily snap at their kids or often feel their emotions go from 0-100. Working on our emotional awareness helps us recognize aspects of our environment that lead to strong ...
Apr 03, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode, we are joined by Kishanda Vyboh, MSc and seasoned breastfeeding support parent. We discuss ALL things beautiful and challenging about breastfeeding. We speak about the pressure parents are put under to feed their babies whether it should be by breast milk or formula. This is a judgment-free zone! 5:16 - What is a breastfeeding support parent? 7:27 - Is there other programs like Nourri-Source out there? 8:30 - What is the best way to feed your child and why brea...
Mar 27, 2023•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode, we are joined by Tracie, a speech-language pathologist. What a study found with regard to screen time and a child's cognitive abilities (link below) What is Tracie’s take on Cocomelon and how the characters speak? Why is screen time not recommended before the age of 18 months? What can parents do if their child is already getting screen time under 2? How does language actually develop? You can follow Tracie on Instagram @tracieb.slp Sources to help you mak...
Mar 20, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode, we are joined by Chelsea Conaboy & Dr. Jodi Pawluski. We discuss all things parent brain - if you’re not sure what that is, this episode is for you. Why is it important to talk about the postpartum period and the brain? Is “mommy brain” negative? Does parenting keep you young? Does a father or non-birthing parent’s brain change when their child is born? Is parental leave adequate around the world? What is the “perfect mother myth” Do we really need the vill...
Mar 13, 2023•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode, we are joined by Alanna Gallo, a former educator who sold all her stuff and travels with her 4 kids! 3:30 - What did play look like when your children had a home base, compared to when you left to travel? 8:00 - If you come back to living in one home would you re-create it the same way? 10:23 - What is an open-ended toy? What are the most beneficial toys for independent play? What is a close-ended toy? 16:08 - What is a truly educational toy? 20:35 - Alanna and...
Mar 06, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Hi friends! I received this question from a listener so I thought I would answer it in today's episode. This parent asked, "If my husband and I have been working hard to validate our 13-month-old feelings but our parents do not, will this be harmful to our child's development and emotions?" It is important to validate our child's feelings, however, if certain adults do not validate their emotions, it is not necessarily harmful. I discuss: what validating e...
Feb 28, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text We all yell because...we are human. We have moments when we lose our cool and our kids can also have these moments. However, in today's episode, I would like to walk you through a process I did to control my own yelling. If you are yelling more than you would like at your child, listen to today's episode for a few minutes. It will help you start the work. Are you yelling out of frustration? To control? Because of unmet needs? Because you feel triggered? Remember, we are ...
Feb 20, 2023•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode we are joined by Dr. Abigail Gewirtz child psychologist and author of When the World Feels Like a Scary Place . 3:22 - Are being worried and being anxious the same thing? How do you know it’s a problem to bring up with your child’s doctor? 6:26 - If I’m an anxious person, how can I teach my child to manage anxiety? 9:36 - Should I hide my emotions from my child? 13:05 - What is a parenting journal and why is it helpful? 15:31 - If you and your partner have diffe...
Feb 13, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode, we are joined by Melinda Wenner Moyer, award-winning science journalist and author of How to raise kids who aren’t assholes . Here’s what we talked about: 5:19 - What inspired the book 9:31 - Why is your main message “communication is key?” 12:32 - How can we raise a kind human? 15:48 - How can we foster our child’s emotions if we weren’t raised that way? 21:25 - Should all kids be bullied to become resilient? 27:16 - What are parenting styles and are they real...
Feb 06, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Hi friends! In today's solo episode, I talk about a new habit I have been doing this year that has really brought me tons of joy. It only takes me 5 min per day! I have noticed a change in how I perceive difficult moments with my kids and how mindful I am of small beautiful moments with my children. Listen to this short episode to learn more about my new habit and to listen to the story of my 7-year-old daughter and how she pitched an idea of hers at one of my business meetin...
Jan 30, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode (100th!!!) we are joined by co-host Claudia Belliveau and guest Dr. Bruce D Perry. he episode highlights the vital role of self-regulation in parenting, especially in navigating holiday gatherings and family dynamics. Dr. Bruce Perry discusses the importance of understanding brain development and the processes involved in engaging with children emotionally. • The significance of regulating oneself before helping children • Strategies for approaching holiday gath...
Jan 23, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Julie Scorah a licensed neuropsychologist at McGill University. Julie practices as a clinician and is involved in research about how to make autism resources more accessible to the families that need them. Here’s a preview of what we talked about: 11:21 - What should parents be looking for in terms of symptoms? When is the proper age to get a diagnosis and how is autism diagnosed? 18:52 - What is the prevalence of autism? 22:22 - Does autism...
Jan 16, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode we are joined by Dr. Cheng Qian, Stanford & Harvard trained Clinical Psychologist. We speak about all things difficult behaviors. Specifically Dr. Qian gives useful, effective and simple tips & tricks to deal with your child’s difficult behaviors. Here’s a preview of what we talked about: 4:03 - When to seek professional help for tantrums 6:47 - What can a parent expect in a therapist’s office 10:32 - How do we teach our kids how to comply or listen 13:2...
Jan 09, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Happy New Year Curious Neuron Parents! I hope you had a wonderful holiday. In today's episode, I reflect on some aspects of my holidays that you might have experienced and I share my 2023 goals. Here is what I chatted about: Should kids use a screen the entire time they are with the family during family gatherings? What my husband did when my 3-year-old didn't want to take turns with his brother My thoughts about family arguments (political, religious, values, etc). How ...
