

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

Jul 26, 2024 • 38min
A Parent's Guide to Strong-Willed Kids with a Former Nurse & Nutrition Expert | CP172
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 and together let's transform your family's health dynamics!Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Holistic Nutrition (00:30)Controlling Food Intake In Children (06:22)Eating Habits & Emotional Well-Being (10:30)How Food And Nutrition Affect Mental Health (13:52)Managing Children's Energy & Mood Through Diet & Lifestyle Changes (17:30)Snacks And Meals For Better Focus And Behavior (18:47)Setting Aside Devices To Promote Bonding & Gratitude (23:56)Tips For Parents To Encourage Healthy Eating Habits In Children (29:02)About Bethany GettisBethany Gettis is a highly dynamic Internationally known Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant™ and REAL Food Advocate. Bethany is focused on guiding busy, health-conscious parents to their optimum healthy lifestyle, through nutrition while creating a holistic balance. After all, she created her business Nutritious & Delicious because she believes a healthy family starts with a healthy parent. Connect with Bethany GettisWebsite: https://ndelish.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-gettis-a081a1113/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethany.wisdom.1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nutritiousanddeliciouseating/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritiousanddeliciousmom/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 19, 2024 • 18min
Middle Schoolers & Makeup | CP171
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 makeup years with your teenage daughter. Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Makeup & Self-Esteem (03:10)Finding A Balance Between Letting Them Explore & Setting Boundaries (07:22)Parenting Teenage Girls & Makeup (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).

Jul 12, 2024 • 21min
Parental Screen Time | CP170
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 Parental Screen Time On Children's Mental Health (0:00)Phone Addiction Impact On Mental Health, Parenting & Relationships (02:45)The Importance Of Being Present For Children (08:45)Reducing Phone Use For Better Mental Health & Family Bonding (13:32)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).

Jul 5, 2024 • 20min
How To Connect With Your Grumpy Teen | CP169
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 Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Emotional Challenges & Finding Ways To Connect Despite Pushback (03:26)Connecting With Teenagers Through Active Listening And Presence (09:37)Emphasizing Empathy &Connection (13:52)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).

Jun 28, 2024 • 16min
It's Summertime | CP168
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 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).

Jun 21, 2024 • 14min
How To Get Your Spouse On Board | CP167
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, ensuring a cohesive and supportive parenting team. Tune in for practical advice on navigating this common challenge.Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Using Connection And Cuddling To Improve Parent-Child Relationships (03:29)Managing Children's Emotions And Behaviors (07:38)We Tend To Do This As Parents (11:15)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).

Jun 14, 2024 • 22min
[REPLAY] All Things Dad a Conversation with Barrett Kolari | CP166
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 Connection (05:40)The Importance Of Dads (11:04)Taking Risks And Being Present (16:19)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).

Jun 7, 2024 • 56min
Exploring Developmental Trauma Solutions with Expert Laurie A. Couture | CP165
Licensed mental health counselor Laurie Couture discusses attachment, brain chemistry, and parenting strategies to nurture children. She emphasizes spending quality time, meeting children's needs, and creating positive memories for secure attachment.

May 31, 2024 • 10min
Awe & Wonder | CP164
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 Your Kids Stay In That Wonder (05:18)Magical Childhood Moments(06:53)Pay Attention To The Awesome (08:52)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).

May 24, 2024 • 0sec
The ReProgram with Ann Odom | CP163
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 insightful exchange.Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Connecting With Traumatized Children (04:34)Foster Connection And Brain Development In Children (10:25)Validating Children's Emotions (15:27)Helping Children Manage Emotions (17:20)The Importance Of Self-Love And Connection (22:18)Heart-Based Communication And Conflict Resolution (26:22)De-Escalating Conflicts (28:36)Effective Communication Techniques (34:15)Setting Limits And Boundaries (45:33)Maintaining Empathy And Understanding (47:34)Finding Balance Between Love And Limits (51:57)Parenting, Trauma, And Repairing The Body (56:41)Regulating Children's Emotions (1:02:23)Parenting, Neuroscience, And Emotional Regulation (1:07:25)Healthy Development (1:12:39)Parenting, Self-Awareness, And Personal Growth (1:17:11)Parenting Strategies For Challenging Children (1:21:57)About Ann OdomAnn Odom is a licensed therapist who specializes in supporting parents who don’t currently have the nervous system capacity to parent aligned with their values, no matter how much they read or learn. Her approach is a unique blend of somatic experiencing, nervous system healing, and inner child and parts work to address the implicit memory stored in the body from lived experience. Through her individual sessions, podcast, workshops and Instagram presence, she is determined to bring gentleness to the generation parenting today, so that they can lighten up into love and rewire their protective nervous system to experience felt safety and support in their bodies so they can then, provide it to their people. Her Podcast is The ReProgram, where she unveils the external forces and cultural messaging that heighten our stress, impacting self-worth, safety, and yes parenting. She dives into topics such as inner child healing, nervous system awareness, body image barriers, emerging healing modalities, cultural conditioning, and more. She arms listeners with fresh insights, tools and game-changing parenting wisdom.Connect with Ann OdomWebsite: reprogrammedparent.comInstagram: @the.reprogrammed.parentMeet 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).