Connected Parenting

In today's Q&A episode, we tackle a heartfelt and challenging topic that many families face. Janine writes in with a situation that may resonate with many: her 10-year-old son holds a deep-seated resentment towards his 8-year-old sibling, simply for being born. This type of sibling rivalry can be devastating and perplexing for parents. It's a common scenario we encounter at Connected Parenting, especially among families with what we refer to as 'gladiator kids'.Join me as we delve into effective strategies and insights on how to navigate and resolve these intense feelings of animosity between siblings. We'll explore practical steps to foster reconciliation and understanding in your family, ensuring that each child feels valued and loved. This episode is a must-listen for any parent grappling with the complexities of sibling relationships and are seeking to create a more harmonious home environment.Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Different personalities + how to handle their conflicts (04:58)Managing sibling rivalry + promoting cooperation (12:30)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).

Exploring self-awareness in children, empathy, and emotional regulation. Jennifer Kolari discusses the importance of developing self-awareness in kids for better mental health and resilience. Strategies include gentle feedback, play-based scenarios, and modeling emotions. The podcast highlights the significance of communication, adaptability, and emotional resilience in children's development.

When we think of separation anxiety, we often think about leaving little kids at daycare. But I actually see in my practice, lots of kids that are much older, even 11 and 12, who have real separation anxiety, where they're worried if you go out for dinner, or a walk around the block, and they're in the house by themselves. They just can't do it and they need to know where you are all the time. This can be a real problem for parents, and it can be a really hard thing for kids and if you can relate then join me for today's discussion; where we talk about separation anxiety in our children and what you can do about it.Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Reducing Anxiety in Children (03:46)Managing Childhood Anxiety (08:02)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, we’re revisiting a fan-favorite episode, featuring a special session with my daughter Zoe on the CALM technique.Listen in as we delve into managing schedules and maintaining order. We'll role-play typical chaotic home scenarios, demonstrating the transformative effects of the CALM technique before and after its application.If you’re new to the podcast or need a refresher on the biochemical principles that make the CALM technique so effective, I recommend checking out episodes one and two after this replay.Join us again for this insightful look back!Join me as we explore strategies for helping teens take charge of their screen use and discuss ways parents can maintain sanity while effectively guiding their children through the digital age.Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Parenting Strategies + Child Development (5:17)Parental Control + Teenage Independence (10:43)Tracking A Teenager's Whereabouts (17:55)Active Listening And Mirroring Techniques With Teenagers (20:54)Mirroring In Parenting With Examples (24:33)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).

A listener named Justin shared his frustration with his 13-year-old daughter's screen habits, feeling exhausted from constantly having to monitor her. He's also grappling with her claims that other parents are more lenient, leaving him questioning if strict rules hinder her ability to handle technology responsibly.This is a common dilemma, and with recent alarming research on screen time effects, it's crucial to address.Join me as we explore strategies for helping teens take charge of their screen use and discuss ways parents can maintain sanity while effectively guiding their children through the digital age.Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Rise Of Mental Health Issues In Youth, Linked To Smartphone Use (2:11)Teenage Brain Development + Social Media's Impact (6:15)Teenage Addiction (10:45)The Impact Of Social Media On Children's Brains (15:51)Managing Teenagers' Screen Time (18:16)Setting Phone Usage Limits (23:43)Setting Screen Time Limits (28:20)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).

Amidst the complexities and generational gaps, the profound love and unique connections Grandparents share with us and our families hold immense importance to our growth and overall life experience.Join me today to explore the richness of this relationship, examining the contrast between modern parenting and the practices of our parents' era, and discover ways to navigate these differences for a harmonious family dynamic.Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Parenting Strategies + Their Impact On Children's Safety + Well-Being (1:20)Grandparents Spoiling Kids (3:36)Setting Boundaries With Parents + In-Laws (7:11)Prioritizing Mental Health (8:54)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 won't my kids listen?If you find yourself repeating instructions endlessly without any response, you're not alone.In this week's episode we explore the reasons behind this common parenting challenge and offer a treasure trove of tips and tricks to turn the tide. More than just getting your kids to listen, we'll discuss strategies for encouraging good decision-making and fostering healthy compliance.Join me for practical advice on enhancing communication and understanding within your family.Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Parenting, Child Development + Managing Expectations (00:59)Effective Communication With Children (04:30)Give Them That Window Of Time (08:02)Parenting Strategies And Incentives (12:13)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 special guest series episode, I am thrilled to welcome Katie Kimball, a renowned advocate for healthy kids cooking and founder of the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse.Katie is on a powerful mission to bring families together through healthy food, aiming to teach every child the essential skill of cooking and instilling lifelong healthy habits.Join us in this enlightening conversation with Katie as we delve into the sometimes challenging, always rewarding intersection of kids and food, exploring how we can foster a positive and healthy relationship between our children and the meals they eat.Jennifer's Takeaways:Raising Highly Sensitive Children + Their Food Preferences (01:21)Managing Picky Eaters (05:12)Family Dinners, Meal Planning + Engaging Kids in the Kitchen (11:05)Parenting Strategies For Healthy Eating Habits (15:54)Developing Healthy Eating Habits (20:51)Strategies To Improve Picky Eater Palates (26:30)Childhood Food Exposure + Sensitivity (31:23)About Katie KimballKatie Kimball, the national voice of healthy kids cooking, is a former teacher, two-time TEDx speaker, writer, and mom of 4 kids who founded the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, which was recommended by The Wall Street Journal as the best online cooking class for kids. Her blog Kitchen Stewardship helps families stay healthy without going crazy, and she’s on a mission to connect families around healthy food, teach every child to cook, and help families instill those all-important life skills!Connect with Katie KimballWebsite: https://kidscookrealfood.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiekimballkidscook/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidscookrealfood/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kitchenstewFREEBIE: https://kidscookrealfood.com/connectedparentingpodcastMeet 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 today's episode, we tackle a topic that many families face: divorce.It's a reality of our world, and navigating it with grace and care is crucial, especially when it comes to our children. Today we dive deep into questions like...How do we break the news to them?What are the do's and don'ts of discussing divorce with your kids?But more importantly, we discuss the impact of divorce on children and underline a critical truth – it's not the divorce itself but how parents handle the situation that leaves a lasting mark.Join me as we explore strategies for navigating one of life's most challenging processes, aiming to minimize its impact on the youngest members of the family.Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Co-Parenting After Divorce (1:56)The Impact Of Negative Speech During Divorce (6:15)Focus On Children's Emotional Well-Being (7:56)Navigating Divorce With Children (12:27)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, we dive into the world of blended families with a special focus on tips and tricks designed to help navigate the complexities and joys of bringing together 2 diverse family units. From practical advice on fostering harmony and understanding to creative strategies for bonding, this week's release is tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities that come with blending families together. Join me in exploring ways to knit a cohesive, loving family fabric that respects and celebrates the individual threads of each member's life and experiences.Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Connecting With Stepchildren (01:24)Using Mirroring + The Calm Technique (05:30)Blended Family Bonding Strategies (07:48)Reentry Challenges In Co-Parenting (12:34)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).