Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

A listener has asked, “Should we tell our kids they are beautiful?” It's ok to tell our kids they're beautiful, but we must ensure their sense of worth isn't solely tied to their looks. Focusing too much on appearance can make children rely on external validation and set them up to have a limited view of themselves. We share some helpful ways that you can encourage your child so they know they are enough, exactly as they are. (R) This episode originally aired 16/8/22. In today’s episode: Should we tell our kids that they’re beautiful? Renee Engeln – Beauty Sick Justin shares some ideas from his book Miss-Connection Teach your daughters media literacy Try to not comment on appearance when you bump into a friend Focus on your child’s inner strengths/beauty, personality, values “Instead of watching what goes into our kid’s mouths, we should watch what comes out of ours.” – James Corden . Related links: Pixel Perfect [Webinar] Watch Your Words [Article] Am I Not Pretty Enough? [Article] #126 Why Your Daughter Doesn't Need Another Mirror In Her Life (Featuring Dr Renee Engeln) . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is not worth going to war with your child over their preferences. There are going to be more important issues that will require you to stand your ground. These moments can end in a full-blown battle with your child, or by reframing the conversation, you can work through these tough issues, avoiding conflict while still keeping your kids healthy and safe. Listen in to find out how! (R) This episode originally aired 6/6/22. Topics discussed in today’s podcast: Common fights parents have with children Sleeping, eating Friends, parties, sleepovers Social media, alcohol & drugs, intimacy, pornography, dress Conflict is normal Is your child's safety at risk? Control and power struggles Conversations without conflict Justin’s ladder metaphor Prioritising relationship Preferences vs. principles . Related links: Winning the “Gaming” Battle with our Boys – and Taking our Parenting to the Next Level Eat Right Without a Fight [eBook] Should We be Giving our Teens Alcohol? Whose House Rules? . Register for the Supporting Autistic Children course with Dr Joey Lawrence and Dr Justin Coulson. Doors close July 8. Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are parents really responsible for their kids’ happiness? Doing things purely to make our children happy often results in disappointment—for them and for us. Instead of trying to satisfy our children's insatiable craving for happiness, we share four things to teach them that will help build happiness as a by-product rather than an end in and of itself. (R) This episode originally aired 1/8/22. In this episode: Myth – It’s our job to make our kids happy Things that could go wrong if you think it’s your job to make your kids happy Setting our kids up to fail What ARE we responsible for? Emotion coaching Do hard things Building positive relationships . Related links: Hopeful Kids Are Happy Kids Helping Our Kids Feel Good By Doing Good Purchase Better Together on the Happy Families website – Because a happy family doesn’t just happen. . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many myths surround parenting, including the misguided beliefs that you can maintain your pre-child lifestyle or that you will instantly connect with your baby or even that teenagers are stupid. Discover why these and other common misconceptions need to be debunked. (R) This episode originally aired 28/7/22. In today’s episode: Babies are intense! Feeding/sleeping challenges Pre-child life and routine Motherhood can be all encompassing Accepting limitations and boundaries that come with children Dads bonding with baby Birth experience can affect connection Emergency caesarean, postnatal depression Connection can take time, may require interventional help Challenging kids The teenage brain . Related links: Pixel Perfect [Webinar] The Teenage Brain [Webinar] Top Seven Tips for New Dads to Boost Wellbeing 13 Reasons why Teenagers are GREAT! . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we help our children become better learners? When learning is seen as a process of creating abilities rather than discovering abilities, children can embrace challenges as opportunities for growth instead of avoiding them due to fear of failure. James Anderson and Justin Coulson explore how parents can help children leave their comfort zone and step into their learning zone, to understand that struggle and discomfort are natural and temporary parts of the learning journey and that investing effort results in hard things becoming easy. (R) This episode originally aired 27/7/22. In today’s episode: #529 The Growth Mindset with James Anderson Learnership Mindset – fixed vs growth. Lifelong learners, performance learners, non-learners Finding and following your strengths Choosing what you want to become Learning zones Comfort zone – easy things you haven’t done yet You don't get better by doing your best Effort is the cost of growth That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed but that our power to do has increased.”― Ralph Waldo Emerson . Related links: Learn more about James Anderson – LEARNERSHIP: The Skill Of Learning The Most Powerful Words We Can Say to Our Children . