PODCAST RE-RELEASE - I feel like summer is the best time to be a connected parent because it’s the time where you are less busy. Usually, there’s more vacations, or at least some of the major things that kids are doing during the year have slowed down or stopped and there’s time to connect and regroup. Overall it’s a time to really slow down, enjoy life and each other. For this reason I like to make summer all about mirroring and connections and in today’s episode I want to do a quick kind of re...
Jul 28, 2023•14 min
Today, we're talking about overfunctioning and how it can hinder our children's growth and independence when we do things for our kids that they can actually do themselves. We’ll look at the importance of setting age-appropriate expectations for our children's tasks and responsibilities, ensuring they have the chance to grow at their own pace responsibility where they are able. So, if you're looking to empower your kids, foster independence, and build resilience in them, this episode is a must-l...
Jul 21, 2023
Whether you're navigating the toddler years, tackling the teenage challenges, or looking to strengthen your bond with your partner, this conversation I had as a guest over on the "Smart Family Podcast" speaks to all 3.. Join me along with Dr. Rob Meeder and Toni Nieuwhof for an episode that will inspire, empower, and equip you to create strong, thriving relationships with your toddlers, teenagers, and partner. MEET DR. ROB MEEDER & TONI NIEUWHOF: Toni’s extensive experience as a lawyer, phar...
Jul 14, 2023
Anxiety is a beast. A difficult, uncomfortable emotion that can be a challenge to live with on a daily basis . It is an emotion that more and more people are struggling with including kids. In today's episode I want to give you some strategies that you can integrate into your lives every day that will help you and your kids regulate and integrate anxiety. MEET JENNIFER KOLARI Jennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” pod...
Jul 07, 2023•16 min
In today's discussion, we will delve into the world of ADHD, exploring its impact on social interactions, emotional well-being, and behavioral patterns. By gaining a deeper understanding of ADHD from these perspectives, we can navigate the challenges associated with it more effectively. Join me as we unravel the complexities and shed light on ADHD. MEET JENNIFER KOLARI Jennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. K...
Jun 30, 2023•22 min
In today's episode, we dive into the world of summer camp and why it holds tremendous value for children and families. Although the cost of summer camp can be a barrier for many families, today I'll discuss strategies to make it more accessible, such as exploring financial aid options and cost-saving measures. Join me as we navigate the do's and don'ts of summer camp, offering insights on how to make the most of this enriching experience for your children and discover its incredible potential fo...
Jun 23, 2023•13 min
In today's episode, we are shining the spotlight on Fatherhood and all the unique strengths and challenges that come with being a dad. With various external factors impacting our children and parenting as a whole, it's crucial to explore the role of fathers. Join me for this week's episode, let's gain insights and perspectives on how to navigate fatherhood in these extraordinary times. MEET JENNIFER KOLARI Jennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of...
Jun 16, 2023•15 min
As a parent, I've often discussed the challenges and rewards that come with raising gladiator children in my work and today I am thrilled to welcome one of those children, my youngest daughter Olivia to the show. She's a true gladiator child, with her feisty spirit, sassiness, and remarkable sensitivity who's insights shed light on the complexities and joys of being a gladiator child. While every family's experience is unique hearing the thoughts, feelings and development of a child who walked t...
Jun 09, 2023•35 min
"I Hate You"... As parents, it can be heart-wrenching to hear these words, especially if our children have intense emotions and difficulties regulating them. In today's episode, we'll explore why these words are sometimes uttered, what actions we can take when faced with them, and how to work towards minimizing their occurrence in the future. 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 ...
Jun 02, 2023•15 min
From students to parents and teachers, the months of May and June can be particularly challenging and draining. Let's uncover the underlying causes of end-of-year burnout and discover actionable steps to make this period a smoother and more fulfilling one. 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 ad...
May 26, 2023•12 min
In today's episode, we delve into the world of mathematics education and the challenges kids often face when it comes to math. My guest, Rhonda, is an expert in the field with a strong passion for helping children and adolescents overcome their math struggles. Her extensive background in mathematics and education along with her dedication to empowering young minds with valuable math skills is truly inspiring. During today's conversation, Rhonda shares valuable strategies, tips, and insights on h...
