Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Justin and Kylie dive into the latest research to help parents raise healthier, happier kids. With schoolies, summer BBQs, and end-of-year celebrations just around the corner, we look at data around the effects of alcohol on teens and the risks associated with parental supply. Plus, why digital switching leaves you feeling less satisfied and refreshed, and a simple "thank you" can lower parental stress and increase relationship satisfaction. In this episode: Think giving your teen alcohol is safe? Read this - Sarah Perillo| | Herald Sun Parental supply of alcohol Risks associated with teen drinking Myth - The Mediterranean Effect Fast-forward to boredom: How switching behavior on digital media makes people more bored | Journal of Experimental Psychology Digital Switching Boredom ‘Thank You’ really would be nice: Perceived gratitude in family relationships | The Journal of Positive Psychology Feeling appreciated and valued Family chaos Expressing gratitude Related Links: Should We be Giving our Teens Alcohol? Six Science-Backed Benefits of Gratitude #2: How Gratitude Can Make Your Family Happier 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] Become a Happy Families Member todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karina Savage, Paediatric Dietician and founder of Nourishing Kids, chats with Justin about some of the most common challenges parents have with feeding kids, and what parents can do to help create healthy eaters in a stress-free way. In this episode: Nourish With Karina The Easy Feed Podcast with Karina Savage (Paediatric Dietician) Fussy eating habits, sensory issues Healthy eating behaviours Lack of food standards / regulations in Australia Safe foods Recognising small wins Family meal times 'Feeding ecosystem' - getting the fundamentals right Understanding the why behind fussy eating Gut health Related Links: How do I Get My Child to Eat Healthy Food Without the Power Struggles? #1008 - Family Dinner Deep Dive Eat Right Without a Fight [E-Book] Food Rules by Michael Pollard 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] Become a Happy Families Member todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we have an anonymous question from a mum who's got a happy go lucky teenager, happy to coast through life, as well as a husband who is coasting through the chores with his earbuds in. Does she need to change either of these behaviours? In this episode: Giving kids autonomy Force creates resistance Perspective Upside-Downside conversation Connection Boundaries, expectations, finding compromise Explore underlying dynamics Related Links: #754 Why Doing Their Best Might Not Be the Best The Biggest Relationship Mistakes We All Make 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] Become a Happy Families Member todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The harmful message being pushed onto senior students—that individual academic success is the ultimate priority in their final years of school—sends Mrs. Happy Families on an angry rant! You can help guide your senior student towards a healthy balance between academic achievement and the joy, connection, and recreation that are essential for their well-being. In this episode: Preparing for final year of school Scarcity mentality & competition Coping with stress/anxiety Finding balance Heavy focus on results & unhealthy elevation of university Drop-out rates in first year university Multiple pathways after school The importance of self-control 3 E’s conversation with senior students: Explore, Explain, Empower What’s important to you educationally? What do you need and how can we support you? Related links: #1095 - Exams: Less Stress More Success Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing 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] Become a Happy Families Member todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I’ll Do Better Tomorrow"—looking back on the week that has been: what we are doing right, what we are doing wrong, and how we can be better parents. In this episode: Family meetings Check in with each member of the family 3 questions: What’s going well in your life at the moment? What’s not? What can we do better? The power of emotional availability One-on-one time with kids The need to feel seen Family holidays Related links: #1045 – The Art & Science of Family Meetings 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] Become a Happy Families Member todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's Book Club episode, Justin and Kyle share what they have been reading this month! Kylie's books: The Measure by Nikki Erlick The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks Troubled by Rob Henderson The Winter Dress by Lauren Chater Justin's books: Hello Darkness, My Old Friend by Sanford Greenberg The Expat by Hansen Shi The Weirdest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous by Joseph Henrich 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] Become a Happy Families Member todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people recognise that consent is essential for a healthy sexual experience, yet many still find it challenging to fully understand its meaning. In this conversation, we'll explore the complexities and nuances of consent and how we can address these crucial topics with our children, step by step, as they grow. In this episode: Consent Can't Wait | consent.gov.au Body safety, boundaries, respect Consent in play When consent is taken to the extreme Verbal and non-verbal communication Developing identity and voice Critical thinking Compliance and obedience Teenagers and romantic relationships Withdrawing consent Alcohol, drugs, maturity, impairments Teaching ethics, empathy, rights, bodily autonomy Related links: #217 The Age of Consent with Rebecca Sparrow #226 More Than Consent Education with Melinda Tankard Reist Sex, Consent & Staying Safe [Webinar] #1071 - Body Boundaries With Jayneen Sanders 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] Become