Ask Dr. Cindy: How can I better manage my mental load?

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

Send us a textWhat if you could turn fleeting happiness into lasting joy and protect yourself from worry and self-doubt? In the latest Curious Neuron podcast, join me, Cindy, as we explore the connection between joy and emotional regulation. We’ll dive into neuroscience and the insights of Brené Brown to tackle the fears and anxieties that often block joy.Let’s rethink joy—not as material things, but as simple pleasures and meaningful moments. Learn how savoring these moments can boost your resilience, happiness, and emotional health. We'll share stories and challenge you to a week of joy-savoring. By embracing joy, we can model emotional resilience for ourselves and our children. Don’t miss out on making joy a key part of your life!If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review or rating and please share it with a friend or group of parents. Discover our membership: https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Related Curious Neuron Podcast Episodes:The science of happiness with Stephanie HarrisonYou don't have to create a new youI don't have time for myself Curious Neuron blog posts:Emotional Intelligence: Building a Home Where Emotions ThriveUnderstanding Emotion Regulation: Key to Mental Health for ParentsSources:Jose, P. E., Lim, B. T., & Bryant, F. B. (2012) – Study on savoring and its link to life satisfaction, showing that people who actively savor joyful moments experience less anxiety and more happiness.Brackett, M. A., Rivers, S. E., & Salovey, P. (2011) – Research on emotional intelligence and how allowing oneself to experience joy positively impacts emotional regulation and mental well-being.Algoe, S. B., & Haidt, J. (2009) – Study on the power of positive emotions like gratitude and how they fosGet 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, host Cindy Hovington engages in a heartfelt conversation with Miranda, a mom of 3, about the complexities of parenting. They explore the evolution of parenting styles, particularly the shift towards more conscious and respectful approaches. Miranda shares her personal journey of navigating discipline, understanding developmental appropriateness, and the importance of emotional intelligence in parenting. The discussion highlights the challenges of co-regulation, the need for community support, and the significance of respect in parent-child relationships. They also offer valuable advice for new and expecting parents, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, practice, and the role of apologies in fostering healthy relationships with children.Other episodes you might enjoy:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1255388/episodes/15712010Building confidence as a parent: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1255388/episodes/15420209Understanding and Addressing Child Deception with Dr. Victoria Talwar https://www.buzzsprout.com/1255388/episodes/15338702Join my free Reflection Webinar on October 22: How can connecting with my child improve their behaviour?https://tremendous-hustler-7333.ck.page/989145490bLearn more about our membership, The Reflective Parent Club:https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Use code PODCAST60 to get 60% OFF your first month!https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/the-reflective-parent-club-monthlyGet 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