

Connected Parenting
Jennifer Kolari
Connected Parenting shares techniques that therapists use to help parents soothe their child as well as enhance the parent-child bond and is based on the understanding that correcting and guiding behavior works best when it is preceded by and linked to empathy. At the heart of this parenting model is the CALM Technique which helps parents accurately attune to children’s affect and experience. These empathic interactions release reward chemicals in the brain that stimulate positive emotions and increase order and balance in the nervous system. Reward chemicals, including natural opiates, endorphins, and a powerful hormone called oxytocin, reduce and inhibit stress hormones and bathe the brain in positive emotions that ripple through every cell in the body. The benefits of empathy and compassion have a strong base in science that cannot be underestimated. Simply put, it is brain food, the emotional nutrition all of us need, perhaps our children most of all.
Although many parenting techniques stress the importance of empathy, Connected Parenting will show you how to use it skillfully to repair frayed bonds, deescalate tantrums, contain and correct difficult behaviors and help your child to become more confident and emotionally resilient. We use a collaborative and supportive coaching model and provide inspirational, easy-to-understand techniques grounded in neuroscience and attachment. In the end, your child will be more compliant, more relaxed, and – most importantly – happier. Connected Parenting will bring out the best in you and your child.
Although many parenting techniques stress the importance of empathy, Connected Parenting will show you how to use it skillfully to repair frayed bonds, deescalate tantrums, contain and correct difficult behaviors and help your child to become more confident and emotionally resilient. We use a collaborative and supportive coaching model and provide inspirational, easy-to-understand techniques grounded in neuroscience and attachment. In the end, your child will be more compliant, more relaxed, and – most importantly – happier. Connected Parenting will bring out the best in you and your child.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2023 • 21min
Social Media & Its Influence On Our Kids | CP134
Social media has an undeniable influence on our kids and for this reason I thought exploring its addictive nature, its impact on young minds, and why setting limits is crucial would be a good place to visit on this weeks podcast episode. Social media isn't going away, so it's essential to strike a balance, providing guidance while allowing our children to also gain valuable digital experience.Join me on this journey through the social media landscape to understand its allure and the challenges it brings and together let's empower the next generation to be mindful digital citizens.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).

Sep 29, 2023 • 18min
Q&A with Jennifer Kolari | CP133
Today's episode is all about you and your burning questions. Since we've received an overwhelming response from you our engaged parenting community, we'll be spreading the answers out across multiple episodes. In this week's installment, we'll delve into 2 of the questions that parents like you have raised.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).

Sep 22, 2023 • 16min
Emotional Dumping | CP132
Today's podcast discusses the issue of emotional dumping, particularly from children. The speakers explore the challenges faced by mothers, strategies for teaching children how to regulate their emotions, and the dynamics of the mother-child relationship. They also highlight the importance of accepting apologies, guiding meaningful conversations, and practicing self-care.

Sep 15, 2023 • 15min
Anhedonia In Your Teen Or Young Adult | CP131
Today I want to talk about Anhedonia otherwise known as when your teen or young adult child is really flat, nothing seems interesting and they don't like to do things they used to do. It's like the lights have been dimmed on everything. This can be really frightening to watch your child go through this. So in today's episode, we're going to explore ways to support your child, and look at how to and when to get help.Takeaways: What does it feel like to be depressed? (1:55)Clinical and anxiety-related depression (4:48)Taking a dopamine break (8:04)The importance of connecting with your teenager (11:42)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).

Sep 8, 2023 • 20min
[REPLAY] Morning Windows | CP130
Kids and teenagers experience time quite differently from adults. They're usually living in the 'now,' and not concerned with time as we are. As they grow and their brains develop, particularly the frontal lobe responsible for motivation, attention, and perspective, they gradually learn to navigate time and responsibilities.Remember, children aren't miniature adults. Initially, we regulate everything for them, then we co-regulate as they grow, and eventually, we guide from the sidelines as they learn self-regulation. It's vital to recognize that we act as their substitute frontal lobe until theirs fully matures.Understanding this helps explain why they might not always follow instructions after hearing them once. We play a crucial role in helping them develop these executive functions until they can manage them independently.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).

