Connected Parenting

Latest Episodes:

When Your Child's Behaviour Affects Everyone | CP271 Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

When a child has a major meltdown in public, it can feel like suddenly everyone around you has an opinion about your parenting.

Inspired by a recent story about a child whose behaviour reportedly caused a plane to turn around, Jennifer explores why it's impossible to understand what is happening with a child or family from a few difficult moments.

Autism, ADHD, sensory challenges, anxiety, fear, trauma, exhaustion, or simply an exceptionally hard day can all influence how a child responds when their nervous system becomes overwhelmed.

In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer looks beyond the judgement and focuses on what happens when a child's nervous system reaches its limit, especially when it happens with an audience.

Whether it's on an airplane, in a grocery store, at a restaurant, or in the school parking lot, parenting a dysregulated child while feeling watched and judged can make an already difficult situation even harder.

This episode offers a more compassionate way to understand these moments and reminds parents that behaviour doesn't always tell us the full story of what a child, or their parent, is experiencing.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

The Airplane Incident and Context (00:00)
The Parent-Child Dysregulation Loop (03:12)
Connect Before You Correct (06:30)
Practical Strategies for Difficult Transitions (12:39)
Managing Sensory and Physical Needs (15:10)
Parenting Without an Audience (17:59)
Understanding Behavior as a Symptom (18:47)

Meet Jennifer Kolari

Jennifer 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 the 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).

When Helping Stops Helping | CP270 Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

As parents, we often act as a substitute frontal lobe for our children while their own executive functioning skills are still developing. We help them regulate emotions, remember what they need, organize themselves, solve problems, and make decisions. But sometimes, without realizing it, we can cross the line from guiding our children to doing too much of the thinking and problem-solving for them.

In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer explores the important difference between healthy co-regulation and over functioning, and why allowing children to experience manageable frustration is an essential part of helping their brains grow.

Whether it's packing part of their backpack, remembering their lunch, setting an alarm, or working through a frustrating task, small opportunities to struggle and problem-solve help children develop independence, frustration tolerance, and confidence. The goal isn't to raise children who never need us, it's to help them increasingly discover that they can think, solve problems, recover from mistakes, and trust themselves.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

The Substitute Frontal Lobe (00:00)
The Dangers of Over-Functioning (02:25)
Using the CALM Technique (07:06)
Practical Strategies for Independence (08:57)

Meet Jennifer Kolari

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.

[REPLAY] The "Good" Kid | CP269 Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

When one child in the family requires a lot of attention because of big emotions, tantrums, challenging behaviour, or constant pushback, it can quietly affect everyone else in the home. In this episode of "Connected Parenting", Jennifer turns the focus to the child who is often described as the “good child”. The one who rarely complains, follows the rules, stays out of trouble, and seems to make parenting easy.

Jennifer explores how these children may learn to become extra independent, agreeable, or quiet because they sense that their parents simply don't have any more emotional bandwidth.

While their behaviour may look like everything is fine, they still need opportunities to be noticed, supported, and given space for their own feelings and needs. This episode is an important reminder to look beyond behaviour and make sure the child who isn't demanding your attention is still receiving the connection, reassurance, and emotional space they need.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Coping mechanisms in families with difficult children (00:00)
Managing emotions & needs in a family with uneven dynamics (03:42)
Parenting strategies for a "super coping" child (08:25)
Managing two children with different emotional needs (12:03)

Meet Jennifer Kolari

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.

[REPLAY] Back To School 2026 | CP268 Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

Moving from the freedom and flexibility of summer into the back-to-school early mornings, structured routines, school expectations, and busy schedules can be a significant adjustment for the whole family.

In this episode of "Connected Parenting", Jennifer explores how parents can help make the transition back to school feel smoother and less overwhelming. She shares ways to prepare children for the changes ahead, create more predictability and routine, and support the emotions that can come with starting a new school year.

Whether your child is excited, anxious, resistant, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you approach back-to-school with greater connection, patience, and confidence.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Back-to-School Transition Challenges (00:00)
Managing Time and Schedules (02:50)
Celebrating Summer and Preparing for School (04:45)
Addressing Kids' Concerns and Fears (06:30)
Handling the Back-to-School Transition (9:12)
Maintaining Routines and Preventing Behavioral Issues (11:26)

MEET JENNIFER KOLARI

Jennifer 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.

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.

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!

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Don't forget to visit our Connected Parenting Youtube Channel! Check it out! Like us and Subscribe!

[REPLAY] Taming Tantrums | CP267 Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

Tantrums can be exhausting, embarrassing, and incredibly triggering for parents, but they’re not always the defiance or manipulation they may appear to be.

In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer explores what is really happening in a child’s brain and body during a tantrum, the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, and why big emotions can simply become too much for a developing nervous system to contain. She also looks at some of the common factors that can make tantrums more likely, including hunger, lack of sleep, overstimulation, anxiety, and the need to discharge built-up energy.

Jennifer shares practical strategies for recognizing the warning signs, helping children regulate before things escalate, and responding differently when a tantrum does happen.

