Connected Parenting

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 confidence, calm, and connection.Jennifer's Takeaways:Understanding the Appeal of Scary Content for Tweens and Teens (00:00)Developmental Stage and Coping Mechanisms (02:02)Social Bonding and Personal Growth (03:46)Escapism and Curiosity (05:07)Balancing Media Consumption and Family Bonding (06:19)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).

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:Understanding the Importance of Sleep for Teens (01:36)Reasons Behind Teens' Sleep Resistance (03:09)Impact of Screens on Teens' Sleep (04:51)Signs of Depression and Anxiety Related to Sleep (06:45)Strategies for Improving Teens' Sleep (08:26)Final Tips and Resources (14:37)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).

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, emotional regulation, and personal accountability, all in a way that’s age-appropriate and easy to apply at home or in the classroom. It gives them a clear visual anchor to understand what’s expected, and when things need to pause or shift.You’ll also learn how to modify the strategy for teenagers (because let’s be honest, a red light chart on the fridge might not go over so well at 15), and why this tool can be just as helpful for you as the parent.Whether your child struggles with emotional outbursts, transitions, or impulsive behavior, this episode offers a compassionate, practical way to build emotional intelligence together.Jennifer's Takeaways:Red Light, Green Light Technique Overview (00:00)Explanation of Red Light, Green Light Behaviors (01:05)Handling Yellow Light Behaviors (03:01)Applying the Technique to Teenagers (06:57)Using the Technique for Consistency and Flexibility (11:36)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).

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 Calm Technique and Its Benefits (02:07)Practical Application of the Calm Technique (03:40)Structuring Summer Days for Children (07:27)Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Summer (09:38)Divide and Conquer Strategy for Family Outings (11:38)Maintaining Structure During Vacations (13:21)Bringing Back the Magic of Family Time (14:11)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).

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, stay organized, or follow through, especially when there's a delay between now and the task or reward.Whether you’re parenting a “neuro-spicy” child or navigating your own ADHD challenges, this episode offers empathy, understanding, and a powerful toolkit to help you move forward with compassion and connection.Jennifer's Takeaways:Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Daily Life (00:00)Hyperfocus and Time Blindness in ADHD (01:27)ADHD Waiting Mode and Its Effects (11:13)Strategies for Managing ADHD Waiting Mode (11:29)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 th 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).

Discover effective strategies for managing childhood tantrums and emotional outbursts, particularly during stressful situations like shopping trips. Learn how to foster emotional regulation in your kids while maintaining calm leadership. Shift focus to teenage resistance, exploring why teens might push back against family plans. Uncover the delicate balance of empathy and boundaries to strengthen family connections despite conflicts. Equip yourself with practical scripts and mindset shifts to navigate these challenging parenting moments with ease.

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 magic of letting go just enough to help your child grow. Jennifer's Takeaways:Building Independence in Children (00:00)Challenges of Modern Parenting (01:55)Encouraging Age-Appropriate Responsibilities (05:08)Age-Appropriate Privileges and Problem-Solving (08:57)Balancing Protection and Independence (13:05)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 th 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).

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 struggles, and most importantly, how you can shift the energy and reclaim calm in your mornings.If getting dressed feels like a daily disaster, this episode will help you bring more empathy, structure, and peace to your morning routine.Spoiler: It’s not about the outfit—it’s about connection.Jennifer's Takeaways:Clothing Battles in Young Girls (00:00)Reasons Behind Clothing Battles (01:20)Strategies to Prevent Clothing Battles (02:46)Practical Tips for Managing Clothing Battles (05:59)Addressing Anxiety and Control Issues (08:05)Handling Extreme Cases and School Anxiety (09:16)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 th 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).

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 a form of grief—there’s a sadness, a sense of being left behind, and a deep questioning of where they now fit in their child’s life.Full of empathy and grounded in practical advice, this episode offers strategies to stay close, even as the relationship begins to change. Whether you're in the thick of it or seeing the early signs, today's episode will help you navigate this season of change with compassion and clarity.Remember just because it feels different doesn’t mean you’re losing your child. You’re simply being invited to show up for them in a new way.Jennifer's Takeaways:Understanding the Transition to Teenagehood (00:00)Biological and Cultural Context of Adolescence (02:21)Emotional Impact on Parents and Teenagers (06:23)Navigating Social Interactions and Connections (07:20)Effective Communication and Connection Techniques (15:40)Managing Expectations and Emotional Resilience (15:56)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 th 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).

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 just wired differently when it comes to sensing and managing time.If mornings, transitions, and deadlines feel like constant battles, this episode will help you understand the root cause—and guide you toward more peaceful, productive days.Jennifer's Takeaways:Understanding Time Blindness in Children (00:00)The Role of the Frontal Lobe in Time Management (02:39)Consequences of Time Blindness (08:53)Strategies for Managing Time Blindness (11:38)Practical Tips for Improving Time Management (17:29)Seeking Professional Help (20:09)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 th 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).