Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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.

Roblox is incredibly popular with kids, bringing a very real challenge to parents today. We share 5 practical steps you can take to keep your child safe online when it is not practical or feasible to keep them offline. In this episode: Keeping gaming to a minimum Roblox worries Inappropriate content Online predators Parental Guidance Season 2 Episode 1, Watch TV Online (9now.com.au) Commercialisation of platforms Psychological capacity of children Parental controls | How to keep your child safe (esafety.gov.au) 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.

After years of family holiday flops, ChatGPT planned a successful Coulson holiday. Plus, Kylie saves the day with a big dose of compassion. In this episode: #952- A Rippin Good Read – Happy Families ChatGPT itinerary planning Large family dynamics Farewelling children Gap years #968 The Secret to Regulating Emotions – Happy Families The power of compassion 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: violence, CSA + a spoiler alert for Bluey fans. This week in parenting: how a family of dogs is teaching resilience, a sober warning to parents regarding children's online activity, and a fun look at celebrity parenting rules. In this episode: Bluey is back with a lesson about preparing kids for change - ABC News Resilience Guy Sebastian's bad parenting advice Responding to Toddler Tantrums – Happy Families Violent Online Groups Extort Minors to Self-Harm and Produce Child Sexual Abuse Material (ic3.gov) #454 Online Safety with Julie Inman Grant from the eSafety Commission – Happy Families Extortion/blackmail tactics Monitoring social media use and online activity 21 Celebrities With Parenting Rules (buzzfeed.com) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warning: sensitive content Pregnancy and infant loss are such important yet rarely discussed topics. Author Lellie Lopter emphasises the importance of creating a safe environment for these conversations to take place, as well as the need to include children in the healing journey. In this episode: My Brother Born Sleeping by Lellie Lopter Supporting families Coping with different beliefs about infant loss Curiosity from children and how to answer their questions Pink Elephant Foundation Rainbow babies Making room for conversation Processing trauma, grief, and loss Red Nose Day Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the tragic attack in Bondi, our children need help processing such difficult news. There are things you can do and say to ensure your child feels safe and secure as they come to terms with what has happened. Also, a mum of three asks "What should we do when our kids don't show us the respect that we would like?" In this episode: Having hard conversations Honesty Limiting exposure to news Age-appropriate information Holding boundaries Weekly family meetings What To Do When Kids Won’t Listen – Happy Families Talking to Children About Tragic Events in the News – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital influences, demographic shifts, and information overload: we explore the evolution of parenting from GenX through to Millennial parents. In this episode: Digital infusion Information overload Parents under pressure Changing dynamics of family life Screen-based childhoods Present and engaged parents Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The meltdown out of nowhere, an angry and aggressive child, the emotionally flooded teen - kids of all ages have BIG emotions, and experience emotional dysregulation! Discover the tools and skills that will help you respond to your child with compassion and kindness - and build emotional awareness and regulation for you both. Topics in this episode: No Matter What Emotion regulation The magic of Nature Moving forward, finding solutions Responding with compassion and gentleness Emotion Coaching- a Happy Families article Little People, Big Feelings - a Happy Families webinar The Secret to Regulating Emotions - a Happy Families article Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is your child stressed out, apprehensive or just feeling like life is too hard? Does anxiety or perfectionism cause them to feel they are not enough? All hope is not lost! Three ways you can BUILD HOPE in your child's life - helping them to do well and feel well as they experience the power of hope. Research by Rick Snyder, Shane Lopez Science of Hope TikTok video series by @insearchofbobcat Failure, anxiety, resilience Our children need to feel hopeful before they can feel they are enough What does the research say about hopeful people? What is hope, and why are our youth feeling hopeless? How to be a hope-builder Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - a Happy Families article Register for the Happy Families October Webinar - "Enough: Helping our children overcome anxiety, perfectionism & self-loathing" Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Become a Happy Families member today - Happy Families