Connected Parenting

Dating can bring up a very specific kind of parent anxiety, especially when you add in social media, texting, AI, and changing relationship norms that look nothing like what many of us grew up with. In this guest episode, I sit down with Lianne Lee and Sarah Winstanley from the ConnectED Parents Project (powered by SHIFT: The Project to End Domestic Violence at the University of Calgary) for a grounded, non–fear-based conversation on how to prepare kids for healthy relationships long before dating begins.Instead of “lock it down” parenting, this episode focuses on building skills early, strengthening connection, and helping kids develop an internal compass for what feels safe, respectful, and aligned. Jennifer's Takeaways:Overview of the Connected Parents Project (01:07)Challenges of Modern Dating for Parents (03:42)Navigating Relationship Stages and Labels (06:33)Building Connection and Trust in Parenting (16:03)Addressing Digital Influences and Technology (30:34)Teaching Relationship Skills to Children (30:46)Balancing Privacy and Secrecy in Parenting (46:00)Supporting Boys and Healthy Masculinity (47:07)Learn more:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInMeet 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).

To the loyal dads who listen regularly, thank you. Your presence here matters more than you know. And to the moms quietly cueing up a three-minute clip to share in the kitchen or on a car ride, this one is for you too.I want to say this clearly: fathers matter. Not as backup parents. Not as helpers. Not as secondary support. Fathers shape nervous systems. You shape self-worth. You shape how your children experience safety, confidence, boundaries, and the world itself.In this episode, I talk about something I call “The Father Effect.” When a dad slows down, makes eye contact, mirrors emotion, and listens without immediately fixing, it lands with extraordinary power that resonates deeply and often generationally.I also speak to a hard truth with compassion: many men were raised with a very narrow emotional rulebook. Be strong. Don’t cry. Don’t feel too much. And if you do feel something big, let it be anger. But emotions don’t disappear when they’re suppressed, they come out sideways.This episode is an invitation. Not to be tougher or louder but to be braver in a different way. To be steady. To be soft. To listen first. To lead from love, not fear.Because when fathers are present, regulated, and emotionally available, children thrive.And what you model today will echo in the adults your children become.Jennifer's Takeaways:Fathers Matter: Introduction and Acknowledgment (00:00)The Power of Fatherhood (01:22)The Father Effect: Attunement and Emotional Connection (02:19)Balancing Authority and Presence (05:49)The Role of Emotional Maturity (11:05)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).

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 replay 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-life scenarios to help you de-escalate conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen your relationship with your child.|If your child isn’t a teen yet—don’t worry, they will be soon! And if you have daughters, this technique is universally helpful for all kids.Tune in for a deep dive into CALM and how to apply it in everyday parenting.In today’s episode, we’ll explore:Introduction to the Calm Technique and Oxytocin (00:00)The Four Steps of the Calm Technique (03:35)Scenarios and Practical Applications (08:25)Advanced Techniques and Tips (23:01)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).

In today’s episode, I explore an important topic in modern parenting: the importance of struggle, and how easily it’s being lost in a world shaped by convenience, technology, and AI. While AI is part of the conversation, this episode goes deeper, focusing on what happens when children no longer get enough practice doing hard things.I explain why struggle is not a problem to eliminate, but a critical part of healthy brain development. When kids wrestle with challenges, frustration, effort, and uncertainty, they build resilience, problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and confidence. These capacities don’t come from ease or shortcuts, they come from experience.The episode gently challenges the instinct to smooth the path too much for our children, especially when tools like AI can quickly remove discomfort. Throughout the conversation, the message is clear: kids don’t need life to be harder, but they do need meaningful struggle. When parents stay present, encouraging, and regulated, children learn that they can tolerate difficulty and come out stronger on the other side.Jennifer's Takeaways:The Importance of Struggle in Parenting (00:00)Understanding Dopamine and Its Role in Motivation (00:48)The Impact of Technology on Children's Motivation (03:37)The Concept of Optimal Frustration (05:33)The Role of AI in Education and Parenting (09:13)Building Resilience and Mental Health (14:13)The Importance of Valuing the Process Over the Outcome (14:50)The Role of Parents in Guiding Children's Development (19:44)The Impact of AI on Emotional Maturity and Resilience (19:56)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer 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, Jennifer unpacks why the holiday season, meant to feel magical, can so quickly become overwhelming for families, especially those with sensitive, strong-willed, neurodivergent, or easily dysregulated kids.Between packed schedules, disrupted routines, sugar highs, late nights, social expectations, and the pressure to “be cheerful,” many children experience a perfect storm of excitement and stress. And when kids become dysregulated, parents often follow.Jennifer explains how to hold both connection and containment, the warmth and playfulness of the season and the firm boundaries kids need to feel safe. You’ll learn why predictable rhythms matter, how to prevent meltdowns before they start, and how to support kids who struggle with transitions, sensory overload, or big emotions.Whether you’re navigating multiple family gatherings, disrupted routines, or a child who feels everything intensely, this episode helps you create holidays that feel meaningful instead of messy, and connected instead of chaotic.Jennifer's Takeaways:Holiday Challenges for Parents and Children (00:00)Impact of Holiday Disruptions on Children (02:35)Maintaining Structure and Routine (04:47)Practical Strategies for a Calm Holiday (05:28)Reframing Holiday Success and Final Thoughts (09:29)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer 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).

Phones and AI aren’t going anywhere, so the goal isn’t to ban them, but to help our kids integrate them wisely. In this episode, we’ll explore how constant connectivity impacts a child’s ability to focus, plan, regulate emotions, and problem-solve. We’ll look at why kids and teens are especially vulnerable to the “instant relief” loop that phones provide, and how AI can both support and hinder their growing brains.Most importantly, we’ll talk about what parents can do: how to set boundaries that actually stick, how to preserve core executive functioning skills, and how to help your child build the resilience they’ll need in a world where technology is always within reach.Jennifer's Takeaways:Impact of Cell Phones and AI on Kids' Focus and Problem-Solving Skills (00:00)Challenges of Multitasking with Multiple Screens (02:46)Balancing AI Use with Critical Thinking Skills (03:50)The Role of Boredom in Developing Creativity (05:47)Teaching Kids to Use AI as a Coach, Not a Crutch (07:05)The Future of AI in Education and Parenting (08:09)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer 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).

When your child’s emotions, reactions, and struggles all feel bigger than you can handle, it can be exhausting. But there’s one thing that truly changes everything: connection.In this episode, we’ll explore how deep, genuine connection helps regulate a child’s nervous system, reduces explosive moments, and strengthens emotional safety. Because when kids feel seen, understood, and safe, even their most intense storms begin to settle.Jennifer's Takeaways:Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Parenting (00:00)The Role of Skills vs. Medication in ADHD Management (02:44)Applying the Calm Technique for ADHD Kids (04:39)Handling Doom Piles and Overwhelm (07:49)Reframing ADHD Strengths and Balancing Empathy with Limits (14:27)The Importance of Connection and Regulation in Parenting (16:48)Medication and Its Role in ADHD Management (19:12)Conclusion and Resources for Parents (22:32)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer 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).

Boredom, it’s uncomfortable, it’s annoying, and it often sends us scrambling for solutions. But what if boredom isn’t something to fix… what if it’s actually something to embrace?In this episode, we’ll explore why boredom isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s one of the most valuable emotional states for children. Boredom helps develop creativity, problem-solving, and emotional resilience, all essential skills for healthy development.In this week's episode you’ll learn how to shift your perspective, handle your own discomfort when your child complains, and create the space for boredom to do what it’s meant to: spark imagination and inner resourcefulness.Jennifer's Takeaways:Understanding the Importance of Boredom (00:00)The Role of Boredom in Child Development (02:03)Imagination and Boredom in Adolescents (04:05)Handling Boredom in Children (07:18)Strategies for Managing Boredom (08:38)Practical Tips for Parents (11:59)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer 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).