Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron
Parenting shouldn’t be defined by stress, guilt, and self-doubt. Yet for 94% of parents, that’s what our days feel like. As a neuroscientist and mom of three, I know firsthand how easy it is to end the day overwhelmed, wishing you’d been calmer, more present, or more patient with your child. That’s why I created The Reflective Parenting Podcast—a place where we pause, reflect, and discover a new way forward.
Join me every Monday as we explore science-backed skills that replace guilt with confidence and stress with calm so that you, and your child, can thrive. Some weeks, I’ll share my own reflections as a parent who’s still learning, just like you. Other weeks, I’ll bring in experts from psychology, neuroscience, and beyond to dive into the research and uncover practical ways we can make parenting feel lighter, less overwhelming, and more connected.
Parents don’t need more advice or another education-heavy podcast. What they truly need is a space to pause, reflect, and grow. Reflective parenting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about noticing what drives our reactions and choosing to show up with intention. This podcast is about building resilience, trust, and connection, and joining a movement to reimagine what parenting can feel like—for us, and for our kids.
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Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron
Working parent guilt: What no one tells you
with Daisy Dowling
Balancing work and parenting feels impossible sometimes, doesn’t it? Between deadlines, meetings, and the constant demands at home, many working parents feel overwhelmed, guilty, and stretched too thin.
In this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington talks with Daisy Dowling, author of Work Parent, about redefining what work-life balance really means — and why aiming for a perfect “straight line” isn’t the goal. Instead, Daisy shares practical “hacks” to help working parents manage stress, set realistic expectations, and take meaningful moments for rest and self-care.
They dive into how to build your personal and professional “brand,” why keeping an “already done” list can lower overwhelm, and how small choices today can lead to a happier future — both at work and at home.
This episode is full of relatable insights and actionable strategies to help working parents feel less frazzled and more grounded.
🔑 What You’ll Hear:
- Why work-life balance isn’t a fixed state — it’s more like riding waves
- How to define your professional and parenting “brands” to empower your identity
- The Zeigarnik Effect & the power of an “already done” list to combat overwhelm and guilt
- Why rest and recovery are essential — even in small daily moments
- Tips to reframe self-doubt and reduce anxiety about work performance
Mentioned in This Episode:
📖 Work Parent by Daisy Dowling
→ A go-to guide for working parents struggling with the dual challenges of careers & kids.
Scientific Source:
Burnout and Mental Health in Working Parents: Risk Factors and Practice Implications
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- FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions
- FREE Kids Activity: Help! My Emotions Are Confusing
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
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