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myth: "Parents cannot be friends with their child." Relationships that are based on trust, appropriate disclosure, and respect are still friendships, regardless of whether they are egalitarian or not. Our children need these kinds of relationships with us. But there are limits to this friendship. Justin & Kylie examine the nature of parent-child friendships and how this relationship morphs and grows over time from the early years right up to adulthood. In this episode: Can you be friends with your kids? Parent before friend What our children need from us Mistakes parents make when trying to be their child's friend Permissive parenting Can you tell whether someone is a good parent by how good their kids turn out? High level of control can lead to rebellious children At what point is a child a good person? Mental health and wellbeing, special needs Challenging behaviours Judging parents on a child's behaviour Children make their own choices Be the best parent you can be . Related links: Anxiety In Your Child [Webinar - free for HF members] I Am Not Your Friend. I Am Your Parent How to Fix a Problem Child . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you tired of feeling like your worth as a parent hinges on your child's achievements? In today's podcast, we debunk common parenting myths and explore why it's unhealthy to measure your parenting success by your child's performance. We discuss the importance of self-care, the balance between personal needs and parental duties, and the critical role of maintaining a strong relationship with your spouse for a thriving family life. (R) This episode originally aired 25/7/22. In this episode: Each child brings a new parenting challenge Parenting teaches you a lot about yourself How do we measure our success as a parent? Balancing the needs of children with self-care Prioritising your relationship with partner/spouse What does it mean to be a good parent? . Related links: Dadding Done Right [Webinar] Self Care Strategies That Really Work We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing Having Parents in Love Is Great for Your Kids . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin is on a mission to use his phone less. Find out what he has done this week that has been a freeing (albeit slightly inconvenient) experience. In response to last week's episode 'Mum Break', a lot of women are saying they could never leave the kids and go away for a week! Kylie and Justin discuss why this is the case and what can be done to support and encourage mums to take some time out for themselves. In this episode: Unplug Childhood Deleting apps from devices Dropping social media The never ending laundry cycle A shout out to all the extraordinary single parents listening! "Mum breaks" - why they aren't happening more The 'martyr syndrome' of motherhood Dads need to step up . Related links: #100 Managing Bedtime as a Solo Parent 10 Reasons You’re Doing Better as a Parent Than You Think What Dad Can Do for Mum’s Wellbeing . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We unpack the latest science for parents with three fascinating studies this week: the positive outcomes that come from connecting online, the power of touch and how it has the capacity to ease pain, anxiety, and depression, and how anger is worse for us than we thought. In this episode: A Multiverse Analysis of the Associations Between Internet Use and Well-Being by Matti Vuorre and Andrew K. Przybylski Internet connection and wellbeing Brain development Getting the balance right The power of touch Vagus nerve and Karen Young A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions Stress hormones damage us Anger Does a Lot More Damage to Your Body Than You Realize Anger Kills, by Dr Redford Williams Anger is normal Stephen Covey - the space between stimulus and response . Related links: Why Getting Angry Doesn't Work #553 All The Rage: Taming Parental Anger . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beck Delahoy explores the paradox of modern parenting: while raising children has never been easier thanks to advancements in health, education, and living standards, parenting itself has become increasingly challenging. However, with these advancements, a "slow life strategy" has emerged, leading to intensive parenting practices doing more harm than good. It’s time to ease up on the intensive parenting and embrace a simpler, more fulfilling approach to raising children. In this episode: Beck Delahoy's 'Lessons Learned' Parenting Substack Life expectancy's pre 1900s Why raising children into adulthood has never been easier The 'slow life strategey' Intensive parenting Parenting is harder Time to lower the parenting bar . Related links: What Your Child Needs From You [Webinar] . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conflict is a normal, natural part of every healthy relationship, but sometimes our children can become fearful and anxious when parents argue. You can have more productive arguments and model healthy conflict resolution by focusing on the quality of the interaction—the regulation—rather than the resolution itself. Brittany asks, "How do you teach empathy without creating a people-pleaser?" We want our children to be helpful, kind, and considerate of others, but not at the expense of their own wellbeing or with unhealthy levels of self-sacrifice. There are three things you can teach your child to prevent them from becoming people-pleasers. In this episode: When children become concerned and try to keep the peace between parents Be attentive to your child's worries Is it ever ok to argue in front of the kids? Examples of unhealthy conflict Respectful, productive conflict How to focus on regulation over resolution (4 things to model) John Gottman, Esther Perez People-pleasing VS empathy, consideration of others Where does your child get their value or sense of identity from? . Related links: #523 Should We Argue In Front Of The Kids? . