Nurturing A Secure Attachment with Reflective Skills: Insights with Dr. Nicole Letourneau

Send us a textIn this special 200th episode of the Curious Neuron podcast, we chat with renowned professor from the University of Calgary Dr. Nicole Letourneau. Her research focuses on enhancing parental reflective functioning (RF), the ability to understand and interpret one's own and a child's mental and emotional states. Through the development of the ATTACH™ program, a 10-week intervention, she has demonstrated that improving RF leads to stronger parent-child interactions, secure attachment, and better child outcomes, including enhanced social-emotional skills, fewer behavioral issues, and improved cognitive abilities. Her work highlights the role of RF in fostering healthy relationships, reducing child anxiety and aggression, and promoting emotional and psychological well-being. Parents can apply these insights by engaging in reflective practices and interventions like ATTACH™ to deepen their connection with their children and support their development.You DON'T want to miss this episode! To celebrate this special episode, if you send me a screenshot of your review AND a screenshot of you sharing the podcast on either a newsletter at work, a Facebook parent page etc, I will give you 3 FREE months for the Reflective Parent Club that Curious Neuron launched in September. That is a $79 value! How to Contact Dr. Letourneau:For more information about Dr. Nicole Letourneau and the Attach program visit attach.teachable.com for program details and links to research findings.To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/4/3078Get your FREE 40-page well-being workbook:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/reflectiveparentstarterkitJoin our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child. Use code PODCAST 20 to get 20% off any membership and get 2 FREE WEEKS to try it outhttps://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links belowThank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a textGrief is a complex journey, especially when it involves the devastating loss of a loved one by suicide. Join us as we sit down with Reshma, a mother of three, who shares her heartfelt story of healing following her husband's tragic death. Through her lens, we explore how mindfulness has been a beacon of hope for her family, providing essential tools for emotional regulation and coping with stress. Reshma's experience serves as a poignant reminder of the power of community and mindfulness, especially in moments of profound sorrow. By fostering an environment of presence and awareness, families can build emotional well-being and resilience, finding strength in shared experiences and mindful practices.About Reshma:Follow her on Instagram: @reshmakearneyReshma Kearney is a widowed mom of three and a certified mindfulness instructor passionate about helping children and families cultivate emotional resilience and mental wellbeing. After losing her husband to suicide in 2022, she turned to the mindfulness practices she had been sharing with her children even before his passing, using them as a lifeline to navigate grief and support their healing. Her website is currently being created so if you want to reach her, please reach her through Instagram. Get your FREE 40-page well-being workbook:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/reflectiveparentstarterkitJoin our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child. Use code PODCAST 20 to get 20% off any membership and get 2 FREE WEEKS to try it outhttps://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links belowThank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a textDiscover how to navigate the stress of the holiday season while prioritizing your mental well-being and fostering a joyful atmosphere for yourself and your family. This episode promises to equip parents with actionable strategies and insights, offering three essential tips to manage the challenges of family gatherings, financial pressures, and past negative experiences. But that's not all—the episode also sheds light on the art of boundary-setting, ensuring you maintain holiday sanity amid the chaos. Learn how to set realistic expectations for your children's behavior and effectively collaborate with your partner to handle responsibilities. We discuss the importance of financial boundaries to keep holiday spending in check, alongside techniques for gracefully managing unsolicited family advice. Email me a screenshot of your podcast review for your chance to win a free 3-month access to the Reflective Parent Club! [email protected] the Reflective Parent Club and get 30% off!https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/the-reflective-parent-club-3-month-plan?coupon_code=CYBER30Related Podcast Episodes:Thriving during the holidaysHow I taught my kids to take on each others perspectives during argumentsParenting children with strong temperaments Articles about stress and Dr. Letourneau's research:1. How To Identify If Your Stress Is Healthy Or Toxic2. Can Toxic Stress Impact Your Attachment with Your Child?Get your FREE 40-page well-being workbook:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/reflectiveparentstarterkitJoin our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child. Use code PODCAST 20 to get 20% off any membership and get 2 FREE WEEKS to try it outhttps://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links belowThank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a textIn this conversation, Cindy Hovington chats with Tammy Schamuhn, Registered Psychologist, Best-Selling Author, Co-Founder of the Institute of