Curious Neuron | Parental Well-Being

Send us a Text Message.Regardless of being a child or an adult, it is much easier to express anger than sadness. Something happened the other day with one of my kids that helped me realize I had missed this in my own child. There "easily upset" behaviour was actually them feeling sad about something. This episode outlines the conversation I had with my child, gives you tips to teach your child emotion regulation skills and a reflection prompt to understand your own anger if you get upset very easily. This week in the Reflective Parent Club, we are talking about triggers. We are testing this membership all summer, but don't miss out on the September launch. Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club below:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664Jump on a Zoom call with me (I am on a mission to speak with 100 parents):https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindySource:https://curiousneuron.com/2024/07/20/understanding-and-supporting-your-childs-emotion-regulation/Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://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. Discounts for our community! Pok Pok app. Click on the link below to get 50% off an entire year of this amazing open-ended play app for kids! https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 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 Holstee Inspiration and tools to help you live a more meaningful life. Membership, reflection cards for kids and adults:. Enjoy 20% off your purchase...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Cindy reflects on her conversations with parents and the importance of feeling connected and supported. She introduces the concept of parental self-efficacy and encourages listeners to reflect on their own confidence as parents. Cindy provides a brief self-efficacy scale for parents to assess their level of confidence and offers guidance on how to improve it. She also discusses the impact of setting high standards for oneself and the importance of self-awareness in parenting. TakeawaysFeeling connected and supported as a parent is crucial for personal growth and well-being.Parental self-efficacy, or the belief in one's ability to effectively manage and positively influence their child's behavior, is influenced by confidence.Reflecting on one's level of confidence and identifying areas for improvement can lead to more effective parenting.Setting high standards for oneself as a parent can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.Self-awareness is key in recognizing and addressing areas of improvement in parenting.Sources:Factors associated with parenting self-efficacy: A systematic reviewDOI: 10.1111/jan.14767Book a call with me to talk about your parenting journey:https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindyJoin the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://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. Discounts for our community! Pok Pok app. Click on the link below to get 50% off an entire year of this amazing open-ended play app for kids! https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 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 Holstee Inspiration and tools to help you live a more meaningful life. Membership, reflection cards for kids and adults:. Enjoy 20% off your purchase...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Cindy discusses the challenges parents face when setting boundaries with their children. She shares a personal experience of setting a strong boundary with one of her kids and feeling conflicted about it. Cindy emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and provides reflection prompts for parents to work through their struggles with boundary-setting. She highlights the empowering nature of boundaries and the positive impact they have on building respect and trust in relationships.TakeawaysSetting boundaries is an essential part of parenting and helps build respect and trust in relationships.Parents may feel conflicted and even guilty when setting boundaries, but it is important to prioritize the well-being and growth of their children.Reflection prompts can help parents navigate the challenges of setting boundaries and prepare for potential resistance from their children.Boundaries should be set with love and firmness, demonstrating strength and leadership without being authoritarian.Setting boundaries is a continuous process that requires self-reflection and adaptability.My favourite quote from the episode: "A boundary is saying to the other person in front of you, I matter, my needs matter and I need to set this boundary for myself."Book a chat with me! Help me meet my goal of chatting with 100 parents this summer: https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindyJoin the waitlist of the Reflective Parent Club:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664Learn more about the club:https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://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. Discounts for our community! Pok Pok app. Click on the link below to get 50% off an entire year of this amazing open-ended play app for kids! https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 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 Holstee Inspiration and tools to help you live a more meaningful life. Membership, reflection cards for kids and adults:. Enjoy 20% off your purchase...

Send us a Text Message.In this conversation, Cindy Hovington interviews Victoria Talwar about the topic of lying in children. They discuss the development of lying in children, the different types of lies, and the role of parents in teaching honesty. They also touch on the importance of modeling honesty and the impact of lies on trust. The conversation provides guidance for parents on how to handle lies and teach honesty to children of different ages. In this conversation, Victoria Talwar discusses the topic of children lying and provides insights on how parents can effectively address and understand this behavior. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on honesty rather than just discouraging lying. Talwar suggests using stories and examples to teach children about honesty and its positive consequences. She also advises parents to create a warm and supportive environment that encourages open communication and trust. Additionally, she highlights the significance of understanding the motivation behind a child's lie and seeking professional help if lying becomes persistent or problematic.TakeawaysChildren's ability to lie is a sign of cognitive development and understanding of different perspectives.Young children's lies may not always be intentional and can be a result of wish fulfillment or acquiescence.Parents play a crucial role in modeling honesty and should reflect on their own honesty habits.Lies can impact trust, and it is important for parents to consider the consequences of their own lies.Teaching honesty involves having conversations with children, setting clear expectations, and addressing both the lie and the transgression.White lies can be a complex topic, and parents should consider the values they want to teach their children about honesty and kindness. Focus on teaching children about honesty rather than just discouraging lying.Use stories and examples to illustrate the importance of honesty and its positive consequences.Create a warm and supportive environment that encourages open communication and trust.Understand the motivation behind a child's lie and address it accordingly.Seek professional help if lying becomes persistent or problematic.Join the waitlist for The Reflective Parent Club:hJoin the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://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. Discounts for our community! Pok Pok app. Click on the link below to get 50% off an entire year of this amazing open-ended play app for kids! https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 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 Holstee Inspiration and tools to help you live a more meaningful life. Membership, reflection cards for kids and adults:. Enjoy 20% off your purchase...

