Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee 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 podcasts@ha

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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee 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 yo

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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au 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 podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.