Connected Parenting

Have you ever asked your child how their day was, only to receive a quick “fine” or “I don't know”? In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer explores why getting children and teenagers to open up can be challenging and why asking more questions isn't always the answer. Meaningful conversations aren't about finding the perfect words. They're about creating the emotional safety and trust that help children feel comfortable sharing what's really going on in their lives. Jennifer discusses

Have you ever noticed that the more you try to calm your overwhelmed child, the more upset they seem to become? In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer takes a deeper look at co-regulation and what happens in both the parent's and child's brain and body during moments of emotional distress. Whether your child is having a meltdown, struggling with a friendship, or your teenager is spiraling with anxiety, our natural instinct is often to jump into problem-solving mode. We ask questions,

How do we raise girls who are confident, compassionate, and comfortable being themselves in a world that often sends them conflicting messages? In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer explores the pressures girls face growing up. From being encouraged to speak up but not be too loud, to being strong without being difficult and kind without putting everyone else's needs ahead of their own. These mixed messages can leave girls questioning themselves, seeking approval, and struggling to t

What does healthy masculinity really look like, and how can we help boys grow into strong, kind, and emotionally healthy men? In Part Two of raising emotionally healthy boys, Jennifer continues the conversation by exploring the messages boys receive about what it means to be a man. From TikTok and social media to influencers promoting concerning ideas about masculinity, boys are constantly exposed to messages that can shape how they see themselves, their emotions, and their relationships with o

How do we raise boys who are emotionally strong, empathetic, and accountable for their actions? In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer explores why raising emotionally healthy boys goes beyond teaching good behaviour. From family expectations and peer influences to cultural messages about masculinity, boys are constantly learning which emotions are acceptable to express and which ones should be hidden. Jennifer explains why helping boys recognize and name feelings like sadness, fear,

What if the challenging behavior you're seeing isn't really the problem, but a sign of what's happening underneath? In this week's guest episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer sits down with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a therapist, certified school psychologist, author, podcast host, and Mom who has spent more than 30 years working with children and families. Together, they explore dysregulation, the nervous system, and why understanding what's driving a child's behavior can completely change