Send us a Text Message.Constantly striving for an idealized version of yourself might not be as beneficial as it seems. Do you ever wonder if the endless pursuit of self-improvement is actually doing more harm than good? Join me,  as I challenge the pervasive self-help culture that pressures us into relentless self-improvement. Inspired by an enlightening anecdote from Phil Knight's "Shoe Dog," I'll highlight the value of embracing our inherent traits and accepting our flaws. Discover how true self-acceptance can lead to healthier mindsets and better relationships, without the overwhelming pressure to be someone you're not.In this episode, we'll also explore practical ways to reflect on self-improvement without feeling overwhelmed. Learn how simple tools, like using the word "because," can help you identify and understand the root causes of your stress. I'll share insights on making small, manageable improvements by recognizing your strengths and focusing on what you don't need to change. Plus, stay tuned for a sneak peek into our next episode where we'll dive into the intriguing world of lying and truth-telling with a researcher from McGill University. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful discussions!Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/5ab8a76664Schedule a 20 min chat with me:https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-about-parenting-with-cindyJoin the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://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. Discounts for our community! Pok Pok app. Click on the link below to get 50% off an entire year of this amazing open-ended play app for kids! https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 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 Holstee Inspiration and tools to help you live a more meaningful life. Membership, reflection cards for kids and adults:. Enjoy 20% off your purchase...

Send us a Text Message.In this conversation, Chris discusses his personal journey of transformation and how he helps dads improve their lives. He shares his experience of going through phases of discipline and inconsistency, and how he reached a point of dissatisfaction that motivated him to make a change. Chris emphasizes the importance of connection and the power of a supportive community in helping dads overcome their struggles. He also addresses the challenges that arise in relationships when one partner is working on self-improvement while the other is not, and the need for open and effective communication in these situations. The conversation explores the importance of commitment in relationships and the impact of mental health on fathers. It emphasizes the need for self-care and personal growth, as well as breaking cycles of negative behavior. The role of community and support in improving mental well-being is highlighted.TakeawaysPersonal transformation requires discipline and consistency.Connection and support from a community are crucial for overcoming struggles.Open and effective communication is essential in relationships.Friction and discomfort can lead to growth and positive change. Commitment in relationships requires saying yes or no forever, rather than questioning compatibility during arguments.Focusing on discipline and physical well-being can lead to better overall well-being.Self-care involves internal work and dialogue, not just external activities like going to the spa.Breaking cycles of negative behavior requires self-reflection, journaling, therapy, and support from others.Building a community of like-minded individuals can provide accountability and help in personal growth.Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://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. Discounts for our community! Pok Pok app. Click on the link below to get 50% off an entire year of this amazing open-ended play app for kids! https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 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 Holstee Inspiration and tools to help you live a more meaningful life. Membership, reflection cards for kids and adults:. Enjoy 20% off your purchase...

Send us a Text Message.I just came back from a trip to Italy and there was a moment at a park where I realized something....we need to connect more with ourselves and those we love. I polled our Instagram audience and 50% of parents feel disconnected and of these, 43% feel disconnected from their partners. If you can relate to this, have a listen to this short solo episode. You can also read the blog post I wrote about this and add a comment:https://www.curiousneuron.com/blog/2024/6/8/are-we-too-busy-findings-ways-to-disconnect-from-our-kids-rather-than-moments-of-connectionIf you want to join the waitlist for our upcoming community called the Reflective Parent Community this Fall, click the link below:https://curiousneuronacademy.mykajabi.com/reflective-parenting-community-8751f762-a8f3-4562-b0e8-e37de4ab7187?preview_theme_id=2157310111Purchase the Reflective Parent Journal below (get $10 off if you email me the review you leave for the podcast):https://curiousneuronacademy.mykajabi.com/offers/FE2tgqG2/checkoutThanks for listening! Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://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. Discounts for our community! Pok Pok app. Click on the link below to get 50% off an entire year of this amazing open-ended play app for kids! https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 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 Holstee Inspiration and tools to help you live a more meaningful life. Membership, reflection cards for kids and adults:. Enjoy 20% off your purchase...

