Connected Parenting

Welcome to the first Connected Parenting episode of 2026. As we step into a new year, many parents are feeling something they don’t always say out loud: the world feels unsettling. It feels polarized, confusing, and at times frightening. Even when we try to protect our children from it, kids sense adult anxiety, uncertainty, and tension more than we realize. This episode is not about fixing the wo...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer unpacks why the holiday season, meant to feel magical, can so quickly become overwhelming for families, especially those with sensitive, strong-willed, neurodivergent, or easily dysregulated kids. Between packed schedules, disrupted routines, sugar highs, late nights, social expectations, and the pressure to “be cheerful,” many children experience a...

In today’s Q&A episode, I am answering two powerful parenting questions about teens who are anxious, withdrawn, or pushing parents away. Exploring how to support a 14-year-old who feels intense anxiety entering stores or public places, and why this “spotlight stage” is such a normal part of teen development. Listen in to hear me share how tools like the CALM Technique, predictability, rehearsa...

Phones and AI aren’t going anywhere, so the goal isn’t to ban them, but to help our kids integrate them wisely. In this episode, we’ll explore how constant connectivity impacts a child’s ability to focus, plan, regulate emotions, and problem-solve. We’ll look at why kids and teens are especially vulnerable to the “instant relief” loop that phones provide, and how AI can both support and hinder the...

One of the hardest moments for parents is when the child who used to tell you everything, who they sat with at lunch, who their friends were, what made them laugh suddenly starts saying less. The silence can feel alarming. Many parents immediately wonder: Are they hiding something? Did I do something wrong? Are they okay? But what if the quiet isn’t rejection? What if it’s part of growing up and b...

When your child’s emotions, reactions, and struggles all feel bigger than you can handle, it can be exhausting. But there’s one thing that truly changes everything: connection. In this episode, we’ll explore how deep, genuine connection helps regulate a child’s nervous system, reduces explosive moments, and strengthens emotional safety. Because when kids feel seen, understood, and safe, even their...

Even the closest families move through seasons of connection. There are times when everyone feels in sync, laughing easily, sharing space, and understanding each other without words. And then there are moments when it feels like you’re speaking different languages, missing each other’s cues, or simply running on separate frequencies. In this episode, we’ll explore why those quieter or more distant...

Boredom, it’s uncomfortable, it’s annoying, and it often sends us scrambling for solutions. But what if boredom isn’t something to fix… what if it’s actually something to embrace? In this episode, we’ll explore why boredom isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s one of the most valuable emotional states for children. Boredom helps develop creativity, problem-solving, and emotional resilience, all essential...

Every family has its own rhythm. Some love cooking together, some bond over board games and some, believe it or not, enjoy arguing for fun. To them, debating ideas and challenging each other isn’t conflict; it’s connection. But what feels like playful banter to one person can feel like chaos, criticism, or even emotional danger to another. So how do you know when spirited debate crosses the line?...

Have you ever looked down at your phone to find a flood of messages, ten, twenty, even thirty texts from your child all in a row? Sometimes it’s about something small, like wanting a snack or permission for a new game. Other times, it’s a full emotional storm, with your child texting in distress, upset, or desperate for reassurance. It can feel overwhelming. You’re torn between exhaustion and worr...

The world feels heavy right now. With so much change, uncertainty, and difficult news, it’s natural for both parents and children to feel stressed, anxious, or even scared. But our kids are watching how we respond, and they need our calm, grounded guidance more than ever. In this episode, I share practical ways to talk to your children about what’s happening in the world without increasing fear or...

It can be tempting to step in and “just do it” when your child struggles, whether it’s opening a tricky package, making a sandwich that keeps falling apart, or facing the frustration of trying something new. But every time we take over, we unintentionally miss a chance to build their confidence and problem-solving skills. Today, I’ll share practical ways to reinforce independence while staying cal...