Membership. Email us your questions and comments at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 of Justin speaking with author & associate Professor Katie Davis about her new book Topics discussed in this episode - Technology's Child by Katie Davis Justin asks Katie some rapid fire questions about her own family life Using technology to reinforce technology rules Finding a balance Video games aren't all bad The impact of social media Further reading/watching: Screens And Our Boys - a Happy Families Article 5 Better Conversations To Have About Screens - a Happy Families Article Keeping your child focused on study and away from social media - a Happy Families Article Tweens, Teens & Screens - a Happy Families Webinar Digital Kids - a Happy Families Article Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You CAN be a "good-enough" digital parent! Two questions every parent needs to ask when choosing apps or games for their child PLUS learn how to guide your child's relationship with screens in the best direction - guilt free! (Replay) Topics discussed in this episode - Technology's Child: Digital Media’s Role in the Ages and Stages of Growing Up - by Katie Davis What are the risks for children under 3? Why are screens so compelling to kids? Using screens as the default "fix" Why screens are such an effective regulator (emotionally and behaviorally) Executive functioning and self-regulation 'Bottom-up' vs top-down' process of attention "Educational" apps - red flags Sign up for Katie's newsletter here Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friendships are oxygen for girls! When a friendship sours, the mean girls arrive, or your daughter just can't find her tribe, life can be really hard. We share some powerful ideas to help your child navigate friend troubles - giving them options and building resilience. Topics included in this episode - The difference between boy & girl play Boys use their bodies, girls use their words Optionality equals resilience Autonomy, and feeling seen, heard and valued When should the school get involved? Avoidance reinforces anxiety Things you can you do to help your daughter Why Your Kids Need a Tribe - a Happy Families article Miss-Connection | 7 Day Connection Challenge – Happy Families Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 of a conversation on perfectionism with Professor Thomas Curran from the London School of Economics. Rather than expecting perfection from your child try modelling making mistakes - embrace failure and setbacks when they arise. This (not perfectionism) is what leads to success! Topics in this episode: Feeling that you are not enough The rise of perfectionism – and the harm it’s doing us all | Mental health | The Guardian Link between perfectionism and psychological distress Parental/societal expectations Increased competition and excessive pressure "Doing your best" - is this helpful? Self-sabotage, procrastination and avoidance of failure What is success? The Perfection Trap Thomas Curran's new book Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Thomas Curran is (among many impressive titles) a 'perfectionist expert'. He unpacks the 'what, why, where, who, and how' of perfectionism in part 1 of this compelling discussion with Dr Justin Coulson. Part 2 of this conversation can be found here. Today's conversation covers: What is perfectionism? The link between mental health challenges and perfectionism Perfectionism in children - genetics or environmental? The 3 types of perfectionism Intergenerational transmission of perfectionistic tendencies The challenging cycle of self-defeat The Perfection Trap Thomas Curran's new book TEDMED - Our dangerous obsession with perfectionism is getting worse Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raising teenagers can be hard even at the best of times. Trying to support our teens when they are struggling can feel like a dead-end street. Dr Jo Prendergast shares the most important thing you can do that will make a difference for your teen when life just sucks. Topics in this episode: When Life Sucks - Jo's new book Parents and self-regulation Emotions are contagious Deep breathing Being self-aware of your own triggers 'Ghosts in the nursery' Neurodiversity When does life suck for teens? 'The Three Rs of Great Parenting' Connected interactions Learn more about The Teenage Brain in our FREE Happy Families Article. Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating the complexities of tween and teen friendships can be challenging, especially in the age of social media. Here are some insights and tips to help your child run towards wonderful friendships rather than living in fear of exclusion. Topics in this episode: Sleepovers Bulling and teasing Snapchat and social media Structured activities and finite time for teenage get-togethers Miss Connection: Why your teenage daughter "hates" you, expects the world, and needs to talk by Dr Justin Coulson What teenage girls worry about most Conversations to have with your child BMX - Be More Exceptional Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every young person needs to have a close, significant adult to talk to when they experience challenges in life. Sadly, new research has revealed that far too many adolescents do not feel listened to and aren’t speaking to anyone when they’re worried. Dr Katrina Lines (CEO of Act for Kids, and registered psychologist) shares some simple ways to connect with your child that will encourage them to share their problems with you. Topics in this episode: Speaking to a professional Act for Kids Campaign "Get Comfy Switching ON by Switching OFF" - all the research stats, tip sheets and an animation Incidental conversation or "small talk" Being present Connection Pressures of school, friendships, social media 3 basic psychological needs Mental health issues - anxiety, depression, poor sleep Fear of parental criticism or dismissal, or not being listened to Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - a Happy Families article Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it just me...or are sleepovers a really bad idea? In this episode: Pros and cons of sleepovers Social development Memories Safety concerns Peer pressure/exclusion Screens Prearming your kids #926 Who Tops the List of Child Sexual Abusers? – Happy Families Being on the Outer – Happy Families Are Sleepovers OK? – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dietician Meg McClintock on eating disorder prevention and the impact of poor body image on eating. Meg shares how parents can nurture positive relationship with food and body for your kids. In this episode: Meg McClintock from Choose Nutrition Meg's Podcast Life's Too Short to Count Almonds Eating disorders or disordered eating? The dangers of diet culture and chronic dieting Natural eating/intuitive eating Being compassionate with yourself Red flags to watch for in children/teenagers Body trust and hunger/fullness cues Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teenage tantrums, defiance, and selfish behaviour can lead to chaos in families. 3 ways parents can help their troubled boys to “man up” as they edge closer to adulthood. In this episode: Limits and authority Step-parents Discipline Minimising tension Inside the Brain of Your Teenage Boy – Happy Families Autonomy Doing the inner work Explain, explore, empower Education Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not sure how to entertain your child in the holidays? Helpful tips for tired parents just wanting to survive the school break. In this episode: Only children Holiday boredom Clear expectations Creating engaging environments #944 Raising Kids, Not Grass – Happy Families Screen-based childhood Playdates 936 weekends with our kids Plans and predictability ChatGPT Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parent behaviour at children's sporting events can directly impact the child's experience. Thankfully the majority of parents do seem to encourage having fun over putting the pressure on their child to be the best. Journalist Shona Hendley unpacks why sports parents get a bad rap - but are in fact the angels of society. Topics in this episode - Competitive parents coaching from the side Shona Hedley's article - Taking kids to sport all the time Dedication - time, money, energy Training, competitions, camps, social events, volunteering & more! Why do children drop out of sports early? "Doing your best" vs winning vs simply loving the experience Competence & connection Report cards: grades vs effort The current mental health crisis with young people Government policies and decisions re sport Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Screens are crippling our kids; three things we need to do to stem the relentless push towards screens. Plus, how to help your child feel like they belong at school. In this episode: Screen Time and Parent-Child Talk When Children Are Aged 12 to 36 Months | Media and Youth | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network Screens - impacting engagement, language, social interactions Technoference Screens as babysitters? Adolescent School Belonging and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Adulthood: Findings from a Multi-wave Prospective Cohort Study | School Mental Health (springer.com) School belonging Competence, connectedness, confidence at school Parent and school partnerships Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is your child struggling to read? Sally Rippin shares ways parents can get their reluctant readers hooked on books! In this episode: Sally Rippin - Australia's Children's Laureate for 2024-25 “All kids can be readers” Dyslexia, ADHD and other learning difficulties Low competence = low motivation Books open up worlds Early intervention and support Are you a book snob? Giving children choice ‘Dating and mating pool’ data Breaking down stereotypes Boys and books Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your job is to guide your kids to make decisions that are safe and healthy. How do you respond to their requests to become creators of online content? In this episode: Embracing and