a Happy Families Member todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Term 4 is crunch time, with the stress of end-of-year (or final!) exams, report cards, deadlines, and more, leaving students feeling under pressure! Today's conversation includes our top tips to help parents reduce exam stress and guide kids to exam success. In this episode: Hope The marshmallow test Self-control Resilience and wellbeing The role of failure Taking the pressure off Strategies and tips for parents The 3 Es of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, and Empower Finding balance Time management Teaching mindfulness and self-care Related links: #140 Life After Year 12 How do I get my Daughter to Drop Social Media and Study for Exams? #334 Rock Solid Study with Katie Jnes 3 A+ Tips for Getting your Kids (and yourself) Through Exams 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] Become a Happy Families Member todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it okay to go away with your friends and leave your partner at home managing everything and everyone? How do you make it work, and should you even try? A successful trip without your partner hinges on a strong, trusting relationship. Open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to support one another are crucial. With the right approach, solo trips can enrich both your individual experiences and your relationship, creating a healthy balance for both partners. In this episode, we dive into the key considerations you need to be mindful of when planning time away without your significant other. From potential challenges to the points of friction that can arise, we explore how to navigate these moments with care. In this episode: Affordability, logistics What's your intention behind the trip? Supportive partners Differences between girl and boy getaways Emotional intensity - deep conversations, bonding Choosing companions who elevate you Strategic incompetence Resentment and communication challenges Contingency plans for partner at home Related links: Taking a Mum Break: "I could never leave the kids and go away for a week!" We Need to Talk About Parent 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] Become a Happy Families Member today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we doing more harm than good by pushing our children to excel early? The pursuit of excellence can feel rewarding for parents and children alike, but scientific evidence highlights the conflict between short-term gains and long-term success. Today, we say a sad farewell to Craig Bruce as he concludes his remarkable tenure as Executive Producer of this podcast, and a heartfelt thank you from the entire Happy Families team for the extraordinary contributions Craig has made to Happy Families! (R) This episode originally aired 15/7/24. In this episode: Pushing kids to succeed Acceleration programs for young children Effects of Early Talent Promotion on Junior and Senior Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Harmonious passion VS Obsessive passion Intrinsic motivation Gifted and talented children Happiness and wellbeing levels Finding healthy balance and having varied experiences No wasted knowledge in life Related links: How Much Sport is Too Much for our Kids? Going to High-Achieving Schools is Potentially Bad for Your Kids Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter 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. (R) This episode originally aired 3/6/24. 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.

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. (R) This episode originally aired 01/5/24. 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.

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! (R) This episode originally aired 29/4/24. 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.

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! (R) This episode originally aired 2/05/24. 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.

Is it just me...or are sleepovers a really bad idea? (R) This episode originally aired 28/3/24. 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.

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. (R) This episode originally aired 17/10/23. 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.

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. [R] This episode originally aired on 7/3/24. 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 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. [R] This episode originally aired on 27/2/24. 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. (R) This episode originally aired 26/2/24. 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" Related links: Capping: How the Bad Guys Get to Your Kids Online #837 Must-Know Online Safety With Madonna King 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.

When your child wants to quit an activity, especially one they’re good at, it can be challenging to know the right thing to do! Should you encourage them to push through, knowing the long-term benefits, or let them move on to something new? And then there's self-care—how do we even fit it into our hectic, overwhelming lives? It's so easy to let it fall by the wayside, especially for busy parents. But self-care can be more achievable than you think, with little things we can do on a daily basis that provide a moment to breathe and rejuvenate—without breaking the bank or needing more hours in the day. In this episode: When an adult child moves back home - how does it work? Change brings anxiety Resilience [Webinar] The Secret to Regulating Emotions (train analogy) What should you do when a child wants to quit an activity? Overwhelm and burn-out Pippin Girl | Happy, healthy, confident girls Self-care Related links: Self Care Strategies That Really Work Overwhelm: Self-care Strategies for When Everything is Too Much [Webinar] #637 Lightening the Load of Parental Burnout Burnt Out [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.