Watching your child be excluded, targeted, or hurt is devastating. You want to protect them, but you also don’t want to make things worse. Many parents would gladly take their child’s place just to spare them the pain. In this episode, I’ll help you better understand what bullying is, and what it isn’t. We’ll look at the difference between bullying and social aggression, how bullying shows up diff...

Venting can be powerful, it helps us release stress, feel heard, and connect with the people we love. When done well, it’s a healthy way to process emotions. But here’s the catch: venting can also become addictive. Instead of calming us down, it can spiral into drama, negativity, or constant complaining. In this episode, we’ll explore how to guide your kids, and your whole family, in using venting...

Today’s conversation comes straight from our Q&A series, where I answer real questions from listeners. Andrea wrote in to share about an ongoing struggle with her 10-year-old daughter. She describes her as a “gladiator,” strong-willed, demanding, and often wanting everything her way. These traits can make family events stressful, sometimes leading to meltdowns and blow-ups that derail the day....

Hello connected parents, and welcome back to another episode of Connected Parenting. In today’s conversation, we’re tackling the back-to-school transition. For many kids, change can feel overwhelming. Shifting from the relaxed rhythms of home or summer into the structure of school can bring up resistance, anxiety, and even meltdowns. As parents, that can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions for u...

Special occasions, whether they’re weddings, birthdays, holiday gatherings, or family reunions can be joyful, memorable, and deeply meaningful. But for parents of children who are highly sensitive, anxious, or strong-willed “Gladiators,” these events can also bring big challenges. In this episode replay of Connected Parenting, Jennifer Kolari, shares 10 practical strategies to help your child (and...

In this very special episode of Connected Parenting, I sit down with my youngest daughter, Olivia my true “gladiator child.” Fierce, sensitive, musical, and deeply thoughtful, Olivia has always had a strong counterwill and a fire that pushed me as a parent in all the best (and hardest!) ways. Parents often ask me, “What will my gladiator child be like when they’re older?” In this conversation, Oli...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we flip the script on a common parenting concern; texting. While we often hear about the downsides of screens, social media, and endless scrolling, texting can actually be a powerful connection tool between you and your teen. I’ll share why, in certain moments, a text might be the bridge that keeps communication open, helps your teen feel seen and understood...

Every parent wants their child to feel confident, connected, and well-liked but social health isn’t just about having friends. It’s a protective factor that influences everything from mental health to academic success. Whether your child is struggling socially or is already a natural leader, this episode is packed with tools, scripts, and mindset shifts to help you parent with connection and raise...

In this week's episode replay, I’ll walk you through how to understand what’s really going on underneath that sibling resentment, how to use empathy and the CALM technique to shift the emotional dynamic, and most importantly, how to parent both kids through this without picking sides or reinforcing harmful patterns. Jennifer's Takeaways: Handling Sibling Resentment: Introduction and Initial Steps...

Today we’re revisiting the world of summer camp and looking at why it’s more than just fun in the sun and how it can be a life-changing experience for your child. From building independence and emotional resilience to fostering leadership and a stronger sense of self, camp offers so many developmental benefits. Tune in to learn how summer camp can help shape your child’s emotional growth, and how...

In this week’s episode of the Connected Parenting podcast, we’re diving into a topic that might be raising eyebrows (and blood pressure) in your home: Why are kids so obsessed with scary books, movies, and shows? Is it just a phase, or something more concerning? Should you let them watch or read these things or shut it down completely? Whether your child loves ghost stories, creepy YouTube videos,...

Why are teens up at midnight and sleeping until noon? Why is it so hard to get them to bed at a decent hour or up in time for school or weekend plans? You’re not alone in your frustration, and you’re definitely not imagining things. There’s real science behind what’s happening. Whether your teen is turning into a night owl or just can’t get out of bed, this episode will give you tools and insight...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we dive into a powerful visual and verbal tool that helps kids regulate their behavior and emotions called the "Stoplight Technique" (also known as Red Light, Green Light). As parents, one of our greatest challenges is guiding our kids through big feelings and impulsive behavior without losing our own cool. That’s where this simple yet effective method comes...