Connected Parenting

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 as a healthy tool instead of a destructive habit. You’ll learn how to create safe, supportive “venting sessions,” what signs to watch for when things start going off track, and strategies to keep the focus on connection rather than conflict.

Venting doesn’t have to create chaos. With the right approach, it can bring your family closer and teach your kids lifelong emotional regulation skills.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

• Venting: Its Importance and Potential Pitfalls (00:00)
• Mirroring as a Healthy Venting Technique (02:36)
• Addressing Underlying Issues and Modeling Appropriate Behavior (10:45)
• Setting Boundaries and Promoting Respect (11:08)

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’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.

With a trip to the theme park on the horizon, Andrea wanted to know: How do you prepare and set things up so the whole family has a better experience, even with a gladiator child on board?

In this episode, I’ll share practical strategies to help you set expectations ahead of time, manage transitions during the day, and create a plan that supports both your gladiator and the rest of the family. Because yes, family trips don’t have to be a battle. With a few intentional steps, you can help your gladiator child feel more grounded while protecting the joy of the day for everyone.

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 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).

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 us too.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through practical tips and insights to help your child ease into the school routine with less stress and more confidence. We’ll cover ways to prepare them for what’s ahead, strategies to manage overwhelm, and how you can support yourself through the process as well.

By the end, you’ll have a toolkit of ideas to make the back-to-school transition smoother and set the stage for a positive year ahead.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

• Back to School Transition Challenges (00:00)
• Managing Time and Bedtime Adjustments (03:07)
• Celebrating Summer and Preparing for School (04:44)
• Handling Emotions and Transitions (08:17)
• Maintaining Routines and Handling Challenges (09:25)

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).

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 you) navigate these moments with more ease.

From preparing ahead of time and setting realistic expectations, to knowing when to step away and how to stay calm under pressure, Jennifer offers tools that will make family celebrations less stressful and more enjoyable.

Let's face it, big events will never be stress-free, but with these strategies you can turn them into opportunities for connection and lasting family memories.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

• Impact of Parental Energy on Children (02:18)
• Managing Event Schedules and Expectations (03:22)
• Consistent Parenting Across Settings (05:23)
• Taking Breaks and Sharing Responsibility (07:16)
• Leaving Before a Meltdown (09:00)
• Preparing Children for Events (10:28)
• Ensuring Proper Nutrition (11:03)
• Ensuring Adequate Rest (12:06)

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 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).