Send us a Text Message.In this conversation, Bridget Callaghan PhD, discusses her research on the gut-brain-microbiome connection and the impact of generational adversity. The study they conducted found that different forms of adversity were associated with unique signatures in the child's microbiome, and some of these microbes were associated with the emotional health of the children. In this conversation, Cindy and Bridget discuss the impact of early environments on children's gut health and microbiome. They explore the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on children's gut composition and the importance of exposure to germs for developing a healthy microbiome. They also touch on the role of diet in gut health and the challenges of studying and interpreting scientific research. Bridget shares her hopes for future studies, including investigating the mechanisms by which gut microbes influence the brain and behavior. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexity of gut health and the need for a more nuanced understanding of its impact on overall well-being.Early life experiences can have a significant impact on health across the lifespan, including physical and mental health.The science of the gut-brain-microbiome connection is still evolving, and more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and potential interventions.Parents should not worry excessively about the impact of their own experiences on their children, as there are many factors at play and individual outcomes can vary. Early environments, including exposure to germs and a diverse diet, play a crucial role in shaping children's gut health and microbiome.COVID-19 lockdowns had an impact on the gut composition of children.The Mediterranean diet is often associated with a healthy gut and overall well-being, but the research on diet and gut health is complex and ongoing.Interpreting scientific research requires understanding that individual studies provide limited guidance for personal decisions, and that scientific knowledge evolves over time.Join the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://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. Discounts for our community! Pok Pok app. Click on the link below to get 50% off an entire year of this amazing open-ended play app for kids! https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 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 Holstee Inspiration and tools to help you live a more meaningful life. Membership, reflection cards for kids and adults:. Enjoy 20% off your purchase...

Send us a Text Message.In this conversation, Cindy Hovington speaks with Matt Brown and Leah Blain about the experiences of military families and their children. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and understanding of the unique lifestyle of military families and the support they require. The goal of the conversation is to shed light on the experiences of military children and promote empathy and support for them. Military families face unique challenges, including frequent moves and deployments, which can have negative impacts on children's academic and social-emotional well-being. However, research shows that with proper support and resilience-building skills, children can thrive in these environments. Parents play a crucial role in helping their children adapt to new situations and develop the necessary skills. Preventative measures, such as teaching mindfulness and emotional regulation, can be effective in supporting military families' mental health. There is a need for better access to mental health support and resources for military families, as suicide rates among service members and veterans are alarmingly high.The experiences of military children can vary, with some developing resilience and others struggling with the stress and changes.Awareness and understanding of the military lifestyle are important for supporting military families.Supportive communities and resources can help mitigate the challenges faced by military families and promote resilience. Frequent moves and deployments can negatively impact the academic and social-emotional well-being of children in military families.With proper support and resilience-building skills, children can adapt and thrive in these environments.Parents play a crucial role in helping their children navigate the challenges of military life.Preventative measures, such as teaching mindfulness and emotional regulation, can support the mental health of military families.There is a need for better access to mental health support and resources for military families, as suicide rates among service members and veterans are alarmingly high.Military Family ClinicChimney TrailJoin the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://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. Discounts for our community! Pok Pok app. Click on the link below to get 50% off an entire year of this amazing open-ended play app for kids! https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 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 Holstee Inspiration and tools to help you live a more meaningful life. Membership, reflection cards for kids and adults:. Enjoy 20% off your purchase...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Cindy Hovington interviews Kei Nomaguchi and Melissa Milkie about their research on parenthood and well-being. They discuss the concept of intensive parenting and the societal expectations placed on parents, particularly mothers. The conversation explores the pros and cons of intensive parenting and the challenges faced by parents in balancing work and family responsibilities. The need for workplace support and community connections is emphasized, as well as the importance of recognizing the rewards and meaningfulness of parenting. The episode concludes with a call for societal changes to better support parents and create a more balanced and fulfilling parenting experience. The conversation highlights the lack of support and resources for parents, the need for a proactive society, and the impact of supporting parents on children and society as a whole.TakeawaysThe US mental health system for parents is lacking in support and resources, leaving many individuals to struggle on their own.A proactive approach to supporting parents is necessary, rather than waiting for symptoms of mental health issues to arise.Supporting parents not only benefits the well-being of the parents themselves but also has a positive impact on their children and society as a whole.Parenthood and Psychological Well-Being: Clarifying the Role ofChild Age and Parent-Child Relationship QualityParenthood and Well‐Being: A Decade in ReviewJoin the waitlist for the Reflective Parent Club:https://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. Discounts for our community! Pok Pok app. Click on the link below to get 50% off an entire year of this amazing open-ended play app for kids! https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON 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 Holstee Inspiration and tools to help you live a more meaningful life. Membership, reflection cards for kids and adults:. Enjoy 20% off your purchase...