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we make feelings “King”, our children can become stuck in their emotion, unable to regulate or move forward. Justin shares the right way to respond to feelings, helping them understand, process, and then move through their emotional state. In this episode: Revolutionary change in how parents respond to emotions Impact of TikTok parenting influencers Validating emotions Feeling seen, heard, valued Ways to regulate and tame emotions Parent or therapist? #822 The Emotional Lives of Teenagers - Part 1 #827 The Emotional Lives of Teenagers - Part 2 #976 Abigail Shrier's Bad Therapy How to help your child process their emotion and move on from it . Related links: The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents, by Lisa Damour The Secret to Regulating Emotions Emotion Coaching [Webinar] Little People, Big Feelings [The Summit] . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kylie is away on a kid-free adventure with a friend...and loving it! Has Justin been surviving without her? Listen in to hear the challenges, the fun, and the lessons they are both experiencing during this extended time apart. In this episode: A girls week away Friendships Pressures of family life Importance of stability and routine . Related links: Overwhelm [webinar] 18 Ways to Increase Your Happiness . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Week In Parenting: why Australian parents are more open to smacking children than other countries, and how we can reduce peer pressure for kids and for parents by joining forces and creating community. In this episode: Smacking and corporal punishment Australian parents most open to smacking kids in international study | 9News The Parenting Revolution Can Australia make age verification work for social media? | The Guardian Momentum is building! 36 Months - sign the petition Let kids be kids - have a play-based childhood Peer pressure for kids and for parents too Unplug Childhood - join the village & take the pledge . Related links: #454 Online Safety with Julie Inman Grant from the e-Safety Commission Why It's Not Ok To Smack Your Kids - a great list of resources for what to do instead . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist and author Susie O'Brien chats with Justin about the current situation in schools regarding student behaviour and classroom management, with a recent senate inquiry suggesting that it's time to go back to basics and teach children how to behave at school. In this episode: A Senate Inquiry is Calling For a New 'Behaviour Curriculum' to Tackle Classroom Disruptions | Monash University Getting back to basics with classroom behaviour Explicit Teaching Push in New Behaviour Curriculum | Education Review What do teachers want? Lack of support from principals and parents Regressive or progressive? Related links: The Calm Classroom [Webinar] One-Minute Wellbeing: 50 Quick Tips for Educators [Free Download] Boys, Girls, Brains, & Behaviour in the Classroom Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three-year-olds are exhausting! Energetic, emotionally reactive, and uninhibited—all the things that can make a parent begin to question if their child has ADHD! Today, Dr Justin looks at the developmentally normal behaviours of a three-year-old and shares four things they need in order to learn, grow, and thrive. Plus, three tips for neurodivergent parents trying to hold it all together while navigating the chaos of family life and struggling with their own ADHD. In this episode: ADHD, ODD, or just three? Developmental Milestones - Preschoolers Little People, Big Feelings (Webinar) What Your Child Needs From You Why saying "use your words" isn't helpful Theory of mind Diagnosing ADHD What 3-year-olds need Neurodivergent parents Challenges of ADHD as an adult Help For the ADHD Parent - from the Happy Families team . Related links: Parenting an ADHD Child Women in Australia with ADHD - FB support group ADHD Mums - Australian resource and podcast . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you overthinking family meals? Do you want a little more peace and a lot less chaos at the dinner table? How can a family dinner fit in amongst work commitments and extra-curricular activities? We take a look at the research behind what was once considered the norm - family dinners, and share some tips to ease the pressure. In this episode: San Remo market research Chaos of mealtimes YOYO (You're On Your Own) night Screens and mealtimes Extra-curricular activities for kids AND parents are impacting family meals 5 tips to ease the pressure Are we overthinking family meals? 5 realistic tips to ease the pressure | The Conversation Rituals of connection Related links: Eat Right Without a Fight - E-Book How do I Get My Child to Eat Healthy Food Without the Power Struggles? How to Banish Tech and Make Mealtimes Matter Menu Planner [Free Download] . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know that giving children access to social media and devices is not in their best interests. Our children deserve—and need—a play-based childhood. Join the village today and “Unplug Childhood” with us!