In this episode of Connected Parenting, we’re diving deep into the world of gladiator kids—those feisty, strong-willed, and intensely challenging children who push back at every turn.

These spirited kids often test the limits, leaving parents feeling exhausted, judged, and overwhelmed. Parenting a gladiator child can be incredibly tough, and it’s a journey that demands understanding, patience, and a lot of support.

Join me as I explore what makes these kids tick, the unique challenges parents face, and practical strategies for managing their behavior without losing your own calm.

Whether you’ve heard my previous episodes on gladiator kids or are tuning in for the first time, this episode will provide fresh insights and tools to help navigate the daily battles—and find more peace along the way.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by parenting a strong-willed child, you’re not alone—this episode is for you.

Jennifer's Takeaways:

Understanding Gladiator Kids (00:00 )

Gladiator Kids Are Change Makers (03:48 )

What Parents Are Feeling (11:09 )

Gladiator Kids Will Sabotage Themselves (12:06 )

The Role of Parents and Children (20:11 )

Characteristics and Challenges of Gladiator Kids (20:23 )

Parental Emotions and Support (20:43 )

Strategies for Parenting Gladiator Kids (21:02 )

Connecting with the Child and Seeking Help (21:48 )

Community and Support for Parents (24:58 )

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).