Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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

Anonymous asks, "My 3-year-old is asking questions about his absent father. How do I answer in a way that supports my young son's mental health and self-esteem?". Justin gives examples of a healthy and developmentally appropriate response to this difficult situation in a way that honours the father, supports the child, and also advocates for our anonymous listener. Lisa, from Canada, is concerned that catching the school bus will potentially expose her 11-year-old daughter to explicit material. Justin shares some suggestions that will help every parent safely lead their child along the path to independence. In this episode: Single parent Absent father Mental health  Answering sensitive questions age appropriately Honesty and transparency Children need to feel safe, secure, loved Building independence, confidence & self-efficacy Cocooning, pre-arming, deference The Three E's (Explore, Explain, Empower) . Related links: How Do I Support My Daughter Now That I'm Divorcing? - Happy Families Pornography Is

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

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

Study 1: Is your child feeling unhappy, pressured, or teased about their weight? Navigating growing up in a society so focused on physical appearance is difficult, but there are practical steps parents can take to decrease the risk of internalised stigma and other challenges around weight. Study 2: So, you think you can read a baby's cry? Think again!  Study 3: The secret to getting your teen to listen to you can be found in the very foundation of what Dr Justin teaches in The Parenting Revolution!  In this episode: Teasing children about weight increases risk of self-stigma as adults, study finds | The Guardian Weight stigma - what is it? Internalised incompetence and low sense of self-worth Babies’ cries alone don’t convey what they want | The British Psychological Society Dunstan Baby Language The secret to getting your teen to listen to you | The British Psychological Society Autonomy support Unsolicited advice from parents How to talk to teens about hard stuff Related links: 9 Strategies for Soothin

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

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

Andrew Tate's harmful ideology is infiltrating schools. Boys, broadly speaking, are big fans, and their behaviour in the classroom is reflecting this. Dr Stephanie Westcott (researcher and lecturer in the School of Education, Culture, and Society at Monash University) shares her research on the experiences women are having in educational settings across Australia, looking at the influence of misogynistic ideology, how algorithms on TikTok and Youtube direct young boys to these ideas, and what parents, carers, and educators can do to combat the rise of these radicalised masculine myths. In this episode: Andrew Tate Misogyny infiltrating classrooms Harmful ideology influencing young boys Andrew Tate’s extreme views about women are infiltrating Australian schools. We need a zero-tolerance response, Westcott & Roberts | The Conversation Experiences women are having in educational contexts Behaviours of boys in the classroom Framing boys and men as victims Radicalisation of masculinity Andrew Tate Effect

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

There's a brand new nicotine product out, so invisible you may not even be aware your child has it! Plus, the dangers of vaping, a nation-leading move by SA to protect our children from social media, and 118 reasons to be child-free.  In this episode: Bluey 'The Sign' - a missed opportunity? Advocate pushes for vaping areas in schools as NSW holds inquiry into vape laws | news.com.au Harm-reduction policy regarding vaping #498 Children and Vaping, with Lisa Damour - Happy Families Vaping is a 'young person' phenomenon in Australia | Pursuit, Uni of Melb A new nicotine product that tastes and smells great - known as zyns, snus or little lip pillows ‘Invisible threat’: Nicotine pouches taking over schools | news.com.au Should social media be banned for children? How should you approach your children's and teenagers' social media use? | abc.net.au Parents in defensive mode Australian model Ellie Gonsalves shared 118 reasons to be childfree | ABC Related links: Pots, Pills, & Parenting: A Masterclass with

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

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

Do you have a child who refuses to or is unable to go to school? Sydney mum Alice joins Justin on the Happy Families podcast today to share the day-to-day pressure of trying to help a child get to school when emotions are high and nervous systems are in fight or flight mode.  If you are deep in the trenches of ‘school can’t’, this is a not-to-be-missed conversation, with some beautiful advice and encouragement to parents who are feeling stressed, judged, and alone in their struggle to get a child to school. In this episode: Emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA) Reasons for 'school can't' School Can't Australia (Parent/Carer Peer Support) | Facebook Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD) Importance of friendships Pressure on parents, judgement Homeschooling Mental health of parents Moving schools "Is it just me? Am I the only one who can't get their kid to go to school?" School refusal and the Australian families gripped by blame, shame, and the fear of a lost education - ABC News Related links: School Refusal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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