Child Psychology and the Executive Director of Family Counselling Centres discuss the importance of parental involvement in child development, the challenges parents face, and the need for setting boundaries. They explore the emotional struggles parents encounter, especially in the wake of COVID-19, and emphasize the significance of understanding one's own emotional wounds to better support their children. The discussion also highlights the balance between providing autonomy to children while maintaining authority as parents, and the necessity of emotional expression in both children and parents. They discuss the critical role of play in child development, emphasizing the need for autonomy, belonging, and competence. They explore the importance of downtime and boredom for children's mental health, the challenges of screen time, and the significance of fostering a family culture that encourages helpfulness and collaboration. The discussion highlights practical strategies for parents to create a nurturing environment that supports children's growth and well-being.30% OFF BLACK FRIDAY SALE for The Reflective Parent Club:https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/the-reflective-parent-club-3-month-plan?coupon_code=CYBER30Learn more from Tammy:Her Book: The Parenting Handbook: Your Guide to Raising Resilient ChildrenJoin her Facebook page with over 700k followers:https://www.instagram.com/instituteofchildpsych/Tammy's Website:https://instituteofchildpsychology.com/Tammy's Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-child-psych-podcast/id1649611804Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-lifeLicense code: UN8FXUZSGMNFOC2PGet your FREE 40-page well-being workbook:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/reflectiveparentstarterkitJoin our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child. Use code PODCAST 20 to get 20% off any membership and get 2 FREE WEEKS to try it outhttps://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links belowThank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a textA parent from our membership asked me "How can I manage the mental load" and in today's episode, I break down the advice I gave this parent. We all have a mental load and sometimes it seems like nothing can make it disappear. However, there are ways that we can manage this better and feel less of this burden on our minds. I share tips from the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown and one study that I found on productivity. I summarize these 4 changes you can make at the end of the episode but if you need a space to be held accountable, to get support from a community and to get weekly check-ins to see how you are progressing, then don't forget to join our membership called the Reflective Parent Club! Ask Dr. Cindy Anything! Fill in this form to ask your question and have it answered on the podcast or our newsletter:https://forms.gle/Ab5UDe6eFspvctsi6Join The Reflective Parent newsletter for free:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/1ee8afcb30A new IG account I love: https://www.instagram.com/concisevisuals/An article I recommend:Time management and academic achievement (and well-being)Get your FREE 40-page well-being workbook:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/reflectiveparentstarterkitJoin our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child. Use code PODCAST 20 to get 20% off any membership and get 2 FREE WEEKS to try it outhttps://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links belowThank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a textIn this conversation, Dr. Pierre Azzam discusses the intersection of mental health and professional coaching, particularly focusing on the experiences of fathers. He highlights the stigma surrounding mental health for men and the importance of understanding postpartum depression in fathers. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassionate communication and support for men experiencing mental health challenges, especially during the transition to fatherhood. We tackle the sensitive subject of postpartum depression in men, shattering the misconceptions that it only affects women. Men may manifest this condition through anger, isolation, or even numbness, and we need to increase awareness and support for them. The discussion wraps up by redefining resilience—not as a single trait but as a set of attributes that include courage, agency, and purpose. By modeling these for children and understanding the role of connection in mental health, we strive to promote a healthier, more inclusive approach to emotional well-being for fathers and families alike.Follow BraverMan and Dr. Azzam's work:https://www.bravermancoaching.com/Follow him on Instagram: @braver.manListen to similar podcast episodes:The science of happinessThe power of community for dadsEmpowering dads to express emotionsHow my grandpa taught me resilience Get your FREE 40-page well-being workbook:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/reflectiveparentstarterkitJoin our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child. Use code PODCAST 20 to get 20% off any membership and get 2 FREE WEEKS to try it outhttps://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links belowThank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a textIn this conversation, Cindy and Lauren discuss the multifaceted role of a fertility coach, emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates emotional and physical well-being. They explore the significant stress associated with fertility journeys, the impact of societal expectations, and the importance of community