logo
episode-header-image
Jul 14
23m 51s

I wish I were a more playful parent

CINDY HOVINGTON, PH.D.
About this episode

Send us a text

In this episode of the Reflective Parenting Podcast, host Cindy Hovington delves into the transformative power of playfulness in parenting. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, Cindy explores how embracing play can enhance parent-child connections and support emotional development. 

Discover practical tips to integrate play into daily routines, even when it feels challenging, and learn why joining your child's world can be a game-changer. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that encourages parents to let go of guilt and embrace the joy of play.

Use CODE: PODCAST15 to get 15% off your first 3 months of the Reflective Parenting Club

Resources:

Study: Quality and Quantity: A Study of Father–Toddler Rough-and-Tumble Play

Listen to my interview with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Amy Chiu:

Supporting Emotional Development Through Play with Tina

What happens when we let kids be kids with Amy

Support the show

Record your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast


Become a Reflective Parent using our evidence-based program:


Grab a Free Resource:


Email: info@curiousneuron.com

📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

Up next
Oct 6
Why understanding your nervous system helps you with your emotions (part 1)
Send us a textYou’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 sit down with pediatric occupational therapist Laura Petix (The OT ... Show More
31m 33s
Sep 29
How do we build resilience in our kids without being harsh or overprotective
Send us a textDo you ever hear your child say things like, “I’m such a bad kid” or “I’ll never be good at this” and your heart sinks because you don’t know what to say?You’re not alone. And this episode is about to change the way you respond.Today, I’m sitting down with award-win ... Show More
50m 41s
Sep 22
The Science of How Discipline and Punishment Impact a Child’s Brain Differently
Send us a textParents, this one is big.Today we’re breaking down punishment vs discipline, what science says, how it impacts your child’s brain, and why so many of us feel stuck in the cycle of punishing even when we don’t want to.If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to yell, sp ... Show More
29m 21s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
Co-Regulation Strategies for Emotional Outbursts
Are you tired of power struggles and tantrums turning your home into a battleground? Do you long for a more peaceful and connected relationship with your child? If you're like many parents, you've probably wondered how to teach your child to manage their big feelings with ... Show More
11m 42s
Feb 2025
Beyond Time-Outs: What To Do Before, During, and After a Tantrum
In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," Dr. Cathryn shares insights from her own parenting journey, focusing on how to effectively handle toddler tantrums. Discover why traditional methods like time-outs may not always work and learn about the natural stages of a tantrum, from a ... Show More
16 m
Aug 2024
How To Calm A Tantrum Without Saying A Word
Welcome! I’m Dr. Cathryn, pediatrician with 35 years of experience and mom of 4. This week, we dive into the art of calming a tantrum without saying a word. Timing and approach are key—intervene too soon or in the wrong way, and you might unintentionally escalate the situation. B ... Show More
9m 46s
Jul 30
How to Stay Calm When Your Toddler Isn’t: 3 Powerful Mindset Shifts
🎧 How to Stay Calm When Your Toddler Isn’t: 3 Powerful Mindset Shifts Welcome back to Toddlers Made Easy—the no-fluff podcast for parents in the thick of toddlerhood. I’m Dr. Cathryn—pediatrician (just recently retired), mom of four, and your guide to big-hearted parenting that ... Show More
9m 24s
Sep 2024
"I Hate You!" — Scripts for Toddler Tantrums
In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," host Dr. Cathryn provides practical scripts and strategies for managing toddler tantrums calmly and effectively. She emphasizes that tantrums are normal developmental behaviors and stresses the importance of parents staying calm during the ... Show More
12m 9s
Apr 2024
How To Stop Losing It On Your Kids
Join Dr. Cathryn as she shares three science-backed tips to help parents maintain their composure with their children. Discover the importance of identifying your triggers, recognizing early stress signs, and implementing a power pause. Dr. Cathryn also highlights the crucial rol ... Show More
11m 55s
Apr 2025
How To Talk to Toddlers During a Tantrum
How do you talk to your toddler when they meltdown? What can we say to hold space for our littles in the moment? In this episode, I share how to talk to kids during a tantrum. I talk about what to say and how to speak when your toddler is falling apart. Looking for some support o ... Show More
11m 35s
Feb 2025
The #1 Easiest Hack To Stop Losing It On Your Kids
In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," we're diving into the EASY method—a transformative technique to help you navigate toddler tantrums with grace and effectiveness. Inspired by my own experiences as a pediatrician and a mom, EASY is all about creating a calm and connected ap ... Show More
13m 46s
Apr 2025
How to Become More Confident in Your Parenting
#051 Lisa discusses how to build confidence in parenting by addressing bad behaviour and promoting respect all while emphasising the importance of making children feel good about themselves to improve behaviour and achieve positive outcomes.  She tackles various common parenting ... Show More
37m 32s
Jul 2024
Why Kids Hit And How To Stop It!
Dr. Cathryn tackles the challenging topic of toddler hitting with a compassionate, big-hearted approach. We explore the various reasons behind this common behavior and introduce the E.A.S.Y. method—a practical, step-by-step strategy to help parents respond effectively. The episod ... Show More
12m 29s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami