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 help children understand the impact of their actions while maintaining a strong connection with...

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 this episode, I’ll share specific, playful strategies designed to calm and engage children who...

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-provoking, and often frustrating. To truly connect with our kids and help them co-regulate, we first need...

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 limits, or share your own emotions—and instead of calming things down, it triggers an even bigger...

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 facing this Halloween season, then join me for this week’s episode to talk about what we can do as...

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-being. It’s challenging, especially when your child might be thrashing against the world or trapped in...

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 interventions in parenting, and how these can shape children's lives for the better.Whether...

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 secrets of this powerful brain system and learn strategies to make it a positive force in your...

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 explore why putting kids in the middle of disagreements creates an impossible situation for them and how...

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 a lot of support.Join me as I explore what makes these kids tick, the unique challenges parents...

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 strengthening this 'courage muscle' in children, especially those who are hesitant to take risks. We'll...

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 Your Own Emotions When Your Child Is Socially Struggling (00:00)* The Importance of the Calm...

For many kids, anxiety kicks in weeks before school even starts.They begin to worry about who their teacher will be, who's in their class, and if they'll be able to handle the new challenges of the upcoming grade. The transition to high school is especially overwhelming, with so many adjustments to navigate.During this time, kids can experience a mix of emotions—excitement to see their friends but also deep nervousness about the unknown. It’s important to let them know that these feelings are...

Ever wondered why we, as parents, sometimes resort to yelling, even when we know it's not the most effective approach?Yelling is like an age-old parenting reflex, but let's be honest – it rarely brings out the best in our kids or us.In this episode, I uncover the 'why' behind our shouting tendencies, the real impact it has on our little ones (hint: it's not good), and most importantly, what we can do instead.Let's embark on a journey to discover effective, positive ways of parenting that...

In this episode of Connected Parenting, I discuss the dynamics of the "good child" in families where a sibling—often a more challenging "gladiator child"—demands most of the parental attention.Listen in as I explore how the "good child" may suppress their needs to avoid adding stress and share strategies from one-on-one time to using play for emotional expression in order to support these children while balancing family dynamics.Visit connectedparenting.com for more resources, and thank you...

In this episode, I'm shifting the focus from parenting techniques to self-care for parents, specifically exploring bedtime and morning routines.I'm taking a closer look at how parents, particularly moms, can better manage your routines to combat exhaustion and model healthy behavior for your children.While offering practical strategies to help you carve out time for yourself, like implementing a "reverse sleep-in" to ensure adequate rest and structuring mornings to create a calmer start to...

Today, we're excited to feature Bethany_Gettis, a former weight loss and health nurse turned certified holistic Nutritional Consultant and founder of Nutritious and Delicious.In this episode, we tackle common questions about food...

In this episode of the Connected Parenting podcast, I delve into the topic of makeup for girls aged 12 to 16. This age group often experiences a strong urge to experiment with makeup, which can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings between parents and children. Are you looking for ways to approach this topic with empathy, balance, and understanding, while providing guidance on setting boundaries without shaming or embarrassing your children?Tune in for practical advice on navigating the...

In this episode, we dive into the significant impact of screen time on kids, focusing on a crucial but often overlooked aspect: parental screen time. While extensive research highlights the negative effects of screens on children, the excessive screen time of parents may be the most detrimental. Join me in looking inward to explore how our own screen habits affect our children, and what we can do to foster healthier, more connected relationships with them.Jennifer's Takeaways:* The Impact Of...

Teens often love to retreat to their rooms, shut their doors, and seem perpetually busy, making it tough for parents to find meaningful ways to connect.Despite these hurdles, it's crucial that we don't turn our backs on them but instead work to build and maintain a deep connection during this stage of their development.Tune in as we explore strategies to bridge the gap and foster a strong, supportive relationship with your teen, even when they seem to be shutting you out.Jennifer's...

As the busy school year winds down, summer presents a unique chance to slow down, and reconnect.So in this week's episode we say goodbye to hectic schedules and explore how to make this summer as wonderful, connected, and fun as possible for you and your family.Jennifer's Takeaways:* Intro (00:00)* Parenting Techniques For Summer Break (04:45)* Maintaining Structure & Connection During Summer Break (09:43)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly...

Today, we're diving into our Q&A series with a question from Maria on her husband who is struggling to buy into the Connected Parenting method, dismissing it as babying their kids and not being tough enough.This has led to constant clashes with their 10-year-old daughter, a strong-willed "gladiator," leaving Maria exhausted and feeling like her hard work is being undone.In this episode, we’ll explore strategies to help your spouse understand and embrace the Connected Parenting approach,...

In today's episode, we're diving into the world of fatherhood—the struggles, the joys, and the unique challenges that dads face. Here to share his insights and perspectives on all things Dad, I am thrilled to welcome a very special guest who is incredibly important to me: my husband, Barrett. So if you are a Dad or are soon to be a Dad this episode is for you.Happy Father's Day!Jennifer's Takeaways:* Intro (00:00)* Strategies For Connecting With Kids (0:00)* Emphasizing Empathy And Connection...

Today, I'm excited to share an insightful conversation with Laurie Couture, a licensed mental health counselor, author, and developer of the Couture Protocol.Laurie specializes in childhood development, trauma, and attachment, providing crucial guidance to families and professionals serving children and youth.Join us as we dig deeper into her groundbreaking approach to treating developmental and generational trauma and discuss how we can nurture and empower our children through holistic...