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
What Happens When You Let Kids Just Be Kids? (And Why It Matters)
with Amy Chiu
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be tough to slow down and truly let kids be kids. We often get caught up in schedules, expectations, and the pressure to “make learning happen.” But what if the most powerful learning happens when we pause, play, and simply show up with presence?
In this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington speaks with early childhood expert Amy Chiu about the magic of free play and the importance of slowing down. Amy explains how play isn’t just fun—it’s a key tool for building curiosity, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. She shares why giving kids space to lead their play fosters deeper learning than worksheets ever could.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, you'll find science-backed insights and simple, practical ways to support your child—by doing less.
🔑 What You’ll Hear:
- Why slowing down and free play matter for real learning
- How presence and pause transform connection
- The power of observing rather than directing kids’ play
- Simple ways to bring downtime and emotional check-ins into daily life
Related Podcast Episode:
Over-parenting (helicopter parenting)
Mentioned in This Episode:
📖 The Work of Play→ Amy Chiu’s website and resource hub for parents and educators reimagining early childhood learning.
Follow Amy on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-chiu-msed-a09a1a27b/
Scientific Article: Learning Through Play at School – A Framework for Policy and Practice
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