Parenting Without Guilt: How to Reconnect with Your Kids (at Any Age) with Jennifer Kolari

Parenting Without Guilt: How to Reconnect with Your Kids (at Any Age) with Jennifer Kolari

"I want to be more present with my kids, but work always pulls me away."

Are you a strong leader at work but feel like you're failing at home? You want to be more present with your kids, but they shut down when you try to talk, and you don't know how to fix it.

Are you doing everything you can, but it still doesn't feel like enough?

Licensed child and family therapist Jennifer Kolari understands this struggle first-hand. As founder of Connected Parenting, she's discovered that deep emotional connection, not control, is the key to raising resilient children. What she teaches might surprise you: the very moments when things are the most difficult are actually your greatest opportunities to build resilience and trust.

Your Child's Brain Is Under Construction

Worried you're screwing up your child without realizing it? This thought often stems from a misunderstanding about how children's brains work. Jennifer explains that children don't have fully functioning frontal lobes until around age 25. So you're not just a parent. You're a "substitute frontal lobe."

When your child melts down, it's not defiance—it's neurobiology.

Connection Is Medicine

Jennifer's CALM technique triggers oxytocin release—the "love drug" that speeds learning, strengthens immunity, blocks stress hormones, and builds resilience. The best part? You get these benefits too.

It's Never Too Late

Whether your child is 5 or 25, it's never too late. Connection can transform any relationship, starting with small moments.

Episode Highlights

Understanding Your Child: 

[3:51] - Jennifer's origin story with traumatized children 

[19:47] - How oxytocin rewires your child's brain

[22:57] - Why you're a "substitute frontal lobe" 

 

The CALM Technique: 

[27:50] - You can't regulate your child if you're not regulated 

[31:11] - Four steps of connecting before correcting 

[32:25] - Affect matching without escalating

 

Real-World Application: 

[39:49] - CALM technique examples in action 

[42:51] - Using self-compassion when you mess up

 

Powerful Quotes

"Our children are our greatest teachers. Every emotional trigger, every piece of conditioning, all of the things that we did not resolve in our childhood will show up with our children." —Blake Schofield

"Children are not mini-adults. Their brains are under construction. You are a substitute frontal lobe." —Jennifer Kolari

Resources Mentioned

• Connect with Jennifer Kolari: https://www.connectedparenting.com/

• The "5 Shifts of Parenting" That Bring You More Connection, Freedom and JOY as a Parent (FREE WEBINAR): https://www.connectedparenting.com/webinar 

• The Connected Parenting Podcast, sharing weekly science-backed techniques on how to parent your sensitive children: https://www.connectedparenting.com/podcast

 

Enter the Giveaway + Win Prizes!

All who enter get Realignment Rituals™—a 5-Day Audio Series to Reclaim Energy & Clarity—plus a chance to win:

 

• 1:1 Alignment Accelerator coaching session ($2,000 value) w/ Blake Schofield: Uncover what's holding you back, how to align with how you are naturally wired to thrive & move forward with confidence — 1 winner

• Personal branding coaching session ($495 value) w/ Jennifer McClure: Clarify:  Clarify & confidently communicate your unique value; building a standout leadership brand — 2 winners

• Financial Mindset Fix online course ($997 value