

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

Mar 29, 2024 • 12min
Grandparents: A Special Bond | CP156
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).

Mar 22, 2024 • 16min
Why Won't My Kids Just Listen? | CP155
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).

Mar 15, 2024 • 36min
Navigating the Sometimes Very Tricky World of Highly Sensitive Kids & Food with Katie Kimball | CP154
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).

Mar 8, 2024 • 17min
How To Handle Divorce With Kids | CP153
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).

Mar 1, 2024 • 15min
Blended Family | CP152
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).

Feb 23, 2024 • 14min
Messy Rooms Teen Edition | CP151
Have you been struggling with your teenager's messy room and not sure how to handle it? Well, I've got some insights on what the messy room really means for your teen and strategies to help manage it in a way that supports their mental well-being.Find out my tips for setting boundaries while respecting their space, breaking big tasks into smaller steps, and using organizational systems that help to keep them on track.Listen in to hear the difference between "mess in motion" and "mess in stasis" and how both can impact their psyche. Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Setting Boundaries With Teenagers' Personal Spaces (02:22)Teenage Messiness + Its Impact On Mental Health (04:29)Organizing Teenagers' Spaces For Better Mental Health (08:35)Managing Teenagers' Messy Rooms + Emotional Well-Being (10:29)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 exampes 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).

Feb 9, 2024 • 13min
Embracing Love as a Lifestyle: Practical Tips for a Warmer, More Loving February | CP150
As we embrace the month of love, February, we're going beyond the usual hearts, cards, and candies that adorn the stores.Let's explore how we can infuse our family life with the essence of love, making it the central theme not just for this month but as a foundational principle in our every day.How do we pivot from parenting out of fear to parenting from a place of love? |How can we listen with an open heart, striving to understand before being understood?Join me as we delve into practical ways to bring the elements of love into our family dynamics, transforming the long, dark winter month into a warm, luminous period filled with love and understanding.Are you ready to make love the focus in your family this February?Jennifer's Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Oxytocin's Benefits (01:36)Showing Appreciation Through Handmade Cards (04:55)Nurturing Relationships (06:13)Parenting From A Place Of Love (10:01)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 exampes 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).

Feb 2, 2024 • 10min
Messy Rooms | CP149
In today's episode, we're diving into the battleground of every household: messy rooms. How do we navigate the chaos of toys, clothes, and everything in between without losing our minds? Join me as we explore strategies to encourage our little ones to keep their spaces relatively tidy. From understanding why their rooms end up looking like a mini tornado passed through, to practical tips and tricks that can make tidying up a less daunting task for them (and less of a headache for us). But what about the teenagers, whose rooms often resemble a story of rebellion and independence? Fear not, I have not forgotten about our teens however that will be talked about in a separate upcoming episode, where I can dive directly into the unique challenges that come with their space and how to approach it. For now tune in to gain insights on managing messy rooms for younger children and join me down the road for our deep dive into the teenage domain. 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 exampes 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).

Jan 26, 2024 • 16min
Embracing Change and Sensitivity in Kids and Teens Q&A | CP148
In this week's Q&A we are unraveling the complexities of guiding sensitive children and teenagers through life's transitions. Ever wondered why some kids struggle with seasonal changes like wearing a winter coat, or why teens might push you away? We're diving deep into these challenges, exploring innovative strategies like using therapeutic lamps for seasonal shifts and engaging in heart-to-heart car rides for better communication with teens. If you're curious about nurturing a supportive environment that fosters resilience and emotional intelligence in your sensitive child or teen, this episode is a must-listen. 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 exampes 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).

Jan 19, 2024 • 13min
20 Seconds Of Courage | CP147
Have you ever noticed how some children hesitate to try new things? Whether it's tasting a new food, petting an unfamiliar dog, or watching a thrilling movie, each child faces their own set of challenges when it comes to taking risks. But here's an intriguing thought: What if we could equip our children with the ability to muster bravery for facing the new and unknown? Imagine the impact of those brief moments of courage on their overall confidence and life experiences. In this episode, we explore the importance of building this 'courage muscle' in children, especially those who aren't natural risk-takers. We'll discuss strategies to support them in trying new things, experiencing the joy of discovery, and the satisfaction of overcoming fears. 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 exampes 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).


