Episodes

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we dive into the difficult topic of putting kids in the middle of adult conflicts. It's tempting, especially in the heat of the moment, to say things like, "Did you see what daddy just did?" or "Can you believe your mother just talked to me like that?" Even though we know this isn't the right thing to do, it's a common mistake many parents make. We'll explore why putting kids in the middle of disagreements creates an impossible situation for them and how...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we’re diving deep into the world of gladiator kids—those feisty, strong-willed, and intensely challenging children who push back at every turn. These spirited kids often test the limits, leaving parents feeling exhausted, judged, and overwhelmed. Parenting a gladiator child can be incredibly tough, and it’s a journey that demands understanding, patience, and a lot of support. Join me as I explore what makes these kids tick, the unique challenges parents ...

Whether it's tasting a new food, petting an unfamiliar dog, or watching a thrilling movie, each child faces unique challenges when it comes to taking risks. But what if we could help them build the courage to face the new and unknown? Imagine how those brief moments of bravery could boost their confidence and enrich their life experiences. In this episode, we dive into the importance of strengthening this 'courage muscle' in children, especially those who are hesitant to take risks. We'll exp...

Seeing your child start school without friends, feeling isolated and disconnected, is incredibly tough as a parent. It’s easy to feel helpless, but there are steps you can take to empower your child and guide them through this challenging time. Let’s explore how you can support your child, manage your own emotions, and help create a positive path forward together. Jennifer's Takeaways: Managing Your Own Emotions When Your Child Is Socially Struggling (00:00) The Importance of the Calm Techn...

For many kids, anxiety kicks in weeks before school even starts. They begin to worry about who their teacher will be, who's in their class, and if they'll be able to handle the new challenges of the upcoming grade. The transition to high school is especially overwhelming, with so many adjustments to navigate. During this time, kids can experience a mix of emotions—excitement to see their friends but also deep nervousness about the unknown. It’s important to let them know that these feelings ar...

Ever wondered why we, as parents, sometimes resort to yelling, even when we know it's not the most effective approach? Yelling is like an age-old parenting reflex, but let's be honest – it rarely brings out the best in our kids or us. In this episode, I uncover the 'why' behind our shouting tendencies, the real impact it has on our little ones (hint: it's not good), and most importantly, what we can do instead. Let's embark on a journey to discover effective, positive ways of parenting that n...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, I discuss the dynamics of the "good child" in families where a sibling—often a more challenging "gladiator child"—demands most of the parental attention. Listen in as I explore how the "good child" may suppress their needs to avoid adding stress and share strategies from one-on-one time to using play for emotional expression in order to support these children while balancing family dynamics. Visit connectedparenting.com for more resources, and thank you ...

In this episode, I'm shifting the focus from parenting techniques to self-care for parents, specifically exploring bedtime and morning routines. I'm taking a closer look at how parents, particularly moms, can better manage your routines to combat exhaustion and model healthy behavior for your children. While offering practical strategies to help you carve out time for yourself, like implementing a "reverse sleep-in" to ensure adequate rest and structuring mornings to create a calmer start to t...

Today, we're excited to feature Bethany_Gettis, a former weight loss and health nurse turned certified holistic Nutritional Consultant and founder of Nutritious and Delicious. In this episode, we tackle common questions about food pickiness, mealtime battles, and the importance of prioritizing your own needs to better care for your family. Join us for an insightful conversation packed with practical advice and personal stories from Bethany’s journey through motherhood and holistic nutrition an...

In this episode of the Connected Parenting podcast, I delve into the topic of makeup for girls aged 12 to 16. This age group often experiences a strong urge to experiment with makeup, which can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings between parents and children. Are you looking for ways to approach this topic with empathy, balance, and understanding, while providing guidance on setting boundaries without shaming or embarrassing your children? Tune in for practical advice on navigating the mak...

In this episode, we dive into the significant impact of screen time on kids, focusing on a crucial but often overlooked aspect: parental screen time. While extensive research highlights the negative effects of screens on children, the excessive screen time of parents may be the most detrimental. Join me in looking inward to explore how our own screen habits affect our children, and what we can do to foster healthier, more connected relationships with them. Jennifer's Takeaways: The Impact Of ...

Teens often love to retreat to their rooms, shut their doors, and seem perpetually busy, making it tough for parents to find meaningful ways to connect. Despite these hurdles, it's crucial that we don't turn our backs on them but instead work to build and maintain a deep connection during this stage of their development. Tune in as we explore strategies to bridge the gap and foster a strong, supportive relationship with your teen, even when they seem to be shutting you out. Jennifer's Takeawa...