Sep 1, 2023 • 15min
Re-Release | Back To School | CP129
Have you ever noticed how some kids start feeling the jitters weeks before returning to school?The anticipation, the questions... Who's my teacher? Who's in my class? Will I manage the workload? These thoughts can create a swirl of emotions.From excited reunions to nervous butterflies, our kids can feel it all at once.But guess what? It's totally normal and it's our job to help them understand that.Curious about guiding your child through this return to school phase? Tune in for some valuable tips and strategies in this episode.Check out the episode - MORNING WINDOWS: https://www.connectedparenting.com/podcasts/morning-windowsMeet 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).

Aug 25, 2023 • 13min
Raise a Leader Not a Follower | CP128
Learn how to nurture leadership qualities in children and support kids who struggle with social interactions. Discover strategies for teaching empathy and integrity, making good choices, and raising socially conscious kids. Understand the role of healthy shame and empathy in fostering happy and connected kids.

Aug 14, 2023 • 38min
Navigating Strong-Willed Parenting with Sonali | CP127
In this episode, we are thrilled to introduce you to Sonali, an exceptional parent coach, the founder of Together Parenting, and the mastermind behind the "Raising Your Strong-Willed Child" series. Join us as we explore Sonali's transformative journey from her own spirited childhood to raising three strong-willed children, which has inspired her to develop a unique fusion of heart-centered and empowering parenting methods.Discover the heart of Sonali's philosophy - cultivating meaningful connections between parents and children. Dive into her perspectives on rekindling the true essence of parenting, one that fosters joy-infused bonds resonating with the very core of our being.Sonali's rich multicultural background and experiences across diverse global landscapes bring profound layers to her parenting approach. Learn how embracing this diversity amplifies parental wisdom and injects new vitality into family dynamics.About Sonali:I’m a parent guide and founder of the much-loved Raising Your Strong-Willed Child series. I have a unique style which incorporates my own experience as a sensitive, high needs child turned parent of my own highly sensitive, strong-willed child. I combine heart-centered and empowering parenting approaches to bring a parent’s awareness to the challenges at the root of the unrest they feel. Ultimately, my passion is supporting parents to return to trust, connection, confidence, and delight in themselves and their relationship with their child.I’m highly sensitive, intuitive, and I find breaking through fun. What that means is I bring fun to the time we share as we walk together on your journey. I find children wise, attuned and present. I find parents wise, attuned and present. I’m here to support you in seeing this, too.I live in Bangkok. I’m originally from the US and I’m of Indian origin. I have albinism, which means I have no pigment in my skin, hair, or eyes. What that makes me is clear. I see people in ways they don’t see themselves. You’ll find me at the park jogging or in dance class. I sing loud when I’m listening to music with my headphones on. I like the rain… I LOVE the sensation of a downpour soaking through my clothes and the feel of completely letting go. We’ll get along if you like chocolate and you would never EVER mix chocolate and fruit. I’m proof that it’s possible to repair just about any break in relationship with your child.Website: https://www.forwardtogetherparenting.com/aboutMeet 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).

Aug 4, 2023 • 13min
How To Make Family Events Go Better | CP126
Summer brings joyous occasions like family barbecues, vacations, weddings, and reunions. While these events are often filled with fun, they can become particularly stressful for parents of kids who are highly anxious or easily overwhelmed – the young Gladiators.In this episode, we will explore ten effective strategies to make these special occasions smoother and more enjoyable for both parents and their Gladiator children.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).

Jul 28, 2023 • 14min
How To Have A Great Summer | CP125
PODCAST RE-RELEASE - I feel like summer is the best time to be a connected parent because it’s the time where you are less busy.Usually, there’s more vacations, or at least some of the major things that kids are doing during the year have slowed down or stopped and there’s time to connect and regroup.Overall it’s a time to really slow down, enjoy life and each other.For this reason I like to make summer all about mirroring and connections and in today’s episode I want to do a quick kind of review and recap of the two.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).