​ In this episode: "It was the damn phones" by Kori Jane | Instagram The “Unplug Childhood” movement The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt Make some noise and get on board! Why this matters No social media before age 13 Give kids a play-based childhood Make the pledge today Related links: Our Phones Are Wrecking Us Kids Need Smart Parents Not Smart Phones . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In between homeschooling, 7 seasons of House, and a lot of travel, Justin and Kylie still managed to do some reading this month. Listen in to hear reviews of a classic children's book, a terrifying, heartbreaking YA novel, a disappointing flop filled with falsehoods, a warts and all memoir, and a contender for book of the year! Kylie's books: This Is Where it Ends, by Marieke Nijkamp 4.5/5 Charlotte’s Web, by E.B White 5/5 Justin's books: Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up, by Abigail Shrier 3/5 Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class, by Rob Henderson 5/5 Time to Think: The Inside Story of the Collapse of the Tavistock's Gender Service for Children, by Hannah Barnes 75/5 . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life can be really challenging for neurodivergent kids growing up in a world where they don't seem to fit in. Justin speaks with two authors about their fabulous books, and why representation in literature is so important for our children. Square Me, Round World by Chelsea Luker is a collection of short stories describing what life can feel like when you are a person growing up in a world not built for you and Wonderfully Wired by Stacey Lucas-Toumbourou celebrates the strengths and differences of 100 neurodivergent individuals who changed the world In this episode: Square Me, Round World, by Chelsea Luker | Booktopia The importance of representation Raising neurodivergent children Wonderfully Wired, by Stacey Lucas-Toumbourou Related links: Championing Neurodiversity: Helping Your Child Thrive in a Neurotypical World [Webinar] 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence [The Course] Parenting an ADHD Child 7 Insights for Parents of Autistic Children | Chris Bonnello Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Screen struggles are something that every family is dealing with - and not just with the kids! We share some small changes you can make to help you find a healthier and more balanced relationship with your phone. Does it feel like your child knows exactly which buttons to push to trigger you? News flash: YOU are the only one that can choose how YOU respond! Learn how to increase your competence (and confidence!) in holding personal boundaries and regulating your own emotions, and watch your relationship with your child improve in the process. In this episode: We Are Social 2023 Digital Report How to turn your phone screen to grayscale Parental triggers Neurodiversity Setting and respecting boundaries The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey You choose your response Parenting competence Building relationships Related links: #565 Pushing Our Buttons Why Our Kids Need Us to Set Limits How To Be Less Tired #379 How I Work with Amantha Imber #240 Phones & Family Life with Dr Kathryn Modecki Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Justin’s 3 E’s (explore, explain, and empower) are the pillars of autonomy-supportive parenting. But there are times when they just do not work (we are all only flawed humans after all!). Today's tips will help you calmly and confidently navigate through the heat of these challenging moments. In this episode: The 3 Es of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, and Empower Self-determination theory Basic psychological needs of every human Relatedness, competence, autonomy Need-supportive parenting High emotions = low intelligence Being ok with our children's discomfort Patience and practice Fast is slow, and slow is fast Neurodiversity Turn towards your child in challenging times Related links: The Parenting Revolution, by Dr Justin Coulson The Secret to Regulating Emotions How to Fix a Problem Child Little People, Big Feelings [The Free Webinar] Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecting with your teenager on their terms gives you the opportunity to engage with their world in a meaningful way. Being on the same digital platforms as your child allows for greater understanding, better conversations, and stronger connections, keeping them safe along the way. In this episode: Connection - feeling seen, heard, and valued The joy of Snapchat filters Understanding our teenager's world Doing housework with your child Daddy-daughter dates Related links: Miss-Connection 7 Day Connection Challenge [Free Download] Miss-Connection: Why Your Teenage Daughter “Hates” You, Expects the World, and Needs to Talk, by Dr Justin Coulson You Did WHAT on Snapchat?! Settle Down About Selfies Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Gentle Parenting' is a mindset with an emphasis on the child’s feelings. It may sound lovely and calm, but in reality, this "way of being" has a tendency to indulge emotions at the expense of effective family functioning, leaving parents feeling like they are hanging on for dear life—exhausted, incompetent, and emotionally drained! Justin and Kylie share four essential steps for parenting gently in a way that ensures our children feel safe, secure, and loved. In this episode: Defining "gentle parenting" Parental Guidance Season 1 Different parenting styles Gentle parenting the polar opposite of authoritarian “The Rise of the Accidentally Permissive Parent Anne Pezalla – Gentle Parenting Can Be Really Hard On Parents | The Conversation John Gottman - Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child Emotion coaching gone wrong Indulging emotions at the expense of all else Autonomy-supportive parenting Kind and present parents Boundaries and limits Related links: Emotion Coaching | The Webinar The Secret to Regulating Emotions What’s Your Parenting Style? - Happy Families Quiz Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reflecting on 1000 episodes of Australia’s leading parenting podcast, we cover the highs and the lows of family life, from farewells to celebrations and everything in-between. Today’s episode is a celebration of Kylie's big heart, Justin's big brain, the best of some really bad jokes, and of course, you, our wonderful listeners—our Happy Families family! (With a special appearance from Hamish Blake!) Related links: #282 Better Together #562 The Pursuit of Happiness #853 Developing Yourself or Finding Yourself? 10 Things Every Parent Needs To Know - Happy Families . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anonymous asks, "My 3-year-old is asking questions about his absent father. How do I answer in a way that supports my young son's mental health and self-esteem?". Justin gives examples of a healthy and developmentally appropriate response to this difficult situation in a way that honours the father, supports the child, and also advocates for our anonymous listener. Lisa, from Canada, is concerned that catching the school bus will potentially expose her 11-year-old daughter to explicit material. Justin shares some suggestions that will help every parent safely lead their child along the path to independence. In this episode: Single parent Absent father Mental health Answering sensitive questions age appropriately Honesty and transparency Children need to feel safe, secure, loved Building independence, confidence & self-efficacy Cocooning, pre-arming, deference The Three E's (Explore, Explain, Empower) . Related links: How Do I Support My Daughter Now That I'm Divorcing? - Happy Families Pornography Is The New Public Health Crisis - Happy Families #898 Porn-Proofing Your Kids, with Kristen Jenson Creating Confident Kids - Happy Families Navigating Your Teen's Quest For Independence - Happy Families . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a growing movement to commit to giving our primary-aged children unplugged childhoods! Dr Justin shares four things you can do NOW to give your children a play-based childhood, free from digital distractions and social media. Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter for more details! In this episode: How would an enforcement even work? Censorship Age-verification for social media Importance of holding platforms accountable A movement to keep smartphones and social media out of primary school Unplugged childhood Kids need smart parents not smart phones Related links: Tech Giants Are Anti-Kids - Happy Families #991 This Week In Parenting: Vape Zones, Baby Bans, & Nicotine Pouches How Do I Get My Daughter To Drop Social Media And Study For Exams? - Happy Families Social media has the “exact same negative effect on depression” as eating potatoes | Quartz Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin reads a personal letter aloud to his children, sharing insights into what life was like for him growing up. In this episode: Sharing childhood memories with your kids Pets Give your child roots Benefits to keeping a journal Rituals of connection To a child, love is spelled T.I.M.E . Related links: 5 Ways to Promote Happiness in Your Family - Happy Families Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - Happy Families Family Traditions Help Kids Make Sense of Life - Happy Families Miss-Connection | 7 Day Connection Challenge . Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Study 1: Is your child feeling unhappy, pressured, or teased about their weight? Navigating growing up in a society so focused on physical appearance is difficult, but there are practical steps parents can take to decrease the risk of internalised stigma and other challenges around weight. Study 2: So, you think you can read a baby's cry? Think again! Study 3: The secret to getting your teen to listen to you can be found in the very foundation of what Dr Justin teaches in The Parenting Revolution! In this episode: Teasing children about weight increases risk of self-stigma as adults, study finds | The Guardian Weight stigma - what is it? Internalised incompetence and low sense of self-worth Babies’ cries alone don’t convey what they want | The British Psychological Society Dunstan Baby Language The secret to getting your teen to listen to you | The British Psychological Society Autonomy support Unsolicited advice from parents How to talk to teens about hard stuff Related links: 9 Strategies for Soothing A Crying Baby - Happy Families #957 Diet Free Families with Meg McClintock - Happy Families 5 Ways To Nurture Positive Relationships With Food and Body For Your Kids - Happy Families The Parenting Revolution (The Course) Normally $149, FREE when you purchase The Parenting Revolution [The Book] Find us on Facebook or TikTok. Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter. Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected]. Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most families have screens in their home, which means a steady stream of movies, TV shows, games, apps, and more! How can parents know what content is or isn't appropriate for our children, when ratings are so broad and arbitrary? In today's interview with Prof. Elizabeth Handsley, President of CMA, we explore why it is so hard for parents to navigate the current classification system, and share some helpful resources and advice to minimise the risk that our children will be exposed to inappropriate content. In this episode: Children and Media Australia - supporting children and families to thrive in the expanding world of screen media Ratings and classifications Movies, apps, games, Inquiry into the Australian Classification Scheme Aged-based and research-based information Dose-response relationship to media Children become desensitised to content Related links: Movies and Kids: When Is It Ok For Them To Watch That? - Happy Families Everyone Else Can Do It! Why Can't I? - Happy Families Common Sense Media - Age-Based Media Reviews For Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesdays, we answer listener questions about making your family happier! Separation anxiety at school drop-off is a daily struggle for many families, including Kirsty and her 5-year-old son. Justin shares some helpful tips that will make saying goodbye easier for both the parent and child. Mum of 3, Michala, is dealing with constant sibling rivalry and conflict. Listen in for some important, ongoing conversations to have with your children as you help to build their character, and teach empathy and kindness. In this episode: Sibling rivalry, conflict, and strife Building character Teaching compassion and empathy Repairing relationship ruptures Separation anxiety Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) Making mornings calm Validating emotions Basic psychological needs Strong parent-school partnership Flexibility Related links: 10 Steps to Reducing Sibling Conflict - Happy Families Teaching Kids Kindness - a Happy Families webinar School Refusal - Happy Families Developmental Milestones | Preschool - Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Tate's harmful ideology is infiltrating schools. Boys, broadly speaking, are big fans, and their behaviour in the classroom is reflecting this. Dr Stephanie Westcott (researcher and lecturer in the School of Education, Culture, and Society at Monash University) shares her research on the experiences women are having in educational settings across Australia, looking at the influence of misogynistic ideology, how algorithms on TikTok and Youtube direct young boys to these ideas, and what parents, carers, and educators can do to combat the rise of these radicalised masculine myths. In this episode: Andrew Tate Misogyny infiltrating classrooms Harmful ideology influencing young boys Andrew Tate’s extreme views about women are infiltrating Australian schools. We need a zero-tolerance response, Westcott & Roberts | The Conversation Experiences women are having in educational contexts Behaviours of boys in the classroom Framing boys and men as victims Radicalisation of masculinity Andrew Tate Effect in Australian Classrooms | ABC News What it means to be a real man Algorithms on social media are showing young boys very specific content Respectful relationships education Zero tolerance Related links: #694 Responding to the Hate from Andrew Tate - Happy Families Podcast Helping Our Boys Grow Into Men - Happy Families Can We Please Talk About Boys? - A FREE Happy Families Webinar Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin's singing turned complaints about dishes into a whole lot of fun, with sound levels hitting dangerous decibel levels! Term 2 of homeschooling started off rather rocky for The Coulsons, but thinking outside the box created an opportunity for a reluctant writer to be creative and expressive in a new way! Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a brand new nicotine product out, so invisible you may not even be aware your child has it! Plus, the dangers of vaping, a nation-leading move by SA to protect our children from social media, and 118 reasons to be child-free. In this episode: Bluey 'The Sign' - a missed opportunity? Advocate pushes for vaping areas in schools as NSW holds inquiry into vape laws | news.com.au Harm-reduction policy regarding vaping #498 Children and Vaping, with Lisa Damour - Happy Families Vaping is a 'young person' phenomenon in Australia | Pursuit, Uni of Melb A new nicotine product that tastes and smells great - known as zyns, snus or little lip pillows ‘Invisible threat’: Nicotine pouches taking over schools | news.com.au Should social media be banned for children? How should you approach your children's and teenagers' social media use? | abc.net.au Parents in defensive mode Australian model Ellie Gonsalves shared 118 reasons to be childfree | ABC Related links: Pots, Pills, & Parenting: A Masterclass with Paul Dillon and Dr Justin Coulson - Happy Families 4 P’s to Prevent Peer Pressure in your Teens - Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anne Hollonds was the opening speaker at the Breaking Point Digital Conference. On the podcast today you will hear an excerpt from Anne's presentation, discussing the mental health of young people around the country and what we can do to help them. In this episode: Anne Hollonds - National Children’s Commissioner. Young people and mental health Residual effects of Covid