support. Lauren shares insights on emotional processing, the necessity of allowing oneself to feel pain, and the value of listening and holding space for those experiencing fertility challenges.They discuss the emotional burden of keeping secrets, the need for mental health support in fertility treatments, and the integration of holistic approaches with traditional medicine. The dialogue highlights the significance of mind-body programs and the power of thoughts in emotional well-being, offering practical advice for individuals navigating fertility challenges.Watch it on YouTube:https://youtu.be/9NZ6n6efahQLearn more with Lauren:https://www.breathewithlauren.com/https://www.facebook.com/breathewithlauren/https://www.instagram.com/breathewithlaurenSign up for Lauren's Mind-Body Fertility toolkit:https://breathewithlauren.mykajabi.com/fertility-toolboxSources:Emotional stress and reproduction: what do fertility patients believe?Get your FREE 40-page well-being workbook:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/reflectiveparentstarterkitJoin our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child. Use code PODCAST 20 to get 20% off any membership and get 2 FREE WEEKS to try it outhttps://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links belowThank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a textDoes your child struggle with letting go of toys they love?Saying goodbye and having closure is something we need to support our kids with. I hope this week's episode helps not only your child with closure, but helps you the next time you need to say goodbye to a loved one or something major.Get your FREE 40-page well-being workbook:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/reflectiveparentstarterkitJoin our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child. Use code PODCAST 20 to get 20% off any membership and get 2 FREE WEEKS to try it outhttps://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links belowThank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a textIn this conversation, Dr. Jessi Gold, Author of "How do you Feel?" discusses her book on mental health and burnout, particularly in the healthcare sector. She shares her personal experiences and insights on the subtlety of burnout, the cultural perceptions surrounding mental health, and the importance of self-care and compassion. The discussion emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize their own emotional states and the societal pressures that often prevent them from taking necessary breaks for mental health. Dr. Gold advocates for a shift in how we view mental health issues, encouraging listeners to treat themselves with the same compassion they would offer a friend. In this conversation, we explore the complexities of emotional responses, particularly in caregiving roles. They discuss the importance of understanding and articulating feelings, the challenges of burnout, and the necessity of self-care and mindfulness. The dialogue also addresses trauma, emotional disconnect, and the need for open conversations about mental health in the workplace. Jessi emphasizes that acknowledging one's feelings and experiences is crucial for personal well-being and for fostering supportive environments in caregiving professions.Purchase Dr. Gold's book below:Amazon Canada: https://amzn.to/3Ym95pVAmazon US HEREGet your FREE 40-page well-being workbook:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/reflectiveparentstarterkitJoin our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child. Use code PODCAST 20 to get 20% off any membership and get 2 FREE WEEKS to try it outhttps://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links belowThank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Send us a textIn this episode of the Curious Neuron Podcast, Cindy Hovington speaks with Dr. Erin O'Connor, Ph.D., about the complexities of the mother-child relationship, the importance of attachment theory, and the impact of parental stress on parenting styles. We discuss the significance of sensitivity and responsiveness in parenting, the challenges of separation anxiety, and the role of community support for parents. The conversation also touches on the teacher-child relationship, the importance of social-emotional learning, and the effects of parental accommodation behaviors on child development.Erin is the Director of New York University's Early Childhood Education program, Erin is a Full Professor and holds a Doctorate in Human Development and Psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is also Chief of Education at Cooper - a platform designed to bring together parents, researchers, and teachers around issues of child development. She is also the co-host of the parenting podcast, Parenting Understood, which can be found on Apple and Spotify. Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/QZJcq6r_9K0Sources: Long-Term Effects of Social-Emotional Learning on Academic Skills: Evidence from a Randomized Trial of INSIGHTSA randomized-controlled examination of the effect of cognitive reappraisal instruction on maternal accommodation of child anxiety symptomsTrajectories of teacher–child relationships across kindergarten and first grade: The influence of gender and disruptive behaviorGet your FREE 40-page well-being workbook:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/reflectiveparentstarterkitJoin our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child. Use code PODCAST 20 to get 20% off any membership and get 2 FREE WEEKS to try it outhttps://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links belowThank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron