Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron
Parents don’t snap for one reason — they snap because stress builds faster than awareness.
The Reflective Parenting Podcast, hosted by neuroscientist and mom of three Dr. Cindy Hovington, helps parents understand what’s happening inside them before they snap and why recognizing it sooner is the key to change.
Through personal reflections and conversations with clinicians and experts, the podcast explores why parenting feels so intense, why insight often disappears under stress, and what it means to become a reflective parent.
A reflective parent isn’t perfect or calm all the time. They notice sooner, recover faster, and slowly build more trust in how they show up — even on hard days.
This podcast is your invitation to pause, reflect, and feel less alone.
New episodes weekly.
Join the private group on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/groups/reflectiveparentingpodcast/
Watch our FREE training for parents to understand why you snap!
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
Purchase our course to Become a Reflective Parent!
https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Follow us on Instagram @curious_neuron or Facebook @curiousneuron
Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron
Why boredom is important for kids with Susie Allison from Busy Toddler
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In today’s episode, we chat with Susie Allison, M. Ed., a former teacher and creator of Busy Toddler (1.8 million followers!). We discuss boredom, what it is, why it’s important for our children’s development and how to respond to a bored child. We discuss how to introduce boredom to a child that is currently constantly engaged in a realistic way. Susie explains what child-led play is, and how parents can actually get things done while their children play ALONE. You heard it here – you don’t have to be your child’s entertainment!
We talk about screen time, good toys for your children & what a truly educational toy really is. Tune in to hear why Susie hates the term “boredom buster” just as much as some people hate the word “moist”!
About our guest:
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 1.7 million followers on Instagram. She's also a former kindergarten and first-grade teacher with a Master's in Early Childhood Education. Susie shares ideas and tips on playing, learning, and parenting that she's developed through years of experience as a teacher and parent.
Follow Susie on Instagram @busytoddler or Facebook HERE
Visit the Busy Toddler Website busytoddler.com for easy activity ideas for your kids and for Susie's very popular Playing Preschool book - a new way to preschool at home. This is a 190 day program of hands-on, play-based learning. EXPLORE MATH, READING, SCIENCE, ART + MUCH MORE!
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Resources:
Study about what an educational toy is:
The power of play: A pediatric role in enhancing development in young children HERE
Atomic Habits Book HERE
I am excited to announce that I am the new co-founder of Wondergrade! An app that helps your entire family with emotion regulation.
Download the Wondergrade App HERE and follow us on Instagram here @wondergrade
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Our sponsors:
Thank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently.
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Join our community:
Instagram: @curious_neuron
Website: www.curiousneuron.com
Podcast website: www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcast
Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.
Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s
Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below: