Connected Parenting shares techniques that therapists use to help parents soothe their child as well as enhance the parent-child bond and is based on the understanding that correcting and guiding behavior works best when it is preceded by and linked to empathy. At the heart of this parenting model is the CALM Technique which helps parents accurately attune to children’s affect and experience. These empathic interactions release reward chemicals in the brain that stimulate positive emotions and…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
In this special guest interview episode, Jennifer sits down with Barrie Farivar, founder of Leaf, a private voice app created to help families capture and preserve the everyday moments that often become our most treasured memories. After spending 15 years at Google and YouTube, Barrie set out to build something centered on connection rather than performance, creating a simple way for families to…
Disagreements are a natural part of life, but for many children and adults, conflict can feel threatening, overwhelming, or deeply personal. In this episode, Jennifer explores the powerful concept of conflict tolerance; the ability to stay calm, connected, and emotionally regulated when opinions differ. Rather than teaching children how to win arguments, she explains why one of the greatest life…
Many parents find themselves asking the same painful questions: Why can't my child get started? Why won't they get out of bed, apply for the job, make the phone call, or begin the assignment? It can look like laziness, entitlement, or a lack of motivation, leaving parents feeling frustrated, worried, and unsure how to help. In this episode, Jennifer challenges the idea of "failure to launch" and…
Many parents are carrying a quiet but persistent sense of uncertainty. The headlines, world events, and constant flow of information can leave families feeling like life is less predictable than it once was. In this episode, Jennifer continues the conversation about fear and uncertainty, exploring what it means to parent when this isn't just a temporary moment but an ongoing emotional climate. She…
Many parents notice something surprising after family life begins to improve. Their child is calmer, relationships are stronger, and the home feels more peaceful, yet they still feel anxious, unsettled, or like they’re waiting for something to go wrong. In this episode, Jennifer explores why this happens and explains how the nervous system can remain stuck in a state of high alert long after the…
Sibling conflict can be one of the hardest parts of parenting, especially when the fighting feels intense, personal, or mean. These moments can leave parents feeling overwhelmed, protective, and wondering if they’re doing something wrong. In this episode, Jennifer explores why sibling conflict feels so activating for parents and explains that what looks like bad behavior is often developing…