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,...
Jul 11, 2025
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: U...
Jul 04, 2025•15 min
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, emo...
Jun 27, 2025•13 min
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 Tec...
Jun 20, 2025•16 min
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,...
Jun 13, 2025•16 min
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 gears to talk about teens, specifically, what to do when your teenager refuses to go on family weekends ...
Jun 06, 2025•18 min
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 independence in ways that feel safe and supportive for both of you. Tune in and rediscover the magic ...
May 30, 2025•14 min
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, looking closer at why seemingly simple decisions like getting dressed can turn into full-blown power str...
May 23, 2025•14 min
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 becomes more withdrawn, independent, and focused on her peers. For many parents, this change feels like ...
May 16, 2025•17 min
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, neurodivergent, or struggle with executive functioning. They don’t mean to frustrate you—they’re just...
May 02, 2025•22 min
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 emotional outbursts and you're left wondering, why am I getting the worst while everyone else gets th...
Apr 25, 2025•19 min
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 anxiety if not handled with care. Whether it’s adjusting to daylight saving time, the end of the school ...
Apr 18, 2025•14 min
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 learn practical strategies to help your child feel safe, grounded, and empowered when panic takes over...
Apr 11, 2025•23 min
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 diagnosis and passing from FTD and ALS shaped her passion for helping families navigate bereavement and los...
Apr 04, 2025•31 min
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 absorb the information. Sometimes, it helps to hear it from someone who isn’t their parent. For this...
Mar 28, 2025•12 min
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 resilience, and ultimately succeed. But for kids who struggle with stress tolerance, failure can feel li...
Mar 14, 2025•16 min
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 strengthen your child's courage muscle, especially for those who are naturally hesitant. You'll learn prac...
Mar 07, 2025•13 min
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 Rob guide him toward kindness without shutting him down completely? Lily’s Question: Her 12-year-old...
Feb 28, 2025•21 min
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, a sensitive pre-teen, or a moody adolescent, this episode will provide practical examples and real...
Feb 21, 2025•25 min
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 five minutes before feeling the urge to scroll? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In today’s e...
Feb 14, 2025•12 min
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 completely disoriented. But in today’s digital world, there’s a new layer—the language of social media-dri...
Feb 07, 2025•26 min
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 are enforced. However, despite their resistance, clear, consistent, and loving boundaries actually mak...
Jan 31, 2025•17 min
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 parents doesn’t just benefit you—it’s a gift to your children. Kids thrive when they see their parents...
Jan 24, 2025•10 min
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 explore how to navigate those lingering emotions and patterns that surface during family gatherings, ...
Jan 17, 2025•23 min
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 family gatherings. Front-loading expectations for both children and adults. Manage gift exchanges, oversti...
Dec 20, 2024•11 min
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. Jennifer's Takeaways: Positive Reinforcement in Parenting (00:00) Understanding the Pleasure-Pain Continuu...
Dec 13, 2024
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 implement 10 actionable strategies to help them recognize and process their emotions. By understand...
Dec 06, 2024•17 min
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 negative behaviors? If this is a question in your home, listen in to hear my thoughts on helping you...
Nov 29, 2024•13 min
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 you. Je...
Nov 22, 2024•21 min
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 have...
Nov 15, 2024•17 min