pandemic Barriers to accessing mental health support for young people Strong therapeutic alliance = better outcomes Breaking Point Digital Conference: Unpacking the Crisis in Youth Mental Health Related links: Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - Happy Families We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing Screen Time and Our Teens’ Mental Health Crisis - Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Justin is answering two listeners' questions. First up is Bridget from Victoria, a mum of two. Her question is about her five-year-old son, whose over-competitiveness and inability to handle losing are causing issues in the family and in his wider circle of friends. Becky, a single mum from Melbourne, is looking for ways she can implement rules and boundaries that won't lead to anxiety-fuelled and explosive reactions from her son, who has autism and OCD. Helpful links: Winning Or Losing: How To Handle A Bad Sport – Happy Families #78 Boundaries and the Three E’s – Happy Families 3 Pillars of Practically Perfect Parenting – Happy Families Connection – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have a child who refuses to or is unable to go to school? Sydney mum Alice joins Justin on the Happy Families podcast today to share the day-to-day pressure of trying to help a child get to school when emotions are high and nervous systems are in fight or flight mode. If you are deep in the trenches of ‘school can’t’, this is a not-to-be-missed conversation, with some beautiful advice and encouragement to parents who are feeling stressed, judged, and alone in their struggle to get a child to school. In this episode: Emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA) Reasons for 'school can't' School Can't Australia (Parent/Carer Peer Support) | Facebook Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD) Importance of friendships Pressure on parents, judgement Homeschooling Mental health of parents Moving schools "Is it just me? Am I the only one who can't get their kid to go to school?" School refusal and the Australian families gripped by blame, shame, and the fear of a lost education - ABC News Related links: School Refusal – Happy Families #533 Emotion Based School Avoidance aka School Refusal – Happy Families A Grown Up’s Guide to Worry Stacking – Happy Families Resilience: Developing Strength, Calm, & Kindness in Our Kids – Happy Families We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing – Happy Families Moving? How to Help your Child Settle Into A New School – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An encouragement to any parent feeling like they are stuck in a rut with a child determined to be horrible and difficult - there is hope! The relationship with your child changes as they age into adulthood and can become a delightful and close friendship. In this episode: Changing parent/child relationships during the young adult years Friendships with adult children Routines and structures Finding Balance – Happy Families #952- A Rippin Good Read – Happy Families Troubled by Rob Henderson | A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class Related links: What Your Child Needs From You – Happy Families 6 Strategies for Respectful Relationships – Happy Families I am Not your Friend. I am your Parent – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kylie is back, answering some quick-fire "Have you ever...?" questions about motherhood and family life. Mother's Day Links: Me & My Mum Activity Book - Free Printable – Happy Families What Dad can do for Mum’s wellbeing – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can parents ensure their children grow up to be respectful, kind, and considerate towards others? This conversation with author and academic Richard Ryan examines the typical backgrounds of perpetrators of violence and aggression and gives practical advice to parents so they can meet their child's basic psychological needs of relatedness, autonomy, and competency. In this episode: Self Determination Theory Gendered violence Basic Psychological Needs Modelling values and behaviour Objectification and sexualisation of women in the media Reducing exposure to and setting limits on media use Resilience Links: Helping Our Boys Grow Into Men – Happy Families How to Prevent your Child Becoming A #metoo (and Prevent your Child from Creating One) – Happy Families 4 P’s to Prevent Peer Pressure in your Teens – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does a particular school really make for a “better” education? And how can parents prepare their children for the death of a much-loved grandparent? In this episode: City vs country schools Resources, results and reputation Fun, fit and philosophy Upheaval for families when moving Developing new friendships and relationships Stability and security Grief and loss Preoperational thinking, object permanence, abstraction Developmentally appropriate language The sacredness of life and death Links: Moving? How to Help your Child Settle Into A New School – Happy Families Developmental Milestones [Introduction] – Happy Families How To Talk To Your Children About Death – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content warning: not for young ears. “If you had to be in the forest with a man or a bear, which would you choose?”. How do we get to the point where we can answer without hesitation “a man!”