encouraging our children's talents and interests How Gen Z is living under the influence | The Australian Social media - a toxic, dangerous place for children A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men - The New York Times Self-esteem, mental health and wellbeing Seeking validation from strangers, self-worth Importance of listening to own voice Are the risks worth it? Scaffolding interests and talents in age-appropriate ways Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are G-strings and micro swimwear appropriate for a family-friendly theme park? In this episode: Your body, your choice? Body positivity vs sexualisation A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men | New York Times Child protection Health and safety concerns Cultural differences Social etiquette & context Double standards Join the conversation on Facebook Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaching the end of our parenting tether can lead to angry blow ups or painful criticism. We must watch what we say because our words create worlds – ours and our children’s. In this episode: Justin has a meltdown Body image and self-talk Watch Your Words – Happy Families #615 You’re the (Inner) Voice – Happy Families #207 Taming That Voice Inside Your Head – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week in parenting: the disturbing world of social media and child influencers - and their online stalkers! Bradley Cooper and Dax Shepherd 'Armchair Expert' podcast interview Early days of parenting, connecting with baby ‘Lunatics’: Fury over change to Mary Poppins movie classification | news.com.au L.P. Hartley — 'The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.' 'Hogwarts Legacy' Are screens ruining childhoods? #930 Why Big Tech Doesn’t Care About Your Kids – Happy Families Instagram A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men | New York Times Tech giants are ANTI-kids - Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your child is too little to go to school but needs to be looked after when you are working - a familiar predicament for many parents today! Help your child thrive in childcare, by having consistent rituals of connection. In this episode: Early, extensive childcare Another Perspective on the Latest Research on Early Child Care | by Jenet Erickson & Jay Belsky Brain development in infancy Attachment relationships and responsive caregivers Social, emotional challenges in daycare Risk factors / protective factors in the early years Quality of care, adult-child ratios Increasing work flexibility for parents Daycare Dramas – Happy Families Developmental Milestones [Part 1: Infancy] – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beth asks, "how do we teach our children the difference between nudity and pornography?". Conversations to have with your child to remove shame and secrecy; and what to do if they are exposed to explicit content. In this episode: Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today’s Young Kids by Kristen Jenson #898 Porn-Proofing Your Kids with Kristen Jenson – Happy Families Pornography vs nakedness Nudity in art Cultural awareness Family values Pre-arming your child What to do if your child sees pornography Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We asked you to share the best parenting advice you've ever heard! In this episode: The 3 basic psychological needs of children Connection Developmental Milestones - a Happy Families article L.R. Knost - Little Hearts, Gentle Parenting Resources #721 Defusing Explosive Children with Dr Ross Greene – Happy Families Giving in fantasy what they can't have in reality The Secret to Regulating Emotions - a Happy Families article Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A moon landing, ear bacteria, award-winning lawns, and panning for gold - this conversation has it all as we discuss intentional parenting and trying to do better. In this episode: Some fun facts Connection and being intentional Breaking cycles Nuggets vs flecks of gold Let kids be kids Harmon Killebrew "We are not raising grass, we are raising boys" Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marriage is not just about the "happily ever after", but rather the real-world benefits of a life of meaning, joy, purpose, and growth. Keep your relationship strong by avoiding 5 things that harm marriage the most. In this episode: Damaging mindsets Commitment, trust, connection Intention vs action Divorce contagion Provocative statistics Get Married by Brad Wilcox Positive outcomes for children Household work, mental load Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research by sociologist Brad Wilcox shows that nothing predicts happiness in life better than a good marriage—not even a hefty bank account or a great career. In this episode: Get Married by Brad Wilcox Is marriage just a piece of paper? Ceremony and ritual Cohabitation vs marriage - stability, direction, happiness Finding oneself The soulmate myth Family-first model Cultivating romance and emotional connection Benefits of