As the busy school year winds down, summer presents a unique chance to slow down, and reconnect. So in this week's episode we say goodbye to hectic schedules and explore how to make this summer as wonderful, connected, and fun as possible for you and your family. Jennifer's Takeaways: Intro (00:00) Parenting Techniques For Summer Break (04:45) Maintaining Structure & Connection During Summer Break (09:43) Meet Jennifer Kolari Jennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly...

Today, we're diving into our Q&A series with a question from Maria on her husband who is struggling to buy into the Connected Parenting method, dismissing it as babying their kids and not being tough enough. This has led to constant clashes with their 10-year-old daughter, a strong-willed "gladiator," leaving Maria exhausted and feeling like her hard work is being undone. In this episode, we’ll explore strategies to help your spouse understand and embrace the Connected Parenting approach, ensu...

In today's episode, we're diving into the world of fatherhood—the struggles, the joys, and the unique challenges that dads face. Here to share his insights and perspectives on all things Dad, I am thrilled to welcome a very special guest who is incredibly important to me: my husband, Barrett. So if you are a Dad or are soon to be a Dad this episode is for you. Happy Father's Day! Jennifer's Takeaways: Intro (00:00) Strategies For Connecting With Kids (0:00) Emphasizing Empathy And Connect...

Today, I'm excited to share an insightful conversation with Laurie A. Couture, a licensed mental health counselor, author, and developer of the Couture Protocol. Laurie specializes in childhood development, trauma, and attachment, providing crucial guidance to families and professionals serving children and youth. Join us as we dig deeper into her groundbreaking approach to treating developmental and generational trauma and discuss how we can nurture and empower our children through holistic m...

In today's podcast, we'll delve into the transformative power of wonder and awe—emotions that children embrace naturally but adults often overlook as they grow older. We'll explore the significance of reconnecting with these profound states of being to enrich your life and safeguard this sense of marvel for your children. Join me as we learn to cultivate, cherish, and become champions of wonder and awe in our daily lives. Jennifer's Takeaways: Intro (00:00) Reward Chemicals (03:07) Let You...

In this episode, I’m excited to share a special conversation I had with Ann Odom on her podcast, "The Reprogram." Ann, a seasoned social worker, combines over two decades of experience with a unique blend of somatic experiencing, nervous system healing, and inner child work. This approach addresses the deep-seated memories stored in our bodies from past experiences. I found our discussion incredibly enlightening and am thrilled to have her as a future guest on my show. For now, enjoy this insi...

In today's Q&A episode, we tackle a heartfelt and challenging topic that many families face. Janine writes in with a situation that may resonate with many: her 10-year-old son holds a deep-seated resentment towards his 8-year-old sibling, simply for being born. This type of sibling rivalry can be devastating and perplexing for parents. It's a common scenario we encounter at Connected Parenting, especially among families with what we refer to as 'gladiator kids'. Join me as we delve into effec...

In today's episode, we're diving into an essential topic: self-awareness and how we, as parents, can gift to our children this crucial skill for fostering good mental health, strong social skills, and building resilience as they navigate the complexities of growing up. By helping our children develop self-awareness, we empower them to handle life's challenges with confidence and grow into more grounded, emotionally intelligent adults. Join me for an insightful conversation packed with actionab...

When we think of separation anxiety, we often think about leaving little kids at daycare. But I actually see in my practice, lots of kids that are much older, even 11 and 12, who have real separation anxiety, where they're worried if you go out for dinner, or a walk around the block, and they're in the house by themselves. They just can't do it and they need to know where you are all the time. This can be a real problem for parents, and it can be a really hard thing for kids and if you can rela...

Today, we’re revisiting a fan-favorite episode, featuring a special session with my daughter Zoe on the CALM technique. Listen in as we delve into managing schedules and maintaining order. We'll role-play typical chaotic home scenarios, demonstrating the transformative effects of the CALM technique before and after its application. If you’re new to the podcast or need a refresher on the biochemical principles that make the CALM technique so effective, I recommend checking out episodes one and ...

A listener named Justin shared his frustration with his 13-year-old daughter's screen habits, feeling exhausted from constantly having to monitor her. He's also grappling with her claims that other parents are more lenient, leaving him questioning if strict rules hinder her ability to handle technology responsibly. This is a common dilemma, and with recent alarming research on screen time effects, it's crucial to address. Join me as we explore strategies for helping teens take charge of their ...

Today we are diving into the idea that as parents, we're essentially acting as substitute frontal lobes for our children. After an Instagram short I posted went viral, I realized just how much this idea resonated with so many of you. We are looking at: Why are we more than just parents in the traditional sense? What does stepping into the role of a substitute frontal lobe truly entail for us and our kids? Why has nature designed our parenting roles this way? Join me as we unravel these que...