Connected Parenting

For some, failure is a motivator, a chance to prove themselves and strive for something even greater. But for others—especially highly sensitive kids, gifted kids, kids with ADHD, or strong-willed Gladiator kids—failure feels catastrophic. Even minor setbacks can trigger overwhelming self-doubt, anxiety, and shame. The truth is, failure is an essential part of growth. It’s how we learn, build resi...

Every child faces challenges when it comes to stepping outside their comfort zone—whether it's trying a new food, petting an unfamiliar dog, or speaking up in class. But what if we could gently guide them to embrace these moments of bravery? Imagine the confidence they could build and the doors that could open when they learn to navigate the unknown. In this week's replay, we explore how to streng...

Welcome back, Connected Parents, to another episode of the Connected Parenting Podcast! Today, we're diving into another installment of our Q&A series, where I answer real parenting questions from our listeners. In this episode, I’ll be tackling two important questions: Rob’s Question: His 14-year-old son has developed a mean-spirited sense of humor and is acting like a bit of a jerk. How can...

I’ve had many requests from listeners asking for a refresher on the CALM Technique, and while I often direct people to earlier episodes, I think it’s time to go over it again. In this episode, we’ll break down how to use the CALM Technique effectively, especially when dealing with teenage boys, who can sometimes be a little more challenging to connect with. Whether you're parenting a fiery toddler...

In this episode, we’re flipping the script. We spend so much time worrying about our kids’ screen time, but what about our own? The truth is, our relationship with our devices is affecting our focus, emotional health, and ability to be present for our children. And let’s be real—our kids are watching. Have you ever tried to watch a show without checking your phone? Or read a book for more than fiv...

Welcome back, connected parents, to another episode of the Connected Parenting podcast! Today, we're tackling a topic that many parents find incredibly frustrating—arguing with a teenager—but with a modern twist: the influence social media has on these conflicts. Teenagers have always been challenging to argue with. Conversations can escalate from zero to 100 in seconds, leaving you feeling comple...

Negative consequences—while the term might sound harsh, the reality is that some kids truly thrive when they know they are surrounded by sturdy, solid, immovable limits. There are certain children, especially strong-willed or "gladiator" kids as I call them, who push back against every boundary—insisting they don’t need rules, testing limits at every turn, and even retaliating when consequences ar...

Parenting can be a beautiful journey, but it often brings challenges that strain relationships. From the demands of daily life to the push-and-pull dynamics of kids testing boundaries, the connection between parents can sometimes feel like it’s taking a back seat. In this week's episode I explore how vital it is to protect and prioritize this bond, emphasizing that a strong relationship between pa...

Welcome to the first Connected Parenting episode of 2025! After spending the holidays with my family, I’m excited to reconnect with all of you. The holidays are often a mix of joy, warmth, and togetherness, but they can also bring tension, big feelings, and unresolved conflicts. As Ram Dass so wisely put it, "If you think you're enlightened, go spend a week with your family." In this episode, we e...

The holidays are a magical time, but they can also be overstimulating and stressful for children, particularly for those with strong-willed or highly sensitive personalities.  In today’s episode, we dive into the joys and challenges of the holiday season—especially when it comes to managing big emotions and behaviors in kids. Jennifer's Takeaways: Why gladiator kids often struggle during big famil...

Some parents shy away from using rewards or positive consequences, fearing it might feel like bribery or paying their kids to behave. While overusing this method can backfire, when used thoughtfully, positive reinforcement can be a powerful way to encourage better behavior, build positive habits, and instill confidence in your child. Join me as we dig deeper into this often overlooked tool. Jennif...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we explore why anger is often the default emotion for neuro-spicy gladiator kids. Whether they’re tired, scared, overwhelmed, or even hungry, these children often express their emotions as anger—a response that’s challenging for parents to handle. Learn how to decode the feelings behind your child’s outbursts, connect with them in the heat of the moment, and...

