Connected Parenting

As the busy school year winds down, summer opens the door to something we often miss, space to slow down, breathe, and truly reconnect with our kids. In this heartfelt replay, we say goodbye to the hectic pace and explore simple, intentional ways to make this summer feel calm, connected, and full of joy for the whole family. Remember; summer doesn’t need to be packed to be powerful, it just needs...

You may have a child who freezes up for hours before a dentist appointment or refuses to start anything all day because they're waiting for a playdate or appointment later on. It’s not laziness or defiance, it’s their ADHD brain getting stuck in “waiting mode.” Today we unpack what ADHD waiting mode is, why it happens, and how it connects to hyperfixation, time blindness, and emotional regulation....

In this episode of the Connected Parenting Podcast, we're diving into two real-life listener questions as part of our Q&A series. First, we explore how to support an eight-year-old who has emotional outbursts in stores when they’re told “no.” Why do these meltdowns happen, and how can we respond in ways that actually build emotional regulation instead of making things worse? Then we shift gear...

The balance between guidance and freedom helps children develop emotional strength, problem-solving skills, and a deeper sense of self. While today’s kids have endless access to information, what many lack is the freedom to explore, try, fail, and figure things out on their own. Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, this episode will give you practical and compassionate guidance on building i...

In this week’s episode of Connected Parenting, we’re diving into one of the most common and exhausting parenting struggles—clothing battles, especially with younger girls. You know the drill: “There’s nothing to wear!” “I hate that shirt!” “Not those pants!”and it all happens before you’ve even had your coffee. Today we are exploring the emotional undercurrents behind these morning meltdowns, look...

Welcome back, connected parents! In this heartfelt episode of Connected Parenting, we’re diving into one of the most emotionally challenging moments many parents face; the shift that happens when your child starts to pull away and step into the world of adolescence. I take a close look at this transition, especially between mothers and daughters, when the once chatty, affectionate little girl beco...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, we’re tackling one of the most frustrating challenges for parents: time blindness. You know the scene; your child is moving at a snail’s pace, one leg in their pants, completely unaware of the ticking clock while you’re shouting, “Let’s go!” Time blindness is a very real neurological issue for many kids and teens, especially those who are highly sensitive, n...

In today’s episode of the Connected Parenting Podcast, we’re diving into a scenario that leaves so many parents scratching their heads — the child who’s perfect at school but melts down at home. You know the story: your child is polite, focused, and adored by teachers, but the second they walk through your front door, it’s like a switch flips. Suddenly, you're dealing with tantrums, defiance, or e...

Seasonal transitions; particularly spring can deeply affect highly sensitive or as I like to call them "neuro-spicy" kids. While spring brings feelings of renewal and excitement for many, the change in routine, environment, and even the weather can be incredibly dysregulating for children with big feelings. These transitions can create emotional turbulence, behavioral flare-ups, and increased anxi...

Panic attacks—these intense moments can come on suddenly and feel terrifying, whether you’re experiencing one or witnessing your child go through it. In this week's episode I’ll help you understand the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack, what’s happening in the brain during these episodes, and most importantly, how to respond in a calm, supportive, and effective way. You’ll le...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Connected Parenting, I sit down with Sonia Cacciacarro —registered psychotherapist and member of the Connected Parenting team—for an honest and compassionate conversation about grief, loss, and how to talk to children about death and dying. Sonia shares her journey from fitness expert and mom of three to psychotherapist, and how her husband’s diagnos...

Today's question comes from the community: How do you explain what’s happening in your child’s brain during big emotions in a way they can understand and actually listen to? We all know that feeling—trying to explain why their emotions feel so big, but they just glaze over or dismiss what you’re saying. Maybe they think you don’t know what you’re talking about, or they just aren’t in the space to...

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...