May 19, 2023•47 min
Welcome to today's episode, and my celebration of all the incredible moms out there. As someone who works closely with families, I have the privilege of witnessing the powerful and limitless love that moms have for their children and their families every single day. It is truly a beautiful thing to see and experience. Despite the challenges and difficulties that come with parenting, a mother's love is the most resilient force in the universe. No matter how difficult a child's behavior a mother's...
May 12, 2023
[PLEASE NOTE: If your child is experiencing something traumatic, seek professional help and support. Today's conversation is for normal everyday moments when children blame others or feel like everything is always going wrong for them.] As a parent, one of the most important things to remember is that your children are always watching and learning from you. By gauging their responses to the world based on yours, they intuitively learn how to navigate life. In this week's episode, I look specific...
May 05, 2023•15 min
My guest this week Dr Friedemann has for more than 20 years been helping people overcome fear and anxiety without medication --- ultimately supporting them in their break through of both their mental and emotional blocks to eventually become the empowered leaders of their lives. Dr. Friedman is the author of the award winning book the Fear and Anxiety Solution. His newest book, The Empowerment Solution just came out in March and focuses on activating the healing power of the subconscious mind to...
Apr 19, 2023•43 min
As a parent, it's heart-wrenching to see your child starting school without a social safety net, left feeling alone and disconnected. It's natural to feel helpless and overwhelmed by the situation, but there are actionable steps you can take to empower your child and navigate through this trying experience. Together, let's explore the best ways to support your child during this difficult time, while managing your own emotions and fostering a positive path forward. Meet Jennifer Kolari Jennifer K...
Apr 05, 2023•21 min
The college acceptance season is upon us and emotions are running high for both students and parents. Some are elated with the news of acceptance, while others are crushed by rejection. Whether you have a college-bound kid or not, helping them navigate the turbulence of rejection can be challenging. In this episode, we’ll explore ways to connect with and support your child through the rollercoaster of emotions that come with disappointment. From mirroring their feelings to validating their exper...
Mar 29, 2023•11 min
Get ready for an exhilarating journey today as we launch into our first-ever interview series that will take us through the awe-inspiring lives of phenomenal individuals with powerful stories, wisdom to share, and tips to elevate our lives – and parenting game! It is with immense pleasure that I welcome our first guest and real-life superhero, my good friend, Jimmy May. A retired Navy SEAL Commander with 22 years of unparalleled courage and leadership under his belt, our conversation with Jimmy ...
Mar 22, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 109
Today, I'm going to do a bit of a deep dive into the importance of play, especially in terms of children's psychosocial development and how unstructured, non-guided play is absolutely critical to good mental health in children. Jennifer Takeaways: Children Work Life Out In Play (1:57) Noticing Themes (5:09) Playing Alone Is Healthy (7:16) Kids Have Amazing Imaginations (8:49) The Importance Of Play (10:26) MEET JENNIFER KOLARI Jennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podca...
Mar 15, 2023•11 min
As a parent of teens, you might be familiar with what I like to call the dreaded "screaming hair fit," caused by everything from finding the perfect outfit before an important event, a haircut gone wrong or even just a pimple on their face. Transition times with teens can be especially turbulent; and leave you feeling pulled you into their emotional "vortex" with no way to get yourself out of it. If this sounds familiar join me for today's discussion where I'll look closer at why this phenomenon...
Mar 08, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 107
As parents we have all heard the same messaging about – making sure our teens talk to us face-to-face and spend less time on their screens. However, when it comes to texting with them this may not always be the hard and fast rule. So why on earth would I tell you to text your teen? Tune into today’s episode and discover how texting your teen can make having conversations easier while also aiding in their growth and development. MEET JENNIFER KOLARI Jennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected P...
Feb 22, 2023•11 min
Making mistakes is guaranteed in life. But they’re also an inevitable and intricate part of learning and growth. This means how we react to those mistakes, especially in front of our kids, really teaches them how to respond to errors and perfection. Our kids are always watching us, and we are always teaching them — is the message clear? VALENTINE’S SALE | HAPPENING NOW | It’s time for a revolution in parenting that’s based on the neuroscience of love. To celebrate the month of LOVE, we are offer...