A lot of families love to "roast" or tease one another as a means of good-natured camaraderie. When done well (in the right circumstances, the right tone, and for the right reasons), this kind of humour can increase connection. However, when done wrong, it can be disastrous, particularly when children are involved, as they may not understand nuance and sarcasm and tend to internalise this style of humour. Justin and Kylie discuss the role of humour within families, the importance of empathy, and an alternative to roasting and sarcasm that can lead to happier, healthier family relationships. In this episode: ChatGPT “roast my Insta feed” Humour - the good, the bad, the ugly The roast of Tom Brady Sarcasm, trash-talking, 'burning', baiting Verbal sparring, quick thinking, witty banter 3 benefits of "roasting" within a family Building resilience, connection, confidence 3 challenges and concerns of using this humour Building a culture of disrespect The art of laughing at your own mistakes Empathy Related links: #1067 - A Brief History of Dad Jokes #1077 - From the Doctor's Desk: Funny Families & Relocation Repercussions Help your kids navigate the tricky online world where humour and hurt can get blurred . 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.

Would you let your 9-year-old ride the NY subway alone or your 15-year-old son travel abroad with friends? For doing just that, one mother received the label of "world's worst mum," and another was reported to social services! In today's risk-averse society, our children lack adventure. We want resilient children, and yet we try to control them in the name of safety, preventing them from being too adventurous. The problem is that if our kids don't do hard things, they don't get to be resilient. Justin and Kylie share why playing it safe may just be the biggest risk of all! Kirstie Allsopp reported to social services for allowing son,15, to travel abroad | The Guardian Free range kids What if...? Resilience malaise I let my 9-year-old ride the subway alone. I got labeled the 'world's worst mum' | Lenore Skenazy | Washington Post Developmentally appropriate independence Finding purpose and direction through adventure and risk-taking The Least Interesting Generation | Brett McKay | The Art of Manliness Resilience . Related links: The Case for Risky Play in an Age of Overprotection 9 Ways to a Resilient Child [Book] #906 Raising Free Range Kids This Summer . 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.

An anonymous listener shares their frustration and exhaustion with a husband who feels more like an additional child than a partner, offering little support with household and family responsibilities. Justin unpacks "weaponised incompetence" and the unfairness and resentment that build when one parent is left carrying the load and provides guidance on how to address the issue in a way that avoids blame, accusations, and an all-out conflict. Michelle, from Victoria, has a daughter experiencing mental illness, with chronic insomnia, anxiety, and friendship issues—all leading to a feeling of exhaustion and desperation in the home. Justin shares some ideas with Michelle that will help her struggling daughter, emphasising the importance of finding what ignites delight in your child—and giving them more of it! In this episode: Weaponised incompetence When one parent feels overwhelmed, exhausted, resentful Be honest (without accusations or blame) Setting clear expectations and solutions NDIS Couples meeting Getting on the same page Enabling laziness Autism, ADHD, chronic insomnia, anxiety Importance of sleep and bedtime routine Extra-curricular activities Validating emotions 3 basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, connection . Related links: #452 Weaponised Incompetence Parenting On The Same Page [Webinar] We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing A Grown Up’s Guide to Worry Stacking (and how to help kids kick it!) [Download] Riding the Waves: Tools for Taming Anxiety [course for kids and teens] #310 Bedtime is the Right Time #990 Mental Health Challenges with Anne Hollonds . 