

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

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).

Jul 14, 2023 • 0sec
Relationship Advice Every Parent Needs | CP123
Whether you're navigating the toddler years, tackling the teenage challenges, or looking to strengthen your bond with your partner, this conversation I had as a guest over on the "Smart Family Podcast" speaks to all 3.. Join me along with Dr. Rob Meeder and Toni Nieuwhof for an episode that will inspire, empower, and equip you to create strong, thriving relationships with your toddlers, teenagers, and partner.MEET DR. ROB MEEDER & TONI NIEUWHOF:Toni’s extensive experience as a lawyer, pharmacist, and church leader have given her unique and practical insight on how people grow, emotionally, personally and spiritually. Out of her practice in family law, Toni specializes in helping people leave their unhappiness behind, not their marriages.Rob is a passionate pediatrician who has a deep desire to see families and children thrive. His years of experience working with families of all ages give him a wealth of knowledge and compassion for families of every stage. Ultimately, Rob wants to see families who love being home.CONNECT WITH DR. ROB MEEDER & TONI NIEUWHOF:Smart Family Podcast: https://smartfamilypodcast.com/episodes/Website: https://smartfamilypodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartfamilypodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartfamilypodcastApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/smart-family-podcast/id1497316466Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nEZS6PTq7QlR2tlvu2knO?si=28c51f88f8704a84MEET 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).Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode, or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!Follow The PodcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!Leave Us an Apple Podcasts ReviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Don't forget to visit our Connected Parenting Youtube Channel! Check it out! Like us and Subscribe!

Jul 7, 2023 • 16min
Anxiety Management | CP122
Anxiety is a beast.A difficult, uncomfortable emotion that can be a challenge to live with on a daily basis .It is an emotion that more and more people are struggling with including kids. In today's episode I want to give you some strategies that you can integrate into your lives every day that will help you and your kids regulate and integrate anxiety. 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).Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode, or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!Follow The PodcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!Leave Us an Apple Podcasts ReviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Don't forget to visit our Connected Parenting Youtube Channel! Check it out! Like us and Subscribe!

Jun 30, 2023 • 22min
Tour of The ADHD Brain | CP121
In today's discussion, we will delve into the world of ADHD, exploring its impact on social interactions, emotional well-being, and behavioral patterns. By gaining a deeper understanding of ADHD from these perspectives, we can navigate the challenges associated with it more effectively. Join me as we unravel the complexities and shed light on ADHD.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).Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode, or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!Follow The PodcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!Leave Us an Apple Podcasts ReviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Don't forget to visit our Connected Parenting Youtube Channel! Check it out! Like us and Subscribe!

Jun 23, 2023 • 13min
Summer Camp | CP120
In today's episode, we dive into the world of summer camp and why it holds tremendous value for children and families. Although the cost of summer camp can be a barrier for many families, today I'll discuss strategies to make it more accessible, such as exploring financial aid options and cost-saving measures. Join me as we navigate the do's and don'ts of summer camp, offering insights on how to make the most of this enriching experience for your children and discover its incredible potential for fostering personal and social development.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).Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode, or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!Follow The PodcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!Leave Us an Apple Podcasts ReviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Don't forget to visit our Connected Parenting Youtube Channel! Check it out! Like us and Subscribe!

Jun 16, 2023 • 15min
[REPLAY] The Father Effect | CP119
In today's episode, we are shining the spotlight on Fatherhood and all the unique strengths and challenges that come with being a dad. With various external factors impacting our children and parenting as a whole, it's crucial to explore the role of fathers.Join me for this week's episode, let's gain insights and perspectives on how to navigate fatherhood in these extraordinary times.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).Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode, or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!Follow The PodcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!Leave Us an Apple Podcasts ReviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Don't forget to visit our Connected Parenting Youtube Channel! Check it out! Like us and Subscribe!