marriage Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our children, "fair" can often mean getting what they want. Understanding your child's developmental capacity and implementing these three quick ideas can help you deal with those moments when your child appears self-centred and lacking in empathy. In this episode: Email from Lauren about 'fairness' Aimee's Adventures on TikTok - How I teach “fairness” to my elementary schoolers using bandaids Moral and cognitive development Concrete operational thinking vs formal operational thinking Heinz dilemma - Wikipedia Engaging children in discussions about fairness/justice/empathy Critical thinking Mental equivalent of the Yurchenko double pike Developmental Milestones [Introduction] - a Happy Families article Abundance mentality Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes people say dumb things (with the very best of intentions) when it comes to giving parenting advice. Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being fully present with your family requires letting go of distractions and remembering that to a child, love is spelled T.I.M.E. In this episode: Word of the year update "The great unhappiness machine" Emotional regulation The gift of homeschooling Autonomy and freedom in learning Know your child Being intentional Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week in parenting: Disney's Percy Jackson, an epic game taking the internet by storm, and the explicit lyrics your children may be singing in the playground. Plus, a reminder that education matters - in all its forms! In this episode: Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan now on Disney Palworld Megan Thee Stallion - not kid friendly! Natasha Bita - Smartphone obsessions are dumbing down Australian kids, OECD testing reveals | The Australian Battle between Universities and Construction Skills in a clever campaign from CSQ - Universities hammer industry in tug-of-war over students | The Australian Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Anthea Rhodes explains how concussions can happen, what the signs might be, and how to support your child as they recover and return to activities. In this episode: What is a concussion? Physical signs and symptoms Guidelines for treatment and recovery Kids Health Information : Head injury – general advice (rch.org.au) Preventing concussions and repeat injury RCH National Child Health Poll (rchpoll.org.au) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Content warning: parental discretion advised* Australia's e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant describes the fast-paced and aggressive tactics used by sexual extortionists targeting children and young adults. She gives clear directives to parents on how to prevent online harm, and what to do if your child experiences sexual extortion. In this episode: Online sexual extortionists targeting kids Screen rules, limits, safety measures, and supervision Honey trap tactics Fast-paced escalation from charm to harm What to do if this happens to your child Keeping your child safe online How to report abuse or content to eSafety | eSafety Commissioner Parents | eSafety Commissioner Sextortion | ACCCE The Teenage Brain – Happy Families Screens in Bedrooms? – Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Content warning: parental discretion advised* In a brave and vulnerable conversation, Jake and his mother Hayley talk about their 'honey trap' experience when Jake was 15, sharing just how quickly and easily this can happen to a child or adolescent. In this episode: Honey traps and online safety Real-life experience of a 15-year-old boy Advice from Hayley and Jake "No Matter What" Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your child has done the wrong thing, their attitude stinks, and you are mad! What could possibly go wrong? We share our woeful weekend and resolve to do better tomorrow. In this episode: Homeschool update Another Coulson holiday bites the dust High emotions = low intelligence Accusations, anger, defensiveness Giving kids responsibility When trust is broken Why Getting Angry Doesn’t Work - Happy Families article Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Jennifer Beckett explains the effect Taylor Swift is having on society and the world at large, and why parents of young Swifties should encourage critical engagement over blind consumption. In this episode: "Pandemonium and hysteria" at the Melbourne show - a report from Karen Dr Jennifer Beckett - The Taylor Swift Effect Swiftposium 2024: An academic conference on Taylor Swift Dr Jennifer Beckett - ‘Dear John’: Taylor’s responsibility to her Swifties Who is affected by Taylor, and how? Archaeological evidence of Taylor's Era's Tour The financial impact of Taylor Social media The darker side of the Swiftie fandom Teaching children to be engaging critically Blind consumers of all things Taylor Swift Is Taylor a good role model? Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest news story across Australia this week is Taylor Swift. There are 5 things you can do to help your child to process their grief, heartache, and disappointment around missing out on tickets. In this episode: Saturated media Soft eyes Compassion and empathy Emphasising reality A Happy Families article - I missed out on seeing Taylor Swift Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does your teenage boy seem entitled dismissive, and lacking empathy? Understand the "why" so you can help your teen contribute in a way that works for your family - without needing to read the riot act! In this episode: Egocentric life of a teen Affective empathy Cognitive empathy Developmental reality of teenagers Gender differences in teenagers Relationship bucket analogy Connection vs correction Family meetings Discipline The Teenage Brain - Happy Families Developmental Milestones [Part 5: Adolescence] - Happy Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Learn more about joining THE QUESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An opinion piece on the issue of technology: the tech giant's complete disregard for child online safety, a call to action, and 4 things YOU can do to keep your children safe online. In this episode: Safer Internet Day Online child sexual exploitation Platitudes but no real action to protect our children - Julie Inman Grant | The Australian Big tech companies and our leaders ignoring E-safety Commissioner warnings Mark Zuckerberg's car crash "apology" Rising numbers of young people exposed to harmful content on social media Who is to blame? Meta earnings Government legislations (or lack of) Parent responsibility #887 Online Capping: What You Need to Know #639 Online Sextortion With Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling #837 Must Know Online Safety With Madonna King Online safety | eSafety Commissioner ACCCE | Australian Centre To Counter Child Exploitation Happy Families article - Why Big Tech Doesn't Care About Your Kids Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'll Do Better Tomorrow - we share a young boy's poem in the hope that it will inspire you to have better relationships with your kids even when times are tough and difficult conversations are required. In this episode: The role of humour in romantic relationships Laughter and love boost each other in romantic relationships | BPS Mental health day for kids Homeschooling update Neurodiversity in the classroom An email from listener Mel, and a poignant poem Men's mental health Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February Book Club brings you: a tale of female friendships forged in challenging circumstances, a call to embrace creativity, an ancient (and ultimate!) classic, some scathing reviews, and a book that, like a great roast dinner, will leave you begging for more! Plus, a parenting hack to get your children reading (and a tidy bedroom to boot!). In this episode: Homeschooling Incidental reading Don't judge a book by its cover Books to avoid Cheesy segways Fatherhood Episode #922 The Health Habit with Dr Amantha Imber Parenting hack Kylie's books: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes 4/5 The House That Joy Built by Holly Ringland 3.5/5 Justin's books: Same as Ever by Morgan Housel 2/5 Lessons in Chemistry 2/5 The Health Habit by Dr Amantha Imber 5/5 The Odyssey by Homer 5/5 Of Boys and Men: Why the modern male is struggling, why it matters, and what to do about it by Richard Reeves 5/5 Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about becoming a Happy Families member at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get the lowdown on Justin and Kylie's love story: first impressions, a courtship of letters and late-night long-distant calls, and the phone proposal you do not want to miss! Plus, the 3 things that support their happiest of marriages—26 years and counting! In this episode: First impressions The President of the Good Time Committee Dating, and a first kiss Surviving a radio career, 8.5 years of full-time study, and raising 6 kids Commitment Common values and beliefs Valentines Day Divorce Alain de Botton's pessimistic view on marriage/relationships The poem that won Justin a honeymoon to Fiji Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about becoming a Happy Families member at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content Warning: Listener discretion advised. The percentage of children who have experienced sexual assault is shocking. Dr Ben Mathews shares some practical steps you can take to keep your children safe from harm. In this episode: Dr Ben Mathews - lead researcher of the Australian Child Maltreatment Studies. 5 types of child maltreatment and associated impacts Developmentally normal and typical early childhood/adolescent experimentation/exploration Defining Child Sexual Assault Pornography Stranger danger Perceived societal expectation and pressure on adolescents Masculinity Education Strong parent/child relationships Consent Find us on Facebook or TikTok Email your questions and comments to [email protected] Find out more about becoming a Happy Families member at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.