Most importantly, you’ll learn why staying calm, connected, and consistent can gradually reduce the frequency and length of tantrums while helping your child develop stronger emotional regulation skills over time.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Understanding Tantrums and Their Functions (00:00)
Factors Contributing to Tantrums (02:54)
Parenting Techniques to Manage Tantrums (07:54)
Practical Tips for Managing Tantrums in Public (11:20)
Support and Resources for Parents (14:04)

MEET JENNIFER KOLARI

Jennifer 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.

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.

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 Podcast

If 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 Review

Don't forget to visit our Connected Parenting Youtube Channel! Check it out! Like us and Subscribe!

[REPLAY] How to Not Over-Function | CP266 Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Over-functioning happens when we step in and do things our children are capable of doing themselves, often because it feels easier than dealing with frustration, resistance, or a potential meltdown.

In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer explores why parents fall into this pattern and how fear, exhaustion, past experiences, and the desire to protect our kids can influence how much we do for them.

Jennifer explains why giving children opportunities to struggle, follow through, and accomplish difficult things helps build independence, confidence, responsibility, and grit. She also shares practical ways to step back without removing support, helping parents find the balance between being there for their children and allowing them to discover just how capable they really are.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Defining Overfunctioning (00:00)
Why Parents Overfunction (04:34)
Benefits of Avoiding Overfunctioning (12:56)
Strategies to Stop Overfunctioning (20:43)

MEET JENNIFER KOLARI

Jennifer 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.

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.

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 Podcast

If 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 Review

Don't forget to visit our Connected Parenting Youtube Channel! Check it out! Like us and Subscribe!

[REPLAY] Raise a Leader Not a Follower | CP265 Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Healthy friendships play a powerful role in a child’s confidence, emotional well-being, and even success at school. In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer explores how parents can help their children become leaders in their own lives rather than simply following the crowd. She looks at what healthy, balanced friendships can offer children and why strong social health can be such an important protective factor as they grow.

Jennifer also shares guidance for parents whose children are struggling socially, following others into poor choices, or having difficulty developing healthy friendships. You’ll learn how to support your child without trying to manage their social life for them, while helping them build the confidence, judgment, and sense of self they need to make healthier choices. And if your child is already thriving socially, Jennifer explores how you can continue nurturing the skills that will help them maintain strong, balanced relationships as they grow.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Helping Children Become Leaders, Not Followers (0:00)
Modeling Empathy and Integrity (3:14)
Teaching Children to Navigate Social Situations (7:58)
The Role of Parents in Improving Social Skills (9:24)
Incorporating Empathy into Family Values (11:39)

Meet Jennifer Kolari

Jennifer 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.

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.

[REPLAY] The Lasting Benefits of Summer Camp | CP264 Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

Summer camp is often thought of as a place for outdoor adventures, campfires, and lifelong friendships but its impact goes far beyond creating happy memories. In this replay episode, Jennifer explores why summer camp can be one of the most powerful experiences for a child's emotional, social, and personal development.

From learning independence and building confidence to navigating challenges without parents nearby, camp provides opportunities for growth that are difficult to recreate anywhere else.

Whether your child is heading to camp for the first time or is already a seasoned camper, this episode highlights why these experiences often leave a lasting impact that extends well beyond the summer months.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Importance and Benefits of Summer Camp (00:00)
Experiences and Activities at Summer Camp (01:59)
Independence and Personal Growth at Camp (04:34)
Preparing Children for Camp (05:22)
Handling Homesickness and Adjusting to Camp Life (07:59)
Post-Camp Adjustment and Long-Term Benefits (10:23)
Resources and Support for Parents (11:49)

Meet Jennifer Kolari

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.

[REPLAY] Planning a Family Outing With a Gladiator Child | CP263 Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

Today’s episode comes from our Q&A series, where I respond to real parenting questions from listeners.

Andrea wrote in about the challenges she is experiencing with her 10-year-old daughter, whom she describes as a “gladiator,” strong-willed, determined, and often wanting things to go her way. While these qualities can become incredible strengths, they can also make family outings difficult when expectations change, transitions feel overwhelming, or disappointment leads to a meltdown.

With an upcoming trip to a theme park, Andrea wanted to know how she could prepare her daughter while also making the day enjoyable for the rest of the family.

In this episode, I share practical ways to set clear expectations before the outing, prepare for transitions, reduce potential power struggles, and create a flexible plan that supports everyone. Family trips do not have to become a battle. With thoughtful preparation and realistic expectations, you can help your gladiator child feel more secure while protecting the connection, fun, and enjoyment of the day for the entire family.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Introduction to the Episode and Andrea's Question (00:00)
Understanding Neuro Spicy Kids and Their Behavior (01:38)
Managing Expectations and Pre-Planning (02:52)
Divide and Conquer Strategy (05:23)
Handling Overwhelm and Making Choices (07:59)
Dealing with Tantrums and Leaving Early (11:43)

Meet Jennifer Kolari

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.

[REPLAY] It's Summer Time! | CP262 Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

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 presence.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Summer as a Time for Connection and Refreshment (00:00)
The Calm Technique and Its Benefits (02:07)
Practical Application of the Calm Technique (03:40)
Structuring Summer Days for Children (07:27)
Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Summer (09:38)
Divide and Conquer Strategy for Family Outings (11:38)
Maintaining Structure During Vacations (13:21)
Bringing Back the Magic of Family Time (14:11)

Meet Jennifer Kolari

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.

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