3 reflections about how we take care of ourselves as parents

3 reflections about how we take care of ourselves as parents

Author: Cindy Hovington, Ph.D. July 7, 2026 Duration: 23:44
Send us Fan Mail Why do so many parents feel like they don't have time to take care of themselves? The answer isn't as simple as being busy. This week, we're reflecting on a passage from the book How to Love by Thich Nhat Hanh and exploring why our own needs slowly disappear after becoming parents. I'll also share a simple reflection exercise that helped me reconnect with the things that brought me joy before having children—and why gratitude may be more powerful than we think. In this episod...

Parenting is often described as a series of reactions, but what if the real work happens in the quiet moments before the reaction? Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron moves beyond simple tips to examine the internal landscape of a parent's mind. Hosted by Dr. Cindy Hovington, a neuroscientist and mother of three, this podcast digs into the core idea that overwhelm isn't about one bad moment, but the gradual accumulation of unchecked stress. Each episode is a journey into understanding the 'why' behind our feelings-why a child's behavior can trigger such intensity, and why that flash of insight often comes too late. Dr. Hovington uses her scientific background not to offer rigid prescriptions, but to provide a framework for self-awareness. You'll hear her personal reflections alongside conversations with clinicians and other experts, making complex neuroscience accessible and immediately relevant to daily family life. The goal is to build a space for curiosity about your own triggers and patterns. This isn't about achieving perfect calm, but about recognizing your own emotional signals sooner, creating a buffer between feeling stressed and reacting from that place. Tune into this podcast for a thoughtful, evidence-informed companion on the path to becoming a more present and regulated parent, one reflective moment at a time. It’s a resource for anyone who wants to parent from a place of understanding, rather than from sheer exhaustion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Reflective Parenting Podcast by Curious Neuron
Podcast Episodes
Relational Savoring: The Neuroscience of Calm and Connection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:37
Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder why some moments with your child feel effortless and deeply connected — while others leave you drained, reactive, or misunderstood? In this episode, we break down the science behind why. Dr.…
What Many Parents Get Wrong About Toddler Behavior [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:17
Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Devon Kuntzman and I dive deep into what’s really happening inside your toddler’s brain when they lose it — and how you can respond without spiralling yourself. We unpack why your chi…
The missing skill that helps parents and kids stay calm: Interoception [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:12
Send us Fan Mail Last week, we uncovered how your child’s behaviour is really their nervous system communicating. Today, we’re going deeper, inside the body, to explore the science of interoception, the hidden sense that…
Why understanding your nervous system helps you with your emotions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:33
Send us Fan Mail You’ve heard the advice: “Teach your child to name their emotions.” But what if the real secret to helping your child (and yourself) regulate emotions starts deeper inside the body? In this episode, I si…
How music can lower stress and anxiety (for you and your child) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:27
Send us Fan Mail This episode will inspire you to see music as a powerful tool for connection, healing, and everyday parenting. It’s an invitation to play, sing, and create moments of joy with your children while learnin…
Replay: Looking beyond your child's behaviour with Dr. Mona Delahooke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:26
Send us Fan Mail I am going to be taking a short break. Meanwhile, enjoy this replay of one of my favourite episodes with Dr. Mona Delahooke. If you have a young child that has tantrums or that acts out in ways you don't…