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, Olivia shares openly about what it felt like to be that child the eight-year-old who struggled, the teen learning to navigate big feelings, and the young adult she is now.

If you’ve ever worried about what the future holds for your strong-willed child, this episode will give you hope, perspective, and connection.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

• Olivia's Experience as a Gladiator Child (03:55)
• Challenges of Parenting a Gladiator Child (05:57)
• Integration and Growth of a Gladiator Child (07:51)
• Advice for Parents of Gladiator Children (10:04)
• Strategies for Managing Gladiator Child Behavior (14:23)
• Impact of Gladiator Child Behavior on Parents (15:11)
• Olivia's Role as a Kids Club Counselor (23:39)

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 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).

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, and even diffuses tension before it escalates. From using texts to check in during their busy day to sending a quick message that shows you’re thinking of them, I’ll walk you through the situations where texting shines and how to use it effectively without replacing meaningful face-to-face conversations.

If you’ve ever worried about “too much screen time” but also want to strengthen your bond with your teen, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical tips to make texting work for your relationship instead of against it.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

• Benefits of Texting Your Teen (00:00)
• Using Texting for Specific Tasks (02:09)
• Texting for Connection and Affirmation (05:07)
• Overcoming Texting Challenges (07:26)

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 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).

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 a child who chooses authenticity over popularity.

Let’s build the foundation for confident, emotionally resilient kids who lead with kindness.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

• Helping Children Become Leaders, Not Followers (00:00)
• Modeling Empathy and Integrity (03:14)
• Teaching Children to Navigate Social Situations (07:58)
• The Role of Parents in Improving Social Skills (09:24)
• 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 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).

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 (00:00)
• Understanding Family Patterns and Personal Biases (01:24)
• Addressing the Resentful Child: Gladiator Kids (01:55)
• The Role of the Easygoing Child (06:08)
• Strategies for Managing Sibling Dynamics (10:03)
• Building Connections and Encouraging Cooperation (13:16)
• Balancing Individual and Group Time (15:53)
• Addressing Sibling Rivalry and Play Therapy (16:24)

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).

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 you can support them every step of the way.

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 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).

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, or horror movies, this episode will help you decode the fascination and guide them with confidence, calm, and connection.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Understanding the Appeal of Scary Content for Tweens and Teens (00:00)

Developmental Stage and Coping Mechanisms (02:02)

Social Bonding and Personal Growth (03:46)

Escapism and Curiosity (05:07)

Balancing Media Consumption and Family Bonding (06:19)

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).

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 to respond with calm, connection, and clarity instead of chaos and conflict.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

• Understanding the Importance of Sleep for Teens (01:36)
• Reasons Behind Teens' Sleep Resistance (03:09)
• Impact of Screens on Teens' Sleep (04:51)
• Signs of Depression and Anxiety Related to Sleep (06:45)
• Strategies for Improving Teens' Sleep (08:26)
• Final Tips and Resources (14:37)

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).

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 in.

Listen in to hear me explain how the stoplight framework teaches children cause and effect, emotional regulation, and personal accountability, all in a way that’s age-appropriate and easy to apply at home or in the classroom.

It gives them a clear visual anchor to understand what’s expected, and when things need to pause or shift.

You’ll also learn how to modify the strategy for teenagers (because let’s be honest, a red light chart on the fridge might not go over so well at 15), and why this tool can be just as helpful for you as the parent.

Whether your child struggles with emotional outbursts, transitions, or impulsive behavior, this episode offers a compassionate, practical way to build emotional intelligence together.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

• Red Light, Green Light Technique Overview (00:00)
• Explanation of Red Light, Green Light Behaviors (01:05)
• Handling Yellow Light Behaviors (03:01)
• Applying the Technique to Teenagers (06:57)
• Using the Technique for Consistency and Flexibility (11:36)

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).

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 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).

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. Listen in to hear me explain why even bright, capable kids with ADHD often struggle to shift gears, stay organized, or follow through, especially when there's a delay between now and the task or reward.

Whether you’re parenting a “neuro-spicy” child or navigating your own ADHD challenges, this episode offers empathy, understanding, and a powerful toolkit to help you move forward with compassion and connection.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

• Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Daily Life (00:00)
• Hyperfocus and Time Blindness in ADHD (01:27)
• ADHD Waiting Mode and Its Effects (11:13)
• Strategies for Managing ADHD Waiting Mode (11:29)

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.

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).