Connected Parenting

Tantrums can be exhausting, embarrassing, and incredibly triggering for parents, but they’re not always the defiance or manipulation they may appear to be.

In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer explores what is really happening in a child’s brain and body during a tantrum, the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, and why big emotions can simply become too much for a developing nervous system to contain. She also looks at some of the common factors that can make tantrums more likely, including hunger, lack of sleep, overstimulation, anxiety, and the need to discharge built-up energy.

Jennifer shares practical strategies for recognizing the warning signs, helping children regulate before things escalate, and responding differently when a tantrum does happen.

Most importantly, you’ll learn why staying calm, connected, and consistent can gradually reduce the frequency and length of tantrums while helping your child develop stronger emotional regulation skills over time.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Understanding Tantrums and Their Functions (00:00)
Factors Contributing to Tantrums (02:54)
Parenting Techniques to Manage Tantrums (07:54)
Practical Tips for Managing Tantrums in Public (11:20)
Support and Resources for Parents (14:04)

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).

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode, or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!

Leave Us an Apple Podcasts Review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Don't forget to visit our Connected Parenting Youtube Channel! Check it out! Like us and Subscribe!

Over-functioning happens when we step in and do things our children are capable of doing themselves, often because it feels easier than dealing with frustration, resistance, or a potential meltdown.

In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer explores why parents fall into this pattern and how fear, exhaustion, past experiences, and the desire to protect our kids can influence how much we do for them.

Jennifer explains why giving children opportunities to struggle, follow through, and accomplish difficult things helps build independence, confidence, responsibility, and grit. She also shares practical ways to step back without removing support, helping parents find the balance between being there for their children and allowing them to discover just how capable they really are.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Defining Overfunctioning (00:00)
Why Parents Overfunction (04:34)
Benefits of Avoiding Overfunctioning (12:56)
Strategies to Stop Overfunctioning (20:43)


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 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).

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode, or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!

Follow The Podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!

Leave Us an Apple Podcasts Review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Don't forget to visit our Connected Parenting Youtube Channel! Check it out! Like us and Subscribe!

Healthy friendships play a powerful role in a child’s confidence, emotional well-being, and even success at school. In this episode of Connected Parenting, Jennifer explores how parents can help their children become leaders in their own lives rather than simply following the crowd. She looks at what healthy, balanced friendships can offer children and why strong social health can be such an important protective factor as they grow.

Jennifer also shares guidance for parents whose children are struggling socially, following others into poor choices, or having difficulty developing healthy friendships. You’ll learn how to support your child without trying to manage their social life for them, while helping them build the confidence, judgment, and sense of self they need to make healthier choices. And if your child is already thriving socially, Jennifer explores how you can continue nurturing the skills that will help them maintain strong, balanced relationships as they grow.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Helping Children Become Leaders, Not Followers (0:00)
Modeling Empathy and Integrity (3:14)
Teaching Children to Navigate Social Situations (7:58)
The Role of Parents in Improving Social Skills (9:24)
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 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).

Summer camp is often thought of as a place for outdoor adventures, campfires, and lifelong friendships but its impact goes far beyond creating happy memories. In this replay episode, Jennifer explores why summer camp can be one of the most powerful experiences for a child's emotional, social, and personal development.

From learning independence and building confidence to navigating challenges without parents nearby, camp provides opportunities for growth that are difficult to recreate anywhere else.

Whether your child is heading to camp for the first time or is already a seasoned camper, this episode highlights why these experiences often leave a lasting impact that extends well beyond the summer months.

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).

Today’s episode comes from our Q&A series, where I respond to real parenting questions from listeners.

Andrea wrote in about the challenges she is experiencing with her 10-year-old daughter, whom she describes as a “gladiator,” strong-willed, determined, and often wanting things to go her way. While these qualities can become incredible strengths, they can also make family outings difficult when expectations change, transitions feel overwhelming, or disappointment leads to a meltdown.

With an upcoming trip to a theme park, Andrea wanted to know how she could prepare her daughter while also making the day enjoyable for the rest of the family.

In this episode, I share practical ways to set clear expectations before the outing, prepare for transitions, reduce potential power struggles, and create a flexible plan that supports everyone. Family trips do not have to become a battle. With thoughtful preparation and realistic expectations, you can help your gladiator child feel more secure while protecting the connection, fun, and enjoyment of the day for the entire family.

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).