What all dads need to hear about emotions and their son's future mental health
Send us a textToday on the Reflective Parenting Podcast, I’m sitting down with Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski-Hartman to talk about something many parents quietly wonder about:Why do boys sometimes pull away emotionally and how can we support them without pushing too hard?Brendan is a researcher who has spent years studying boys, masculinity, and emotional expression. What he learned in his PhD work is both reassuring and eye-opening: boys do feel deeply, even when it looks like they’ve shut down. And the reasons they hold back are often more complex and tender than we realize.This is a grounded, thoughtful conversation, especially meaningful for dads who want to connect more with their sons but aren’t always sure where to start.In this episode, we cover:The two stages when boys start hiding emotionsWhy boys say “I’m fine” even when they’re strugglingHow to become an emotional safe space for your sonWhat makes it hard for dads to be vulnerableGentle ways to start emotional conversations with boysThe RULER model for building emotional intelligenceHow to support boys who feel anxious or withdrawnWhy parents’ own emotional work mattersPractical scripts and small daily moments that build trustRead our blog post about this topic:https://curiousneuron.com/2025/11/15/boys-emotional-needs-study/Learn more from Brendan below:@re.masculinehttps://remasculine.comhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36176325/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9513388/Support the showJoin our Reflective Parenting Program to learn the science-based skills parents (and their kids) need to thrive: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Record your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Book a spot in my calendar to chat about your challenges: https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-with-cindy-reflective-parent-club-clone Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube
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Are you having unhealthy conflict? Here's what science says.
Send us a textThis 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 conversationThis is not about fixing the last fight.This is about changing the next one.If you shut down, explode, or get stuck repeating the same arguments this episode is for you.Read our full blog post about this topic (it has all the research I mentioned in this episode):https://curiousneuron.com/2025/11/09/the-science-of-healthy-conflict-patterns-in-couples/Get the book The Next Conversation hereDon't miss this podcast episode to help you out with conflict:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reflective-parenting-by-curious-neuron/id1440533170?i=1000735018841Support the showJoin our Reflective Parenting Program to learn the science-based skills parents (and their kids) need to thrive: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Record your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Book a spot in my calendar to chat about your challenges: https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-with-cindy-reflective-parent-club-clone Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube
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Understanding your nervous system in conflict with the authors of Beyond Difficult
Send us a textIf you’ve ever wondered why you become a different version of yourself during conflict… this episode is going to change the way you see those moments forever.I’m sitting down with psychologists and authors Rachel Samson and Dr. Jessie Stern to unpack the science beneath conflict: your attachment history, your temperament, your nervous system sensitivity, and how all of this shapes the way you argue, withdraw, pursue, or shut down.This episode is not about “how to argue better.”It’s about understanding why you show up the way you do in the first place.You’ll learn why some of us chase repair desperately…why others shut down to survive the moment…and why conflict can feel like it happens faster than your ability to think.We also talk about emotional flooding and the moment when your nervous system takes over the conversation before your communication skills even get a chance.And if you are a parent, you will hear how this shows up not only with your partner but also with your child and what you can do starting today to interrupt the cycle.You will walk away from this episode with clarity, hope, and self compassion because conflict is not just about skills.It is about state.Get their new book on Amazon here.Follow Rachel on InstagramFollow Dr. Jessie on InstagramRead our new blog post: The Science Behind How you Show up in Arguments hereSupport the showJoin our Reflective Parenting Program to learn the science-based skills parents (and their kids) need to thrive: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Record your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Book a spot in my calendar to chat about your challenges: https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-with-cindy-reflective-parent-club-clone Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube
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Relational Savoring: The Neuroscience of Calm and Connection
Send us a textEver 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. Jessie Stern and psychologist Rachel Samson join Cindy to explore relational savoring — a simple yet powerful way to strengthen your bond by intentionally remembering moments of warmth, safety, and love. You’ll learn how this practice calms your nervous system, reduces stress, and builds emotional security — for both you and your child.They also unpack the role of temperament and sensitivity in relationships. Why do some people (and kids) feel everything more deeply? What does that mean for how we connect, comfort, and communicate?If you’ve ever said, “I wish I could stay calm when things get hard,” this conversation will give you the science and the self-awareness to start doing exactly that.Because connection isn’t about perfection — it’s about noticing, savoring, and showing up with compassion.Read their new book: Beyond Difficult: An attachment-based guide to dealing with challenging peopleFollow Rachel SamsonFollow Dr. Jessie SternRead the science article: Savoring interventions for mothers of young children: Mechanisms linking relational savoring and personal savoring to reflective functioningListen to more podcast episodes:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reflective-parenting-by-curious-neuron/id1440533170?i=1000731541535Support the showJoin our Reflective Parenting Program to learn the science-based skills parents (and their kids) need to thrive: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Record your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Book a spot in my calendar to chat about your challenges: https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-with-cindy-reflective-parent-club-clone Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube
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What Many Parents Get Wrong About Toddler Behavior
Send us a textIn 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 child’s meltdowns aren’t your fault, what they’re trying to tell you through their behavior, and the simple mindset shift that will change how you see tantrums forever.If you’ve ever thought, “Why is my child doing this to me?” or “I said no… why can’t they just listen?” then this episode will make you feel seen, supported, and ready for the next tantrum (yes, really).In this episode, you’ll learn:The real reason toddlers have tantrums (and why it’s developmentally healthyWhy “all behavior is communication” — and how to decode what your child is saying through their actionsHow to stay calm and compassionate even when you’re triggeredWhy giving in “just this once” actually leads to more tantrumsWhat to do when your child prefers the other parent — and how to not take it personallyDevon’s 3-ingredient “Recipe for Effective Discipline” that works with every tantrumHow to model emotional regulation — even if you never learned it growing upGet Devon's book here:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400252954/?bestFormat=true&k=transforming%20toddlerhood%20devon%20kuntzman&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_k1_1_9_de&crid=11L8ZPOO86D3&sprefix=devon%20kunFollow her on Instagram: @transformingtoddlerhoodRead our blog post:https://curiousneuron.com/2025/10/15/a-yale-study-shows-how-a-parents-calm-and-consistency-literally-shape-a-childs-brain/Support the showJoin our Reflective Parenting Program to learn the science-based skills parents (and their kids) need to thrive: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Record your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Book a spot in my calendar to chat about your challenges: https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-with-cindy-reflective-parent-club-clone Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube
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.Subscribe today not to miss next week's episode! Join the private group on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/reflectiveparentingpodcast/Record your story or question:https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcastJoin the Reflective Parenting Program today!Start our science-backed course, join our weekly calls or get 1:1 support with Cindy below:https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/Follow us on Instagram @curious_neuron or Facebook @curiousneuron
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