Feb 15, 2023•15 min
February is the perfect month to explore the science behind love and its impact on parenting. Discover how dopamine and oxytocin, aka ‘happy hormones’, can help you better understand yourself, build stronger relationships with your family, and foster meaningful connection through deeper insight of emotions.. Join us for an in-depth journey into the neurobiology of love. Have you seen my latest course? Master Procrastinator Course | “From No to Go” ….a course specifically designed to help your te...
Feb 08, 2023•17 min
Ever feel like you are stuck in this never ending loop of back and forth with your kids? In today’s episode, I’m talking about “the protest”. When it comes to strong-will kids or “Gladiators” as I lovingly call them you will often see this sort of pushing back, or automatic no to almost any new idea and or transition. They just have a very powerful counter to whatever it is you say, that they hold strong to and don’t back down from. How you respond to the protest can really make a difference in ...
Jan 25, 2023•15 min
What is a gladiator child? I realized I referenced that term a lot in some of my podcast episodes but I haven’t actually done an episode that speaks specifically on what a gladiator child is like, who they are and what their incredible qualities are. So join me this week to explore what it means to have a “gladiator child” and learn just how much they really do bring to our lives and the world at large. Have you seen my latest course? Master Procrastinator Course | “From No to Go” ….a course spe...
Jan 18, 2023•24 min
Having older children now has made me very much aware of time and pace at which it moves. Everyone warns you of this fact when you first become a parent and it isn’t until, you look back you realize how fast time actually went. For many of you who have little ones who are exhausted, and it just seems like it’s never going to end. Instead every day, gets harder and harder and truth is sometimes it does. But the other truth is time really does fly and if we aren’t paying attention to it, we can mi...
Jan 11, 2023•13 min
The holidays can be wonderful, warm and lovely but they can also be really stressful. Kids are tired, they’re sugared up and full of excitement. Unfortunately, excitement doesn’t always feel great in a child’s body. Sometimes it just feels like excess energy that they have to diffuse. With this level of excitement during the holiday season comes a lot of expectations and worry about, are my kids going to behave at dinner, are they going to be rude when they get a gift they don’t want, how are th...
Dec 21, 2022•11 min
Today I have my favorite guest, Natalie Syrmopoulos, joining me, and we’re talking about how to invest in play even when you’ve had a really stressful day. Like most parents just hearing that probably sounds exhausting, and it not like something that you really want to do. If you can relate, this episode is just what you need. Join us to hear our top tips for how to keep it fun even when you’ve had a hard day. Connect with Natalie Syrmopoulos Website: https://evolvingwithnatalie.com/Instagram: @...
Dec 14, 2022•21 min
Today I want to talk about teenage angst and in particular, the age of 15. 15 is a tough age for teenagers that I call that the ‘existential year’. Whether you have a teen this age or one upcoming join me and together let’s figure out what’s going on in their teenager brain, and learn what it is you can do to help comfort and soothe them all while forging a deeper connection. Have you seen my latest course? Master Procrastinator Course | “From No to Go” ….a course specifically designed to help y...
Nov 30, 2022•13 min
It is unbelievably challenging to parent a master procrastinator. Your days are filled with worry, and an ever-growing pit in your stomach as you watch them play video games, or sit on their phone amidst looming homework due dates and projects that haven’t even been started yet. Often leading you to parent from a place of fear, where nagging, begging, pleading, threatening and the removal of their things is the only option you know to take. This isn’t how you envisioned life when it came to rais...
Nov 23, 2022•22 min
Today I'm going to talk about baby play, also known as limbic bonding. This is one of the pillars of Connected Parenting that includes moments where you deeply connect with your child, look in their eyes, rub noses, put your hands on their cheeks, or play with and tickle them. In those precious moments, incredible things are happening... You're bonding You're building emotional resilience You're strengthening the immune system You're speeding up neuroplasticity It is really a wonderful, wonderfu...
Nov 16, 2022•13 min