In this week's episode of Connected Parenting, we are talking about a common parenting challenge: kids faking illnesses to avoid school or other commitments. While many parents can recall pulling the same trick in their childhood, handling it as an adult brings up a whirlwind of emotions—guilt, frustration, doubt, and even anger. How do you balance supporting your child while avoiding reinforcing...

Welcome to another episode of Connected Parenting! Today, we’re tackling a topic many parents struggle with—consequences. From figuring out what’s fair, natural, and effective to dealing with those moments when your overreaction leaves you questioning how to backtrack. In this episode, I’ll walk you through practical strategies to establish meaningful, loving, and predictable consequences that hel...

Today, we're diving into the power of play, especially for kids with big emotions that feel too large for their small bodies to handle. These big-feeling kids often experience surges of emotion that can lead to outbursts, clinginess, or even cycles of frustration and shame. But with the right kind of play, we can help them release these overwhelming feelings and teach them how to self-regulate. In...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we’re diving into a fundamental concept in effective parenting—self-regulation. Titled “Be That to See That,” this episode explores the critical role our own emotional regulation plays in helping our children manage their emotions and behaviors. Parenting is a journey filled with joy, laughter, and priceless moments, but it’s also exhausting, anxiety-provoki...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, I dive into a concept I call emotional glare—a phenomenon that every parent of a strong-willed, reactive child has likely experienced. If you have a sassy, feisty, gladiator child who seems to be in constant conflict with the world, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Emotional glare is what happens when you reflect back your child’s feelings, set limit...

For most kids Halloween and the time leading up to it can be really fun and they love it. But for a lot of very sensitive children the feelings and reactions can be quite the opposite and extremely anxiety provoking. Everywhere they look they are seeing scary images on every lawn, and on every commercial on television, there’s images of witches, ghouls and ghosts. If this is something you are faci...

One of the most common things I hear from parents is, “What if I had found you sooner?” It’s such a powerful question, and my answer is always the same—it’s never too late. Whether your kids are young, teenagers, or fully grown adults, repair is possible, and it can transform your relationships. Parenting is a delicate dance between setting boundaries and nurturing your child’s emotional well-bein...

In today’s guest series episode, I had an incredible conversation with Eli Harwood, a licensed therapist, attachment expert, and mother of three from Colorado. Eli has spent the past two decades immersing herself in attachment research and is on a mission to make the world a better place, one relationship at a time. We discussed the critical importance of attachment, co-regulation, and empathy as...

Welcome back, connected parents! Today we’re diving into the fascinating world of the brain, specifically the Reticular Activation System (RAS). You might be wondering—what is the RAS, and why should it matter to you as a parent? In this episode, we’ll explore how the RAS filters information and determines what we pay attention to, how it influences our reality, and more importantly unlock the sec...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we dive into the difficult topic of putting kids in the middle of adult conflicts. It's tempting, especially in the heat of the moment, to say things like, "Did you see what daddy just did?" or "Can you believe your mother just talked to me like that?" Even though we know this isn't the right thing to do, it's a common mistake many parents make. We'll explor...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we’re diving deep into the world of gladiator kids—those feisty, strong-willed, and intensely challenging children who push back at every turn. These spirited kids often test the limits, leaving parents feeling exhausted, judged, and overwhelmed. Parenting a gladiator child can be incredibly tough, and it’s a journey that demands understanding, patience, and...

Whether it's tasting a new food, petting an unfamiliar dog, or watching a thrilling movie, each child faces unique challenges when it comes to taking risks. But what if we could help them build the courage to face the new and unknown? Imagine how those brief moments of bravery could boost their confidence and enrich their life experiences. In this episode, we dive into the importance of strengthen...

Seeing your child start school without friends, feeling isolated and disconnected, is incredibly tough as a parent. It’s easy to feel helpless, but there are steps you can take to empower your child and guide them through this challenging time. Let’s explore how you can support your child, manage your own emotions, and help create a positive path forward together. Jennifer's Takeaways: Managing Yo...