Connected Parenting

Even the closest families move through seasons of connection. There are times when everyone feels in sync, laughing easily, sharing space, and understanding each other without words. And then there are moments when it feels like you’re speaking different languages, missing each other’s cues, or simply running on separate frequencies.In this episode, we’ll explore why those quieter or more distant seasons happen and how to keep your family’s love steady through them. You’ll learn what causes those natural fluctuations in closeness, how to recognize when it’s just a temporary rhythm versus something deeper, and practical ways to reconnect with calm and compassion.Because real closeness isn’t about being perfectly attuned all the time, it’s about staying anchored in love, even when connection feels thin.Jennifer's Takeaways:Family Closeness and Relationship Dynamics (00:00)Understanding and Managing Emotional Reactions (03:31)Self-Reflection and Identifying Personal Triggers (07:27)The Power of Interpretation and Control in Relationships (08:28)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in the US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today’s Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari’s powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children’s emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer’s wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation’s leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You’re Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).

Boredom, it’s uncomfortable, it’s annoying, and it often sends us scrambling for solutions. But what if boredom isn’t something to fix… what if it’s actually something to embrace?In this episode, we’ll explore why boredom isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s one of the most valuable emotional states for children. Boredom helps develop creativity, problem-solving, and emotional resilience, all essential skills for healthy development.In this week's episode you’ll learn how to shift your perspective, handle your own discomfort when your child complains, and create the space for boredom to do what it’s meant to: spark imagination and inner resourcefulness.Jennifer's Takeaways:Understanding the Importance of Boredom (00:00)The Role of Boredom in Child Development (02:03)Imagination and Boredom in Adolescents (04:05)Handling Boredom in Children (07:18)Strategies for Managing Boredom (08:38)Practical Tips for Parents (11:59)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in the US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today’s Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari’s powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children’s emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer’s wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation’s leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You’re Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).

Every family has its own rhythm. Some love cooking together, some bond over board games and some, believe it or not, enjoy arguing for fun. To them, debating ideas and challenging each other isn’t conflict; it’s connection.But what feels like playful banter to one person can feel like chaos, criticism, or even emotional danger to another. So how do you know when spirited debate crosses the line? And how do you create a home where everyone feels heard and safe, whether they love to spar or prefer peace and quiet?In this episode, we’ll explore why some families naturally fall into patterns of “recreational arguing,” what emotional needs this dynamic can meet, and how to find the right balance between healthy expression and emotional safety.Jennifer's Takeaways:Recreational Arguing in Families (00:00)Neuroscience Behind Recreational Arguing (01:43)Balancing Fun Debates with Emotional Safety (03:39)Teaching Kids Awareness and Respect (06:00)Managing Intense Family Interactions (07:38)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in the US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today’s Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari’s powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children’s emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer’s wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation’s leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You’re Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).

Have you ever looked down at your phone to find a flood of messages, ten, twenty, even thirty texts from your child all in a row? Sometimes it’s about something small, like wanting a snack or permission for a new game. Other times, it’s a full emotional storm, with your child texting in distress, upset, or desperate for reassurance.It can feel overwhelming. You’re torn between exhaustion and worry; afraid to miss an important message, but frustrated by the constant notifications.In this episode, we’ll unpack why kids do this, what emotional and neurological factors might be driving the behavior, and how to respond with calm, clarity, and love. You’ll learn practical ways to set healthy boundaries while helping your child build emotional regulation and resilience.Jennifer's Takeaways:Understanding the Problem of Constant Texting from Kids (00:00)Factors Contributing to Kids' Urgent Texting (01:28)Behavioral and Neurological Aspects of Urgent Texting (03:36)Parental Reactions and Emotional Triggers (06:03)Strategies for Managing Kids' Urgent Texting (07:17)Practical Tips for Teaching Kids to Wait (09:42)Reflecting on Personal Triggers and Modeling Calm (13:37)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in the US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today’s Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari’s powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children’s emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer’s wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation’s leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You’re Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).

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 age, and how to model emotional regulation even when you don’t have all the answers.Jennifer's Takeaways:Handling Stress and News in Parenting (00:00)Simplifying Information for Young Children (04:03)Promoting Empathy and Reassurance (05:10)Open Discussions with Teenagers (06:48)Self-Care and Modeling for Children (10:41)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in the US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today’s Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari’s powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children’s emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer’s wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation’s leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You’re Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).

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, and how to balance encouragement with connection so they gain skills and emotional resilience.Helping kids become more independent doesn’t just teach them to do things on their own, it teaches them that they can try, fail, and succeed while knowing you’re there to support them.Jennifer's Takeaways:Encouraging Independence in Children (00:00)Understanding Personal Responses (02:38)Supportive Techniques for Independence (04:35)Encouraging Phrases and Micro Boundaries (06:45)Personalized Approaches and Long-term Practice (10:15)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in the US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today’s Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari’s powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children’s emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer’s wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation’s leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You’re Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).

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 being bullied.You’ll also learn when it’s time to step in and advocate on their behalf, and how to take care of yourself in the process, because this experience impacts parents deeply too. And if you’ve ever dealt with socially aggressive adults in your own life, these insights may support you as well.Jennifer's Takeaways:Understanding Bullying and Social Aggression (00:00)Differences Between Boys and Girls in Bullying (06:22)Recognizing and Addressing Bullying (21:17)Strategies for Parents to Support Their Children (22:40)The Importance of Empathy and Connection (22:56)Role of Schools and Advocacy (23:10)Long-Term Effects of Bullying (29:30)Supporting Children with Social Skills (30:01)The Role of Empowerment and Accountability (33:46)Balancing Empowerment and Support (34:30)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in the US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today’s Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari’s powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children’s emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer’s wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation’s leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You’re Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).

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 “venting sessions,” what signs to watch for when things start going off track, and strategies to keep the focus on connection rather than conflict.Venting doesn’t have to create chaos. With the right approach, it can bring your family closer and teach your kids lifelong emotional regulation skills.Jennifer's Takeaways:Venting: Its Importance and Potential Pitfalls (00:00)Mirroring as a Healthy Venting Technique (02:36)Addressing Underlying Issues and Modeling Appropriate Behavior (10:45)Setting Boundaries and Promoting Respect (11:08)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in the US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today’s Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari’s powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children’s emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer’s wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation’s leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You’re Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).

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 things up so the whole family has a better experience, even with a gladiator child on board?In this episode, I’ll share practical strategies to help you set expectations ahead of time, manage transitions during the day, and create a plan that supports both your gladiator and the rest of the family. Because yes, family trips don’t have to be a battle. With a few intentional steps, you can help your gladiator child feel more grounded while protecting the joy of the day for everyone.Jennifer's Takeaways:Introduction to the Episode and Andrea's Question (00:00)Understanding Neuro Spicy Kids and Their Behavior (01:38)Managing Expectations and Pre-Planning (02:52)Divide and Conquer Strategy (05:23)Handling Overwhelm and Making Choices (07:59)Dealing with Tantrums and Leaving Early (11:43)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in the US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today’s Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari’s powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children’s emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer’s wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation’s leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You’re Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).

The back-to-school transition can be tough for both kids and parents. It’s all about shifting from relaxed summer vibes to structured school routines. This discussion dives into managing emotional challenges, preparing kids for what lies ahead, and celebrating summer memories while easing the transition. Practical tips are shared for handling time adjustments, bedtime routines, and encouraging open communication to support children through their feelings. Equip yourself with valuable strategies to make this yearly switch smoother and more positive.