Episodes

The world feels heavy right now. With so much change, uncertainty, and difficult news, it’s natural for both parents and children to feel stressed, anxious, or even scared. But our kids are watching how we respond, and they need our calm, grounded guidance more than ever. In this episode, I share practical ways to talk to your children about what’s happening in the world without increasing fear or confusion. You’ll learn how to help them process big emotions, what language to use based on their...

It can be tempting to step in and “just do it” when your child struggles, whether it’s opening a tricky package, making a sandwich that keeps falling apart, or facing the frustration of trying something new. But every time we take over, we unintentionally miss a chance to build their confidence and problem-solving skills. Today, I’ll share practical ways to reinforce independence while staying calm and connected. You’ll learn how to support your child through the frustration without rescuing, ...

Watching your child be excluded, targeted, or hurt is devastating. You want to protect them, but you also don’t want to make things worse. Many parents would gladly take their child’s place just to spare them the pain. In this episode, I’ll help you better understand what bullying is, and what it isn’t. We’ll look at the difference between bullying and social aggression, how bullying shows up differently in boys and girls, and what steps you can take to support your child if you think they’re ...

Venting can be powerful, it helps us release stress, feel heard, and connect with the people we love. When done well, it’s a healthy way to process emotions. But here’s the catch: venting can also become addictive. Instead of calming us down, it can spiral into drama, negativity, or constant complaining. In this episode, we’ll explore how to guide your kids, and your whole family, in using venting as a healthy tool instead of a destructive habit. You’ll learn how to create safe, supportive “ve...

Today’s conversation comes straight from our Q&A series, where I answer real questions from listeners. Andrea wrote in to share about an ongoing struggle with her 10-year-old daughter. She describes her as a “gladiator,” strong-willed, demanding, and often wanting everything her way. These traits can make family events stressful, sometimes leading to meltdowns and blow-ups that derail the day. With a trip to the theme park on the horizon, Andrea wanted to know: How do you prepare and set thing...

Hello connected parents, and welcome back to another episode of Connected Parenting. In today’s conversation, we’re tackling the back-to-school transition. For many kids, change can feel overwhelming. Shifting from the relaxed rhythms of home or summer into the structure of school can bring up resistance, anxiety, and even meltdowns. As parents, that can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions for us too. In this episode, I’ll walk you through practical tips and insights to help your child ease...

Special occasions, whether they’re weddings, birthdays, holiday gatherings, or family reunions can be joyful, memorable, and deeply meaningful. But for parents of children who are highly sensitive, anxious, or strong-willed “Gladiators,” these events can also bring big challenges. In this episode replay of Connected Parenting, Jennifer Kolari, shares 10 practical strategies to help your child (and you) navigate these moments with more ease. From preparing ahead of time and setting realistic ex...

In this very special episode of Connected Parenting, I sit down with my youngest daughter, Olivia my true “gladiator child.” Fierce, sensitive, musical, and deeply thoughtful, Olivia has always had a strong counterwill and a fire that pushed me as a parent in all the best (and hardest!) ways. Parents often ask me, “What will my gladiator child be like when they’re older?” In this conversation, Olivia shares openly about what it felt like to be that child the eight-year-old who struggled, the te...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we flip the script on a common parenting concern; texting. While we often hear about the downsides of screens, social media, and endless scrolling, texting can actually be a powerful connection tool between you and your teen. I’ll share why, in certain moments, a text might be the bridge that keeps communication open, helps your teen feel seen and understood, and even diffuses tension before it escalates. From using texts to check in during their busy da...

Every parent wants their child to feel confident, connected, and well-liked but social health isn’t just about having friends. It’s a protective factor that influences everything from mental health to academic success. Whether your child is struggling socially or is already a natural leader, this episode is packed with tools, scripts, and mindset shifts to help you parent with connection and raise a child who chooses authenticity over popularity. Let’s build the foundation for confident, emoti...

In this week's episode replay, I’ll walk you through how to understand what’s really going on underneath that sibling resentment, how to use empathy and the CALM technique to shift the emotional dynamic, and most importantly, how to parent both kids through this without picking sides or reinforcing harmful patterns. Jennifer's Takeaways: Handling Sibling Resentment: Introduction and Initial Steps (00:00) Understanding Family Patterns and Personal Biases (01:24) Addressing the Resentful Child...

Today we’re revisiting the world of summer camp and looking at why it’s more than just fun in the sun and how it can be a life-changing experience for your child. From building independence and emotional resilience to fostering leadership and a stronger sense of self, camp offers so many developmental benefits. Tune in to learn how summer camp can help shape your child’s emotional growth, and how you can support them every step of the way. Jennifer's Takeaways: Importance and Benefits of Summ...