? In this episode: Violence against women Parents stepping up Teaching morality The 'No More' rallies Influence of explicit pornography on young men Links: Quote by Saint Augustine: “Right is right even if no one is doing it...” The five demands of the No More national rallies (womensagenda.com.au) Helping Our Boys Grow Into Men – Happy Families How to Prevent your Child Becoming A #metoo (and Prevent your Child from Creating One) – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judgement & criticism, punishing, provoking, and trying to “fix” a child—none of these are a parent’s job. They only serve to drive a wedge in relationships. Our job is to love our children. To set limits and have expectations—yes!—but to do so kindly. In this episode: Shifting the paradigm Compassion and empathy Emotions go up, intelligence goes down The problem with judgement Why kindness is the answer Links: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R Covey I don’t need Fixing! I need Guiding and Loving – Happy Families Why Our Kids Need Us to Set Limits – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are struggling to "keep the spark alive" with your loved one, you're not alone. Exhaustion, screen addiction, lack of time, resentment - all these issues (and more!) can lead to zero interest in nurturing intimacy. Today we share some surprising secrets to sustaining a strong sexual connection! In this episode: Reasons for having zero interest in intimacy Connection and friendship Prioritising sex Slowing things down Female pleasure Book recommendations Links: Nurturing Intimacy: Secrets to Sustaining Strong Sexual Connection – Happy Families Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski | The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life She Comes First by Ian Kerner | The Thinking Man’s Guide to Pleasuring a Woman Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin shares four big ideas based on Jonathan Haidt's new book in the hope that it generates some constructive conversations with your kids at home: The key to building a resilient child, Getting comfy with our children experiencing a healthy level of discomfort in life, The impact of social media on the brain development of teens, and Looking at problematic use of or addiction to social media. In this episode: Healthy/unhealthy childhood stressors Supportive parenting vs "tough love" or over-protective parenting Resilience Anxiety The cycle of incompetence Anti-fragility Impact of social media on teenage brain development Social media addiction / problematic use Links: After Babel | Jon Haidt | Substack The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt Honestly with Bari Weiss: Smartphones Rewired Childhood. Here's How to Fix It Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A listener wants to know how to help her friend, a single mum to an increasingly difficult 10-year-old boy. Plus, three things you can do to survive your child’s big and embarrassing public meltdown! In this episode: Single parenting Supporting other parents Aggressive child Emotional regulation Psychological help It takes a village! 2-parent privilege Travelling with kids HALTS How to say no with compassion and kindness Helpful Links: Developmental Milestones [Part 4: Middle Childhood] Can We Please Talk About Boys? #649 Bringing Up Boys With Dr Arne Rubinstein The Secret to Regulating Emotions What is the Best Way to Say ‘No!’ To Your Kids? Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you wanting to return to work but struggling to know what on Earth to write on your resume after years out of the workforce? Listen in for some ideas that will inspire and encourage mothers to confidently claim the skills, strengths, and unique value you possess and can offer the world! In this episode: Cost-of-living increase Returning to work Motherhood Being a mum is valid and valuable work, so I put it on my CV - ABC Everyday Writing a resume Parental responsibilities, skills, unique value Stay-at-home-mums (SAHM) Kylie's resume – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin & Kylie discuss the hills and valleys of life - Justin is definitely feeling on top of the mountain as he strives to achieve a better work/life balance, while Kylie is in the valley after farewelling daughter number three. Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin takes a look at Abigail Shrier's controversial new book "Bad Therapy". What's really going on with our kids, and why are they going through so many challenges? In this episode: Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up and Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier Why The Kids Aren’t Alright | Honestly Podcast Trauma, PTSD, depression Therapy Iatrogenesis - when the healer introduces harm Parental self-doubt Restorative practices in schools Gentle parenting under fire Understanding children’s basic psychological needs Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we answer listener questions about co-parenting, homework, and starting daycare. In this episode: Co-parenting and divorce Picking battles Co-parenting apps: 2houses and OurFamilyWizard Structure and routine Natural, unstructured environments Developing social skills Happy Families Resources: Parenting on the Same Page – Happy Families 7 Tips for Co-Parenting Your Children – Happy Families #962 The Perfection Trap with Thomas Curran (Part 1) – Happy Families #947 Day Care Data with Jenet Erickson – Happy Families Is Homework Helpful? The Homework Letter I Send To School Each Year – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.