Are you having unhealthy conflict? Here's what science says.

Are you having unhealthy conflict? Here's what science says.

Author: Cindy Hovington, Ph.D. November 10, 2025 Duration: 25:16
Send us Fan Mail This episode will change how you see conflict. We’re talking about the proven communication patterns that destroy connection and how to replace them with healthier ones. You’ll learn: the Four Horsemen (with real examples)how the demand–withdraw cycle keeps couples stuckthe shocking research: negative conflict literally slows wound healinghow your nervous system shapes your reactions (before your thoughts do)3 simple questions from Jefferson Fisher that can change the next co...

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: 100

Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron
Podcast Episodes
Mother's Day Reflection: Am I addressing my needs? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:10
Send us Fan Mail Happy Mother's Day! I wanted to post today on Mother's Day because of the conversations I have been having with moms all week. It helped me realize that so many of us are powering through motherhood not…
Should I hug my child or ignore them during a tantrum? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:35
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Reflective Parenting Podcast, I chat with Albiona Rakipi who is a parent coach. I love her work and it is well-aligned with the research I read around co-regulation and teaching ki…
Am I a helicopter parent? The science of overparenting. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we dive into the science of overparenting and explore what research says about its impact on children’s mental health. I break down a recent meta-analysis that shows how overparenting…
Exploring Perimenopause with Dr. Kristina Calder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:42
Send us Fan Mail Dr's Cindy Hovington and Kristina Calder explore perimenopause, the hormonal transition that begins in women's 40s and significantly impacts mental health, energy, and body composition. • Perimenopause o…
How to have emotionally intelligent arguments with your partner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:56
Send us Fan Mail Ever caught yourself rattling off an endless list of reminders to your partner before they take the kids somewhere? "Don't forget snacks, water bottles, jackets..." Sound familiar? In this illuminating e…
Stop searching for parenting advice and try this instead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:46
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt crushed by the pressure to follow a specific parenting style perfectly? The weight of trying to fit into boxes labeled "positive parenting" or "conscious parenting" leaves many of us f…