In this week’s episode of the Connected Parenting podcast, we’re diving into a topic that might be raising eyebrows (and blood pressure) in your home: Why are kids so obsessed with scary books, movies, and shows? Is it just a phase, or something more concerning? Should you let them watch or read these things or shut it down completely? Whether your child loves ghost stories, creepy YouTube videos, or horror movies, this episode will help you decode the fascination and guide them with confiden...

Why are teens up at midnight and sleeping until noon? Why is it so hard to get them to bed at a decent hour or up in time for school or weekend plans? You’re not alone in your frustration, and you’re definitely not imagining things. There’s real science behind what’s happening. Whether your teen is turning into a night owl or just can’t get out of bed, this episode will give you tools and insight to respond with calm, connection, and clarity instead of chaos and conflict. Jennifer's Takeaways...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we dive into a powerful visual and verbal tool that helps kids regulate their behavior and emotions called the "Stoplight Technique" (also known as Red Light, Green Light). As parents, one of our greatest challenges is guiding our kids through big feelings and impulsive behavior without losing our own cool. That’s where this simple yet effective method comes in. Listen in to hear me explain how the stoplight framework teaches children cause and effect, e...

As the busy school year winds down, summer opens the door to something we often miss, space to slow down, breathe, and truly reconnect with our kids. In this heartfelt replay, we say goodbye to the hectic pace and explore simple, intentional ways to make this summer feel calm, connected, and full of joy for the whole family. Remember; summer doesn’t need to be packed to be powerful, it just needs presence. Jennifer's Takeaways: Summer as a Time for Connection and Refreshment (00:00) The Cal...

You may have a child who freezes up for hours before a dentist appointment or refuses to start anything all day because they're waiting for a playdate or appointment later on. It’s not laziness or defiance, it’s their ADHD brain getting stuck in “waiting mode.” Today we unpack what ADHD waiting mode is, why it happens, and how it connects to hyperfixation, time blindness, and emotional regulation. Listen in to hear me explain why even bright, capable kids with ADHD often struggle to shift gears...

In this episode of the Connected Parenting Podcast, we're diving into two real-life listener questions as part of our Q&A series. First, we explore how to support an eight-year-old who has emotional outbursts in stores when they’re told “no.” Why do these meltdowns happen, and how can we respond in ways that actually build emotional regulation instead of making things worse? Then we shift gears to talk about teens, specifically, what to do when your teenager refuses to go on family weekends or...

The balance between guidance and freedom helps children develop emotional strength, problem-solving skills, and a deeper sense of self. While today’s kids have endless access to information, what many lack is the freedom to explore, try, fail, and figure things out on their own. Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, this episode will give you practical and compassionate guidance on building independence in ways that feel safe and supportive for both of you. Tune in and rediscover the mag...

In this week’s episode of Connected Parenting, we’re diving into one of the most common and exhausting parenting struggles—clothing battles, especially with younger girls. You know the drill: “There’s nothing to wear!” “I hate that shirt!” “Not those pants!”and it all happens before you’ve even had your coffee. Today we are exploring the emotional undercurrents behind these morning meltdowns, looking closer at why seemingly simple decisions like getting dressed can turn into full-blown power s...

Welcome back, connected parents! In this heartfelt episode of Connected Parenting, we’re diving into one of the most emotionally challenging moments many parents face; the shift that happens when your child starts to pull away and step into the world of adolescence. I take a close look at this transition, especially between mothers and daughters, when the once chatty, affectionate little girl becomes more withdrawn, independent, and focused on her peers. For many parents, this change feels like...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we’re tackling one of the most frustrating challenges for parents: time blindness. You know the scene; your child is moving at a snail’s pace, one leg in their pants, completely unaware of the ticking clock while you’re shouting, “Let’s go!” Time blindness is a very real neurological issue for many kids and teens, especially those who are highly sensitive, neurodivergent, or struggle with executive functioning. They don’t mean to frustrate you—they’re jus...

In today’s episode of the Connected Parenting Podcast, we’re diving into a scenario that leaves so many parents scratching their heads — the child who’s perfect at school but melts down at home. You know the story: your child is polite, focused, and adored by teachers, but the second they walk through your front door, it’s like a switch flips. Suddenly, you're dealing with tantrums, defiance, or emotional outbursts and you're left wondering, why am I getting the worst while everyone else gets t...

Seasonal transitions; particularly spring can deeply affect highly sensitive or as I like to call them "neuro-spicy" kids. While spring brings feelings of renewal and excitement for many, the change in routine, environment, and even the weather can be incredibly dysregulating for children with big feelings. These transitions can create emotional turbulence, behavioral flare-ups, and increased anxiety if not handled with care. Whether it’s adjusting to daylight saving time, the end of the schoo...