In today's podcast, we'll delve into the transformative power of wonder and awe—emotions that children embrace naturally but adults often overlook as they grow older. We'll explore the significance of reconnecting with these profound states of being to enrich your life and safeguard this sense of marvel for your children. Join me as we learn to cultivate, cherish, and become champions of wonder and awe in our daily lives. Jennifer's Takeaways: Intro (00:00) Reward Chemicals (03:07) Let Your Kids Stay In That Wonder (05:18) Magical Childhood Moments(06:53) Pay Attention To The Awesome (08 ..read more

In this episode, I’m excited to share a special conversation I had with Ann Odom on her podcast, "The Reprogram." Ann, a seasoned social worker, combines over two decades of experience with a unique blend of somatic experiencing, nervous system healing, and inner child work. This approach addresses the deep-seated memories stored in our bodies from past experiences. I found our discussion incredibly enlightening and am thrilled to have her as a future guest on my show. For now, enjoy this insightful exchange. Jennifer's Takeaways: Intro (00:00) Connecting With Traumatized Children (04:34 ..read more

In today's episode, we're diving into an essential topic: self-awareness and how we, as parents, can gift to our children this crucial skill for fostering good mental health, strong social skills, and building resilience as they navigate the complexities of growing up. By helping our children develop self-awareness, we empower them to handle life's challenges with confidence and grow into more grounded, emotionally intelligent adults. Join me for an insightful conversation packed with actionable tips to support your child's personal growth. Jennifer's Takeaways: Intro (00:00) Empathy + Emo ..read more

In today's Q&A episode, we tackle a heartfelt and challenging topic that many families face. Janine writes in with a situation that may resonate with many: her 10-year-old son holds a deep-seated resentment towards his 8-year-old sibling, simply for being born. This type of sibling rivalry can be devastating and perplexing for parents. It's a common scenario we encounter at Connected Parenting, especially among families with what we refer to as 'gladiator kids'. Join me as we delve into effective strategies and insights on how to navigate and resolve these intense feelings of animosity ..read more

When we think of separation anxiety, we often think about leaving little kids at daycare. But I actually see in my practice, lots of kids that are much older, even 11 and 12, who have real separation anxiety, where they're worried if you go out for dinner, or a walk around the block, and they're in the house by themselves. They just can't do it and they need to know where you are all the time. This can be a real problem for parents, and it can be a really hard thing for kids and if you can relate then join me for today's discussion; where we talk about separation anxiety in our children and w ..read more

Today, we’re revisiting a fan-favorite episode, featuring a special session with my daughter Zoe on the CALM technique. Listen in as we delve into managing schedules and maintaining order. We'll role-play typical chaotic home scenarios, demonstrating the transformative effects of the CALM technique before and after its application. If you’re new to the podcast or need a refresher on the biochemical principles that make the CALM technique so effective, I recommend checking out episodes one and two after this replay. Join us again for this insightful look back! Join me as we explore strategi ..read more

A listener named Justin shared his frustration with his 13-year-old daughter's screen habits, feeling exhausted from constantly having to monitor her. He's also grappling with her claims that other parents are more lenient, leaving him questioning if strict rules hinder her ability to handle technology responsibly. This is a common dilemma, and with recent alarming research on screen time effects, it's crucial to address. Join me as we explore strategies for helping teens take charge of their screen use and discuss ways parents can maintain sanity while effectively guiding their children thr ..read more

Today we are diving into the idea that as parents, we're essentially acting as substitute frontal lobes for our children. After an Instagram short I posted went viral, I realized just how much this idea resonated with so many of you. We are looking at: Why are we more than just parents in the traditional sense? What does stepping into the role of a substitute frontal lobe truly entail for us and our kids? Why has nature designed our parenting roles this way? Join me as we unravel these questions and explore the profound implications this perspective holds for our parenting journey. Are yo ..read more

Amidst the complexities and generational gaps, the profound love and unique connections Grandparents share with us and our families hold immense importance to our growth and overall life experience. Join me today to explore the richness of this relationship, examining the contrast between modern parenting and the practices of our parents' era, and discover ways to navigate these differences for a harmonious family dynamic. Jennifer's Takeaways: Intro (00:00) Parenting Strategies + Their Impact On Children's Safety + Well-Being (1:20) Grandparents Spoiling Kids (3:36) Setting Boundaries With ..read more

Amidst the complexities and generational gaps, the profound love and unique connections Grandparents share with us and our families hold immense importance to our growth and overall life experience. Join me today to explore the richness of this relationship, examining the contrast between modern parenting and the practices of our parents' era, and discover ways to navigate these differences for a harmonious family dynamic. Jennifer's Takeaways: Intro (00:00) Parenting Strategies + Their Impact On Children's Safety + Well-Being (1:20) Grandparents Spoiling Kids (3:36) Setting Boundaries With ..read more