Connected Parenting

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 ma...

Today, we're talking about overfunctioning and how it can hinder our children's growth and independence when we do things for our kids that they can actually do themselves. We’ll look at the importance of setting age-appropriate expectations for our children's tasks and responsibilities, ensuring they have the chance to grow at their own pace responsibility where they are able. So, if you're looki...

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...

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 KOLARI Jennifer Kolari is t...

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 KOLARI Jennifer Kolari is the host...

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 m...

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 JENNIF...

As a parent, I've often discussed the challenges and rewards that come with raising gladiator children in my work and today I am thrilled to welcome one of those children, my youngest daughter Olivia to the show. She's a true gladiator child, with her feisty spirit, sassiness, and remarkable sensitivity who's insights shed light on the complexities and joys of being a gladiator child. While every...

"I Hate You"... As parents, it can be heart-wrenching to hear these words, especially if our children have intense emotions and difficulties regulating them. In today's episode, we'll explore why these words are sometimes uttered, what actions we can take when faced with them, and how to work towards minimizing their occurrence in the future. MEET JENNIFER KOLARI Jennifer Kolari is the host of the...

From students to parents and teachers, the months of May and June can be particularly challenging and draining. Let's uncover the underlying causes of end-of-year burnout and discover actionable steps to make this period a smoother and more fulfilling one. MEET JENNIFER KOLARI Jennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podc...

In today's episode, we delve into the world of mathematics education and the challenges kids often face when it comes to math. My guest, Rhonda, is an expert in the field with a strong passion for helping children and adolescents overcome their math struggles. Her extensive background in mathematics and education along with her dedication to empowering young minds with valuable math skills is trul...

Welcome to today's episode, and my celebration of all the incredible moms out there. As someone who works closely with families, I have the privilege of witnessing the powerful and limitless love that moms have for their children and their families every single day. It is truly a beautiful thing to see and experience. Despite the challenges and difficulties that come with parenting, a mother's lov...

[PLEASE NOTE: If your child is experiencing something traumatic, seek professional help and support. Today's conversation is for normal everyday moments when children blame others or feel like everything is always going wrong for them.] As a parent, one of the most important things to remember is that your children are always watching and learning from you. By gauging their responses to the world...

My guest this week Dr Friedemann has for more than 20 years been helping people overcome fear and anxiety without medication --- ultimately supporting them in their break through of both their mental and emotional blocks to eventually become the empowered leaders of their lives. Dr. Friedman is the author of the award winning book the Fear and Anxiety Solution. His newest book, The Empowerment Sol...

As a parent, it's heart-wrenching to see your child starting school without a social safety net, left feeling alone and disconnected. It's natural to feel helpless and overwhelmed by the situation, but there are actionable steps you can take to empower your child and navigate through this trying experience. Together, let's explore the best ways to support your child during this difficult time, whi...

The college acceptance season is upon us and emotions are running high for both students and parents. Some are elated with the news of acceptance, while others are crushed by rejection. Whether you have a college-bound kid or not, helping them navigate the turbulence of rejection can be challenging. In this episode, we’ll explore ways to connect with and support your child through the rollercoaste...

Get ready for an exhilarating journey today as we launch into our first-ever interview series that will take us through the awe-inspiring lives of phenomenal individuals with powerful stories, wisdom to share, and tips to elevate our lives – and parenting game! It is with immense pleasure that I welcome our first guest and real-life superhero, my good friend, Jimmy May. A retired Navy SEAL Command...

Today, I'm going to do a bit of a deep dive into the importance of play, especially in terms of children's psychosocial development and how unstructured, non-guided play is absolutely critical to good mental health in children. Jennifer Takeaways: Children Work Life Out In Play (1:57) Noticing Themes (5:09) Playing Alone Is Healthy (7:16) Kids Have Amazing Imaginations (8:49) The Importance Of Pla...

As a parent of teens, you might be familiar with what I like to call the dreaded "screaming hair fit," caused by everything from finding the perfect outfit before an important event, a haircut gone wrong or even just a pimple on their face. Transition times with teens can be especially turbulent; and leave you feeling pulled you into their emotional "vortex" with no way to get yourself out of it....

As parents we have all heard the same messaging about – making sure our teens talk to us face-to-face and spend less time on their screens. However, when it comes to texting with them this may not always be the hard and fast rule.   So why on earth would I tell you to text your teen?   Tune into today’s episode and discover how texting your teen can make having conversations easier while also aidi...

Making mistakes is guaranteed in life. But they’re also an inevitable and intricate part of learning and growth. This means how we react to those mistakes, especially in front of our kids, really teaches them how to respond to errors and perfection. Our kids are always watching us, and we are always teaching them — is the message clear?   VALENTINE’S SALE | HAPPENING NOW | It’s time for a revoluti...

February is the perfect month to explore the science behind love and its impact on parenting. Discover how dopamine and oxytocin, aka ‘happy hormones’, can help you better understand yourself, build stronger relationships with your family, and foster meaningful connection through deeper insight of emotions.. Join us for an in-depth journey into the neurobiology of love.   Have you seen my latest c...

Ever feel like you are stuck in this never ending loop of back and forth with your kids? In today’s episode, I’m talking about “the protest”. When it comes to strong-will kids or “Gladiators” as I lovingly call them you will often see this sort of pushing back, or automatic no to almost any new idea and or transition. They just have a very powerful counter to whatever it is you say, that they hold...

What is a gladiator child?   I realized I referenced that term a lot in some of my podcast episodes but I haven’t actually done an episode that speaks specifically on what a gladiator child is like, who they are and what their incredible qualities are.   So join me this week to explore what it means to have a “gladiator child” and learn just how much they really do bring to our lives and the world...

Having older children now has made me very much aware of time and pace at which it moves. Everyone warns you of this fact when you first become a parent and it isn’t until, you look back you realize how fast time actually went. For many of you who have little ones who are exhausted, and it just seems like it’s never going to end. Instead every day, gets harder and harder and truth is sometimes it...