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 Australia, children below a certain age will be banned from social media as part of a national plan to counter its negative effects on youth. We discuss the government's commitments, the challenges this new legislation may face, and what parents can do now to protect their kids in a screen-saturated world. In this episode: 'National Social Media Age Limit' | A Current Affair Why 13+ is the current legal age Collecting personal data Politics and obstacles facing this legislation The impact of social media on kids Using screens well: with intentionality, self-regulation, limits Play-based childhood VS screen-based childhood Holding tech companies accountable What parents can do while waiting for legislation to pass Kids need smart parents not smartphones Building community Unplug Childhood - sign the pledge & join the village today! The Screen Smart Series: 'Unplug Childhood' & 'Tweens, Teens & Screens' (included in membership) . Related links: #980 The Anxious Generation With Jonathan Haidt Tech Giants are Anti-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 shares his disappointment in unwittingly missing out on the opportunity to share meaningful, heartfelt words with the people he loves after choosing to clean the kitchen during an extended family get-together rather than participating in a family activity. We all have a need to belong. You can help your child to have a sense of who they are and how they belong by creating family traditions and sharing family stories with them. Kylie shares how she included son-in-law Jared in one of their traditions by writing him into their family 'birth" story. In this episode: Missed opportunity Getting priorities right "If tomorrow never comes..." Ronan Keating Why vulnerability is hard! Using technology to check in with people we love Coulson daughter #2 has returned from Europe The need to belong Family traditions and stories Adoption Knowing family roots- -> increased resilience Teaching kids about positive relationships . Related links: How well do you score in Prof. Duke's 'Do You Know' scale? Family Traditions Help Kids Make Sense of Life #589 Mental Fitness With Gus Worland . 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.

A recent study has shown that parents who use humour have better relationships with their kids. But does all humour work in the same way? Are Dad jokes ok? Can sarcasm or roasting your child play a a positive role in parenting? And what are the consequences for our children when humour goes wrong? In a large-scale Denmark study, data from 1.1 million people has shown associations between moving house in childhood and increased risk of depression later in life. We look at ways that parents can support their child during big transitions and soften the impact of the uprooting experience of moving house. In this episode: Humour in parenting: Does it have a role? | PLOS One Defining humour The consequences when humour goes wrong Funny = reciprocal/consensual The effects of house moves during early childhood on child mental health at age 9 years | Springer Link Bluey 'The Sign' Resilience Parental guilt regarding moving Association versus causation Smoothing transitions for your child Related links: #732 This is How You Raise Resilient Kids Parenting Made Easy(er) Moving? How to Help your Child Settle Into A New School . Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered if becoming a foster carer is something you could do? Our guest today, Belinda Baxter, has 13 children (6 biological, 7 foster) and joins us for an important conversation about foster care: what it looks like for her family, the challenges and the rewards, and what you can do to get the process started. This week, communities across Australia come together to celebrate Foster Care Week, an annual event dedicated to recognising the invaluable contributions of foster and kinship carers. In this episode: Foster Care Week Types of foster care (full-time, kinship, respite, emergency) Family dynamics Boundaries and foundations Independent living skills The process of becoming a carer Challenges and difficulties of caring for other people's children Related links: Fostering Connections (Victoria) DCJ Foster, relative and kinship care (NSW) Queensland Foster and Kinship Care Become a foster carer (SA) Become a foster carer (WA) Foster and Kinship Carers Association (NT) Foster care - Department for Education, Children and Young People (TAS) . Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode originally appeared as episode #1013. 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.

Dr Hannah Brown, Campaign Manager for Education and Young People for RU OK?, is working to decrease the stigma of mental health and to provide Australians with the skills and confidence to check in with one another EVERY day, and not just RU OK? day. Hannah shares advice for parents who may be dealing with a child who is not ok—how to have this conversation with them and support them through their struggles. . In this episode: What to do when someone struggling says "I'm fine!" It's not our job to fix, but to notice, listen, and support Parent-to-child conversations Child-to-child conversations ALEC - Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, Check-in Teaching kids to be kind and respectful to their friends/classmates Building skills for strong and trusting relationships If you are not OK, please reach out for help: Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800 Parent Line (different number for each state) Lifeline 13 11 14 13YARN (for First Nations Australians) 13 92 76 Related links: #589 Mental Fitness With Gus Worland R U OK Day – Talking About It and What Happens When They Say ‘No’ . Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'I'll Do Better Tomorrow' is a review of the week that was. With more work-related travel than ever before, Justin still managed to make it home for Father's Day—his best one yet with a peak "life moment" involving son-in-law Jared! Listen in to hear how their relationship has moved from reluctant acceptance to that of deep friendship because of a conscious decision to love unconditionally. Plus, some sobering facts from Lifeline's Annual Gala Ball: Over a million calls are made to Lifeline every single year. 3000 phone calls per day, which means that somebody is in crisis every 28 seconds! Thank you to all of Lifeline's volunteers, sponsors, workforce, and other contributors. We recognise the importance of this service and are so very grateful for the wonderful work you do. In this episode: Lifeline's Annual Gala Ball Father's Day Low expectations, no pressure, time with family Being a grandparent on Father's Day Reaping what you sow Unconditional love Lifeline: Help is available. Speak with someone today! Call 13 11 14 Related links: Fatherhood Redefined [Webinar] Use coupon code "Spring15" to receive $15 discount! Sale ends tonight. Present Dads, Healthy Kids #890 How You Know You’re Loved Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist Angela Mollard writes that "[a]n age of confession and vulnerability has seen parenting rebranded as a challenging, joyless, expensive, and freedom-sapping decision. They forgot the awesome bits." On the podcast today, Angela chats with Justing about finding the joy in parenting, the importance of perspective and gratitude, and why we must speak of the great parts of parenthood—because although parenting is hard, it's absolutely worth it! In this episode: The vulnerabilities VS the joys of parenting Parenting needs a PR job? Blame the mummy bloggers | Angela Mollard | The Daily Telegraph Finding fulfilment in parenting Generational differences Gratitude Look for the 'glimmers' every day #148 Flecks of Gold Perspective Being present What Your Child Needs From You by Dr Justin Coulson (use coupon code SPRING15 for a sneaky discount! Ends 6/5/24) Related links: Parenting Made Easy(er) Unplugging Parenthood (and being present!) Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's National Child Protection Week! Today's conversation is with author, publisher, mother, and educator Janeen Sanders, a strong public advocate for children’s safety, education, and empowerment. Jayneen joins Dr Justin to speak on the importance of teaching consent and body safety to children of all ages and how parents can do this in age-appropriate ways. This is an essential skill for every parent: to keep our children safe from sexual abuse and sexual predators. In this episode: Statistics The younger a child, the more vulnerable and at-risk they are Online grooming #926 Who Tops the List of Child Sexual Abusers? Using correct anatomical names Teaching body boundary and consent Grandparents and hugging Creating a safety network for your child . Jayneen Sander's resources: Body Safety Red Flags by Jayneen Sanders My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders Body Safety and Consent VALUE BUNDLE by Jayneen Sanders My Body Safety Rules - FREE POSTER Head to the Educate 2 Empower website for more books, lesson plans, posters, and other resources for parents and teachers. . Related links: Sex, Consent, & Staying Safe [Webinar] #226 More Than Consent Education with Melinda Tankard Reist Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert asks, What can you do when your teenager won’t go to school? Throw in the complexity of neurodivergence, and this becomes a tough situation! Plus, a question from Sian about managing the inconsistency between a reward/token system at school and what is going on at home. Can two very different structures coexist and work for your child? In this episode: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Emotion-Based School Avoidance Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) or Persistent Desire for Autonomy Conflict around gaming Connection vs control Explore, explain, empower Emotional valence (the extent to which an emotion is pleasant or unpleasant, ranging from negative to positive) Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation Building structure in the home Related links: School Refusal Screens And Our Boys Punishment, Reward, and Other Disciplinary Mistakes #720 What are the Psychological Needs of Our Kids? Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is cleaning your teenage son's room every day reinforcing outdated gender roles and enabling a future of entitlement? Or is it an act of love, showing care and understanding for a busy, tired teenager? No matter where you stand, Justin and Kylie delve into what truly matters in a thoughtful discussion about kids, chores, and their role in contributing to the household. In this episode: Mom tidies teen's room each morning as a kind act of service, prompting a fascinating debate | Upworthy Social media - the good, the bad, the ugly Gratitude Chores, schedules, jobs Gendered expectations? Division of labour, working together Explore, explain, empower Related links: I am Not the Maid – How to get 5 Star Service from the Kids at Home My 13-Year-Old Doesn’t Pick up a Single Thing Developmental Milestones [Introduction] Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Got a tech-savvy teen who dodges screen-time limits or constantly craves social media validation? Justin and Kylie share how their weekly family meetings provide time and space for ongoing conversations about screen use, leading to personal accountability and self-evaluation, with increased buy-in from the whole family! In this episode: 'Word of the year' review Why Grandparents matter Developmental paediatricians Family meetings Screen use Sneaky teens - getting around screen-time limits Toxic need for validation on social media Force creates resistance Motivation contiuum Phubbing Related Links: #845 Phones, Phubbing & Relationship Satisfaction Register for The Screen Smart Series - 'Unplug Childhood' and 'Tweens, Teens & Screens' #1049 Q&A – The Benefits of Plants & Grandparents Learn more about the motivation continuum in our webinar Carrots & Sticks: How Rewards and Punishments Hurt Our Kids, and What to do Instead Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Father's Day just around the corner, Justin & Kylie go head to head in a battle for gold in the UFC (Ultimate Father Comedy) before stepping back in time to discover the origins of the comedy equivalent of comfort food: the "Dad Joke"! Humour can be a quick and easy way to build connection with your kids; but don't just rely on a good dad joke to get the fun flowing! Learn what else you can do to help your kids feel seen, heard, and valued this Father's Day and beyond. In this episode: A history of dad jokes Dad jokes: intentional, predictable, cheesy, wholesome Building connection To a child, love is spelled T.I.M.E Finding opportunities to have fun The Neurological Dance of Parental Bonding: Unraveling The Oxytocin Connection | KoolkKats Related Links: Me & My Dad Activity Book [Free Download] #489 Complementary Roles of Mums and Dads With Jenet Erickson Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ADHD experience is increasingly common and most people with a diagnosis (or seeking one), or who are parenting ADHD children are struggling in some way. Jane McFadden, host of the Australian podcast "ADHD Mums," shares her lived experience of receiving a shock adult ADHD diagnosis following a period of burnout, overwhelm, and mental health struggles, and the unique challenges she faces as a neurodivergent mum to neurodivergent children. In this episode: Adult ADHD diagnosis Neurodivergent parents Assessment criteria for adult ADHD Masking and camouflaging Setting up systems, scaffolding, and accommodation Mental health and comorbidities of ADHD Labels Benefits of a diagnosis Sensory issues Related Links: Help For the ADHD Parent [Article] Join the Waitlist: Parenting ADHD [The Course] Parenting an ADHD Child [Article] Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know the feeling - it's the middle of the night and a small human wakes you from your slumber and takes up residence in your bed. Caroline wants to know if it's normal for a nine year old to continue wanting to sleep in her bed, and what (if anything), she should do about it. Kate has discovered that her five year old has a tendency for being light fingered and stealing things from her purse. Should she be worried about the stealing and sneaky behaviour? In this episode: Anxiety at night Co-sleeping Evolving ideas around childhood Building connection, wellbeing, belonging Emotional regulation Sleep matters! Thumb-sucking Low impulse control and executive function Theory of mind What to do if your child is stealing Explore, explain, empower Teaching values Related Links: Developmental Milestones [Part 4: Middle Childhood] My Kids Don't Eat Or Sleep #846 An Honest Conversation Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Evidence suggests that META and other big tech companies are purposefully hurting kids through their lack of content moderation and their choice of harmful persuasive design features. Justin and Kylie discuss how you can protect your children from online exploitation and manipulation by giving them a play-based childhood. Join the village, sign the pledge to delay smartphones and social media, and “Unplug Childhood” with us! In this episode: The Surgeon General Has New Social Media Guidelines. Minnesota Already Made Some of Them Into Law | After Babel Substack | Ravi Dyer META whistleblower reports Social media algorithms Prioritising engagement over content quality Kids exposed to unwanted contact, sexual advances REPORT on addictive design of online services and consumer protection in the EU