Jan 02, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Content warning: Sexual abuse We need to talk about this. We need to learn how to protect our children from sexual predictors. I reached out to author Jayneen Sanders to learn more about what we can do to protect our kids. Here is what we discussed: Questions you should ask your daycare about how they teach kids body safety (all daycare should!) We revisit parts of our last conversation about teaching our own kid's body safety We discuss body safety programs in schools We cha...
Dec 22, 2022•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text This is not your conventional toy and app review. I will name a few that I love (not sponsored), however, I want to give you a framework to help you choose them on your own! First, I review what play should look like in our homes. Open-ended and self-directed play is the best! I review some of our favorite toy companies and give you a list of TYPES of items and toys you can include in your home. Need more ideas? Visit my website below! https://www.curiousneuron.com/shop If you nee...
Dec 19, 2022•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text The word I would like you to remember today is "dysregulated". Is my child dysregulated? Am I dysregulated? How can I regulate my child? The reason why I am chatting about this in today's podcast is that I attended this outdoor event this week and as the night went on and the children around me clearly became dysregulated, they started acting out and parents started yelling at them and getting upset. If we can shift or think from "misbehaving" to dysregula...
Dec 15, 2022•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Content warning: sexual violence, sex industry, difficult conversations In today’s episode we are joined by Sarah Jones , Tony winner writer, performer and director of Sell Buy Date. Sarah and I had very important and uncomfortable conversations about sex, the sex industry, sex education, and gendered violence. You might be thinking, “what does this have to do with being a parent?!?” well, tune in and you’ll understand exactly how necessary these conversations are. Sarah discusses...
Dec 12, 2022•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Perhaps you are looking forward to the holidays or perhaps you are not. Unwanted comments from family members judging how you are parenting your child, big emotions from your child because they are tired and overwhelmed, and hanging out with that family member that always drinks too much and says uncomfortable comments. (sigh) In today's episode, I chatted with child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles (based in Montreal) and asked her all the questions you need answered to help yo...
Dec 08, 2022•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today's episode of the Curious Neuron podcast, I chatted with Amira Allen, Ph.D. and visiting professor at Drake University along with 3 parents (2 moms and 1 dad). We discuss the research behind paid leave and the benefits it brings to not only the parents but the children as well. However, we all know the benefits of paid leave, but do you know how many months many parents (moms or dads) get in Canada? Do you know how many weeks most parents (moms and dads) get in the Un...
Dec 05, 2022•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today's episode, I share the tough night I had with my 3-year-old as a reminder that kids can actually learn how to regulate their emotions but that they need our guidance and it comes in baby steps. My son wasn't happy that he had to take his bath and go to bed. He was dancing and having fun. It took over an hour to regulate aka calm him down and guess what...I didn't lose my mind! I share my tips and story with you to help you next time this happens to you! I h...
Dec 02, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode, we’re joined by Amy Morin, psychologist and author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. Today we focus on how we as parents can be mentally strong. Being a parent is really hard, and sometimes we can set ourselves up for success by realizing things we are and aren’t doing. Amy has a great way of putting things into perspective & she makes working on ourselves seem possible. We talk a lot about how we were raised in households where emotions other t...
Nov 28, 2022•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Hi friends! You don't want to miss this conversation I had with 2 dads. Both are following positive parenting and have been doing the work to do things differently than how they were raised. They touched on so many points that need to become conversations in our society. Whether you are a dad, mom, or grandparent, this episode will offer you lots to think of and conversations you can have with people around you. How can dads support their partners? How can they seek support t...
Nov 24, 2022•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode, we are joined by Emily Calandrelli from Emily’s Wonder Lab! Emily is an MIT engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host, producer, and Author. Like me, she was a first-generation university student, meaning she was the first in her family to get a degree. What I find most interesting is that Emily wasn’t particularly into science as a child - but being creative was really important. Join us to learn how you can help foster a love of science in your kids - hi...
Nov 21, 2022•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Parenting is hard…period. We all know this. We tell our friends too, yet when we are alone we are so hard on ourselves. Let’s bring back self-compassion. Maybe you messed up these past few years and yelled more than you would like. Maybe you said something you regret today. Maybe you haven’t been yourself and neglected your mental health. Or perhaps you missed the signs of your child needing to feel seen. There are plenty of reasons why we mess up or FEEL like we are messing up. B...
Nov 17, 2022•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode, we meet with Bryana Kappadakunnel from @consciousmommy. We’re doing things a little differently this week: we’re covering the TOP 10 questions that parents ask me about their child’s behaviour. Tune in to hear how Bryana would deal with rudeness, hitting, whining, trouble sleeping, lying, ungratefulness and constant interrupting. I love how Bryana gives us a framework to deal with these difficult situations. Take your Curious Neuron Notebook out! You will under...
Nov 14, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today's solo episode, I discuss something I experienced after giving birth to my first child. I could not stop thinking about the fact that life isn't forever. Now that I had a baby and my life meant everything to me, I was faced with realizing that I will not live forever. I share a story about my grandfather and what he said on his deathbed and how this changed the way I was living. Perhaps there is someone out there that can relate to this. 81% of parents on Instag...
Nov 10, 2022•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Emily Coffey who researches music, language, sleep, and how it relates to neuroplasticity. Have you ever wondered if you should be signing your child up for music lessons? Or if your child should learn more than one language at a time? What about how your brain might be influenced by sleep? All of these common questions are discussed in today’s episode. Tune in and take out your Curious Neuron notebook because we get a bit technical talking...
Nov 07, 2022•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Something happened with my 7-year that led me to re-evaluate what I was saying to her with regards to her needs and boundaries. I wanted to share this story with you in a quick podcast episode (it's about 10 min!). Perhaps you will be able to relate to this and readjust how you are approaching these situations. Especially if you have an older child that likes to keep their younger siblings happy, then this episode is for you! I mentioned the podcast episode about running your...
Nov 03, 2022•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
