Connected Parenting

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 the best?If you’ve ever felt like your child gives their best to the world and their worst to you—this conversation will offer clarity, comfort, and actionable tools so you can navigate this tricky dynamic with confidence and connection.Jennifer's Takeaways:Kids Who Excel at School but Misbehave at Home (00:00)Understanding the Behavior of "Gladiator Kids" (02:31)Sensitivity and Emotional Regulation in Children (04:14)Anxiety and Reactive Behavior in Children (06:58)Strategies for Managing Behavior at Home (10:04)Connecting Before Correcting and Bonding with Children (14:46)The Role of Consistency and Predictability in Parenting (17:17)Resources and Support for Parents (17:50)The Importance of Understanding Neuro Spicy Kids (18:23)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).

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 school year, or just shifting from winter into warmer days, this episode will help you support your child through it all with empathy, structure, and the CALM Connected Parenting method of connection.Tune in now for practical tips and support in helping things run as smoothly as possible.Jennifer's Takeaways:Spring Transitions and Highly Sensitive Kids (00:00)The Impact of State Changes on the Brain (02:08)Seasonal Changes and Behavioral Issues (04:10)Strategies for Managing Spring Transitions (06:44)Addressing Sleep and Clothing Issues (10:02)Maintaining a Positive Outlook (12:15)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 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).

Panic attacks—these intense moments can come on suddenly and feel terrifying, whether you’re experiencing one or witnessing your child go through it.In this week's episode I’ll help you understand the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack, what’s happening in the brain during these episodes, and most importantly, how to respond in a calm, supportive, and effective way. You’ll learn practical strategies to help your child feel safe, grounded, and empowered when panic takes over, and how to support their overall emotional well-being going forward.Whether you're navigating this now or preparing for the future, this episode is full of essential tools and compassionate insight to help your family through.Jennifer's Takeaways:Understanding Panic Attacks (00:00)Differences Between Panic and Anxiety Attacks (02:11)The Impact of Panic Attacks on Parents and Children (03:22)Strategies for Managing Panic Attacks (07:33)Practical Techniques for Calming Down (13:39)Long-Term Management and Therapy (21:59)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 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 powerful and deeply personal episode of Connected Parenting, I sit down with Sonia Cacciacarro —registered psychotherapist and member of the Connected Parenting team—for an honest and compassionate conversation about grief, loss, and how to talk to children about death and dying.Sonia shares her journey from fitness expert and mom of three to psychotherapist, and how her husband’s diagnosis and passing from FTD and ALS shaped her passion for helping families navigate bereavement and loss. Together, we explore why our culture struggles with death, why it’s so hard for parents to talk about it with their kids, and how we can support our children (and ourselves) through the grieving process.Whether you're walking through grief right now or want to build the emotional resilience your child will one day need, this episode offers deep insights, practical strategies, and loving support for some of life’s hardest moments.Jennifer's Takeaways:Sonia's Journey into Grief and Death Counseling (02:38)The Importance of Talking About Death and Dying (04:14)Children's Understanding and Coping with Death (16:48)Navigating Social Interactions and Support Systems (17:09)The Role of Empathy and Sympathy in Grief (17:30)Preparing Children for Future Losses (18:37)The Impact of Cultural and Personal Beliefs on Grief (20:10)Conclusion and Final Thoughts (27:30)Meet Sonia Cacciacarro Sonia began her career in the health and fitness industry, working in corporate fitness and country clubs before launching her own fitness consulting and personal training business. After becoming a mother of three, she transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom. This period of family life led her to a journey of self-discovery, ultimately guiding her to pursue a career in psychotherapy.Sonia became a Registered Psychotherapist in 2016, founding her own private practice, and joined the Connected Parenting team in 2018, where she works with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. In April 2021, Sonia’s life took a dramatic turn when her husband was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and ALS. She took a break from her practice to care for him until he died in October 2022. Sonia credits her education, work experience, and personal resilience for helping her navigate this challenging period. Now, her professional focus has expanded to helping families cope with grief, bereavement, death, and dying.Website: https://therapybysonia.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapybysonia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063605529221#LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-cacciacarro-275292127/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 helping kids understand their emotions and the brain behind them. Learn how to engage in conversations about feelings, especially during tough moments like anger and frustration. Get tips on timing and playful techniques to create a supportive environment. Special segments are included for kids to directly grasp these concepts, making emotional discussions more relatable and meaningful. Enhance your parenting skills while fostering emotional growth in your child.

Failure can feel catastrophic for sensitive or neurodiverse children, triggering self-doubt and anxiety. Yet, it’s also a crucial part of development and resilience. This discussion offers insights into why some kids struggle with failure and presents practical strategies for parents to help them view setbacks as learning opportunities. By building stress tolerance and reframing challenges, parents can guide their children towards emotional growth and success.

Explore the transformative power of '20 seconds of courage' in helping children tackle their fears. Discover practical strategies for gradual risk-taking that nurture confidence and resilience. Learn how to employ imagination and playful tactics to encourage kids to step outside their comfort zones. Reflexively support your child's growth with neutral guidance and create an accomplishment book to celebrate their victories. This insightful discussion empowers parents to raise courageous, happy kids who embrace new experiences.

Welcome back, Connected Parents, to another episode of the Connected Parenting Podcast! Today, we're diving into another installment of our Q&A series, where I answer real parenting questions from our listeners.In this episode, I’ll be tackling two important questions:Rob’s Question: His 14-year-old son has developed a mean-spirited sense of humor and is acting like a bit of a jerk. How can Rob guide him toward kindness without shutting him down completely?Lily’s Question: Her 12-year-old daughter is struggling with a new school friendship. She initially bonded with a classmate who seemed nice but has now become overly clingy, sending constant text messages and guilt-tripping her. How can Lily help her daughter set boundaries while maintaining kindness?Join me as we explore strategies for fostering emotional intelligence, setting healthy boundaries, and helping kids navigate social dynamics in a way that strengthens their confidence and relationships. Tune in now! And don’t forget to send in your parenting questions for future episodes.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).

I’ve had many requests from listeners asking for a refresher on the CALM Technique, and while I often direct people to earlier episodes, I think it’s time to go over it again.In this episode, we’ll break down how to use the CALM Technique effectively, especially when dealing with teenage boys, who can sometimes be a little more challenging to connect with.Whether you're parenting a fiery toddler, a sensitive pre-teen, or a moody adolescent, this episode will provide practical examples and real-life scenarios to help you de-escalate conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen your relationship with your child.|If your child isn’t a teen yet—don’t worry, they will be soon! And if you have daughters, this technique is universally helpful for all kids.Tune in for a deep dive into CALM and how to apply it in everyday parenting.In today’s episode, we’ll explore:Introduction to the Calm Technique and Oxytocin (00:00)The Four Steps of the Calm Technique (03:35)Scenarios and Practical Applications (08:25)Advanced Techniques and Tips (23:01)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, we’re flipping the script. We spend so much time worrying about our kids’ screen time, but what about our own? The truth is, our relationship with our devices is affecting our focus, emotional health, and ability to be present for our children. And let’s be real—our kids are watching. Have you ever tried to watch a show without checking your phone? Or read a book for more than five minutes before feeling the urge to scroll? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In today’s episode, we’ll explore:Breaking Up with Your Phone: Introduction and Context (00:00)The Impact of Social Media and News Consumption (01:21)Understanding the Pleasure-Pain Continuum and Addiction (04:08)Practical Steps to Break Up with Your Phone (06:01)Tracking Screen Time and Setting Boundaries (09:03)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).