single market | European Parliament What is persuasive design? Unplug Childhood - sign the pledge Related Links: #1002 Kylie Can’t Get Enough Snapchat #1060 – No Hang-Ups With School Phone Bans (Heads Up Alliance interview) Unplugging Parenthood The Screen Smart Series: Unplug Childhood + Tweens, Teens & Screens Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family life is a constant challenge of working out where your priorities are at any moment: Justin and Kylie must choose between a quick weekend getaway and tackling their to-do list! Plus, the flow-on effect of reducing screen time usage, removing the family TV and cancelling Netflix has been revolutionary - but how did the Coulsons get all the kids on board? In this episode: A weekend of chores and to-do lists! Creating margin Being present Super Saturday Family meetings Accountability and intentionality Screens Related Links: The Screens Issue #1045 – The Art & Science of Family Meetings Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Week in Parenting: Perhaps the most polarising Paris Olympic story was that of Aussie Olympic breakdancer Rachel Gunn. International meme fodder, or pure gold for sparking meaningful conversations with our kids, encouraging critical thinking, and creating empathy? A beautiful example of understanding and compassion in the workplace and from the world at large occurred after ABC presenter Nate Byrne experienced a panic attack live on air. Something is wrong when a top Crossing Supervisor is banned from high-fiving kids as they walk to school. A fascinating story on reversing autism highlights the need for good-quality research and responsible reporting. There's a mental health crisis among our young people: why are we getting it so wrong, and what needs to be done? In this episode: "Raygun" Olympic breakdancing controversy Turning media hype into constructive conversation, critical thinking, and empathy Hidden signs of panic attacks Presenter has panic attack live on the ABC Support structures for mental health Open communication and understanding in the workplace Brutal nature of social media Beloved lollipop man banned from high-fiving primary students after parent complaint | News.com.au Responsible reporting ‘Autism can be reversed’, scientists claim | The Telegraph Safeguarding mental health of Australian youth Major contributors to the rise in mental health challenges ‘Danger zone’ for mental health, says global study | The Australian Related Links: #990 Mental Health Challenges with Anne Hollonds Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, I had an insightful interview with Dany Elachi, founder of The Heads Up Alliance, examining the No Phones policy that every school in the country should be implementing—the benefits, the evidence, and the challenges. Dany shares how community is the solution to an issue that so many parents feel they are facing alone—how to say "not yet" to a smartphone and/or social media. In this episode: Forming alliances with other families Keeping teens off social media Creating a consistent phone-free environment in Australian schools Empirical vs anecdotal evidence Behavioural challenges in schools Mental health, bullying, academic outcomes Catholic and Independent Schools Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Dr Michael Carr-Gregg: “A no brainer from the university of bleeding obvious” THE HEADS UP ALLIANCE | Instagram, Facebook Linktree Related Links: Unplug Childhood #980 The Anxious Generation With Jonathan Haidt Pixel Perfect [Webinar] Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If your family was invited to participate in a reality TV show would it be an easy "yes!", a "no way!", or would you deliberate? Alan, from the USA, asks Dr Justin for his opinion. Kirsty questions if she should be worried about her 5 year old son, with teachers concerned he is not conforming at preschool, and wants to know how she can help him. Is preschool a time and place where conformity should be encouraged, or is it stifling individuality? In this episode: Child on-screen exploitation Potential life-long ramifications Pros and cons of participating Questions to ask the producer Conformity is a dirty word! Arguments for and against conformity Importance of context Motivation Teachers usually know what they're talking about! Gain child's perspective Explore solutions with child Relevant Links: What to do when kids won’t listen [Webinar] Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 NAPLAN results have shown that one in three students are below educational standards, with almost 400,000 students requiring catch up tutoring. The results also show that around a quarter of the over 1 million students tested are said to be 'developing' - which just means they're failing to pass the minimum standards required. What's gone wrong with education in Australia? Natasha Bita is the education editor of The Australian, and has won numerous awards for her work, including a Walkley Award (Australia’s most prestigious journalism award). In this episode: 2024 NAPLAN results Epic fail: NAPLAN reveals one in three students below standard | Natasha Beta View a video version of Natasha's story on YouTube Screens in schools Schools manipulating NAPLAN data Positives of NAPLAN Impact of teacher shortages and wellbeing on student learning Going back to basics (phones etc) Read more from Natasha on The Australian's website. Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parenting and family life is a continuous striving to get the balance right. Family meetings can help with this struggle, providing guideposts so that everyone is on the same page. Inviting kids to be part of this process keeps everyone accountable and moving in the same direction. In this episode: Parenting teenagers Reducing screen use Family meetings Accountability Getting on the same page Super Saturday The Adventure Challenge: Activity book, scratch off family activities Relevant Links: Same Page Parenting #1045 – The Art & Science of Family Meetings Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The reality is that our children can hear. They are listening. They just won't do as they are asked! We share five things you can do to make your kids WANT to listen, building stronger relationships with them along the way. In this episode: Free hearing test Carefactor = zero 5 reasons kids aren't listening Egocentric Attentional capacity Silence and refusal Immediate compliance Connection vs correction Be involved and patient Accountability Fun, calm, and kind leads to a better relationship Relevant Links: How to Get Your Kids to Really Listen [PDF download] Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin is answering two listener questions in this episode. Christina from the United States is wondering how she can get a less than cooperative teenager to put away the screens and get to bed, even though she has already compromised on them staying up later than she would like. Kate is wondering why her five year old's behaviour is so different between school and home. How can a 'model student' melt down over simple requests like being asked to take her plate to the kitchen after dinner? In this episode: Screen limits and teenagers Sleep #1003 When the 3 E’s Don’t Work Force creates resistance Jocelyn Brewer - The 3 M's of Digital Nutrition Differences in school and home environment Kids feel safe at home Masking at school Allow time to decompress after school #866 Creating Margin Related Links: Tweens, Teens & Screens [Webinar] Screens And Our Boys 5 Ways to Make Family Life More Fun Developmental Milestones [Part 4: Middle Childhood] Get your questions to Justin by hitting the record button on the Happy Families website. Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does "risky play" make you excited or very nervous? The research is clear regarding the many benefits to children who engage in risky play. With it becoming increasingly hard to find public spaces that allow for risky play, we share ideas and tips for how parents can encourage and support their children to engage in risky play at home. In this episode: Old-school playgrounds What is risky play? Healthy childhood development through outdoor risky play: Navigating the balance with injury prevention | Canadian Paediatric Society How to encourage risky play at home "You want your kids to be as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible” The importance of agency and autonomy in play Roald Dahl quote on kids and risks Physical development Emotional resilience Social skills and mental health Solving problems Risk assessment Relevant Links: Playing It Safe May Be The Biggest Risk Of All Resilience: Developing strength, calm and kindness in our kids [Webinar] #50 Risks and Rolling Down Hills Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saying goodbye to loved ones has been the cause for much reflection for Justin, including the acknowledgment that owning our own mortality allows us to invest more fully in life. Kylie describes a recent family meeting, and how the buy in that comes when everybody takes accountability for the part they play in how a family feels and functions can be life-changing. In this episode: Losing loved ones Treasure every moment of life Terror Management Theory Don't count the days; allow the days to count! Family meetings Accountability How to get buy-in from the kids Exercise and routine Relevant Links: How To Talk To Your Children About Death #1045 – The Art & Science of Family Meetings Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Doctor's Desk today we unpack three studies relevant to parents and families. First, an intervention that could decrease the likelihood of developing a peanut allergy by 71% (N.B. we are not sharing medical advice!). The second study - another intervention involving a 2 week screen-free media reduction for participants, with fantastic results! And the third, a study looking at differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent responses to touch, and some helpful tips for parents of neurodivergent children when it comes to understanding and navigating these responses. In this episode: Peanut allergies The danger of becoming risk-adverse Screen Media Use and Mental Health of Children and Adolescents: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial | Media and Youth | JAMA Network Open A happier child in 2 weeks? Emotional dysregulation Parental responsibility with screens Follow-up to Adolescence after Early Peanut Introduction for Allergy Prevention | NEJM Evidence Why touch matters Sensory issues, autism Differences in neurodivergent vs neurotypical response to touch Consent Autonomic and hedonic response to affective touch in autism spectrum disorder - Capiotto - 2024 - Autism Research - Wiley Online Library Relevant Links: Tech giants are ANTI-kids Unplug Childhood - join the village today #1016 – From The Doctor’s Desk: Touch Good, Anger Bad Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together) Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.