Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

What do AI chatbot dangers, thirty young adults crammed into a tiny home, and a book-writing marathon have in common? They’re all part of this week’s rollercoaster ride in the Coulson household. In this deeply personal episode, Justin and Kylie share what lit them up—and what nearly broke them. From a powerful conversation about building community around our kids, to the sobering...

It’s confronting. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s happening every day. Australia ranks among the highest in the world for online bullying—and too many parents feel powerless to stop it. In this episode, Justin and Kylie recap the raw and eye-opening online bullying challenge from Parental Guidance Season 3. They’re joined by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie...

A video of Justin... that Justin  never made . This was the shocking moment that shook the families on Parental Guidance —a deepfake designed to highlight how real, how convincing, and how dangerous AI can be for our kids. In today’s recap, we dive into the confronting realities of deepfakes, online safety, and skyrocketing screen time. From fake videos to 65-hour screen weeks, ho...

  They look fun. They seem harmless. But behind the screen, AI chatbots are creating dangerously deceptive relationships with our kids. In this gripping recap of Parental Guidance Season 3, Episode 1, Justin and Kylie unpack the most confronting challenge yet: kids creating AI “friends.” From flirtatious bots to false identities and emotional manipulation, this episode reveals jus...

Reality TV with a purpose? Yes, please.  Parental Guidance Season 3 kicks off tonight—and in this special preview episode, Justin and Kylie share everything you need to know before tuning in. From parenting styles to hot-button topics like body image, screen time, and AI bots, this four-night TV event dives deep into the challenges real families are facing right now. Whether you're a tr...

Are we making life too easy for our kids? In a world where we rush to remove every obstacle from our children’s paths, we may be unintentionally robbing them of the very thing they need most— resilience . In this powerful conversation, Dr. Justin Coulson is joined by Tim Curtis—former SAS Commander, humanitarian, and author of Building Resilient Kids. From war zones to raising te...

“Having your heart right towards your child is probably the most important thing you can do... but how you communicate is right up there too.” In this episode of I’ll Do Better Tomorrow , we share two powerful parenting wins from our own family this week. From navigating bedtime battles with our youngest to having a meaningful (and sometimes hilarious) conversation about consent...

This episode isn’t like our usual Thursday chats. Today, we’re unboxing something that could genuinely change — or even save — lives. It’s not about us. It’s about a cause close to our hearts: men’s mental health and suicide prevention. After losing our nephew to suicide in 2023, this mission became deeply personal. Join us as we unpack the Gotcha For Life...

What if stress isn’t the enemy… but the training ground? In this sneak peek of our powerful conversation with former SAS soldier and leadership expert Tim Curtis, we unpack the real role of stress in our lives—and how it can actually help our kids grow. Tim reveals the four essential layers of resilience every child (and adult) needs to thrive—and the surprisingly simple s...

“It’s really hard to be happier than your unhappiest child.” When one child is battling mental health challenges, the whole family feels the weight. In this heartfelt episode, Justin and Kylie answer a powerful question from a mum of four: How do I help my younger kids cope as their older brother struggles with depression? This episode is a must-listen for families navigating the...

Are you carrying the mental and emotional load of parenting solo—even though you have a partner? You're not imagining it. You're not alone. And it doesn't have to stay this way. In this episode of the Happy Families podcast, Justin and Kylie dive into one of the most common (and quietly painful) challenges parents face: feeling like you're parenting alone in a relationship. With warmth, real...

“I just want what’s best for them.” That’s what every loving parent says. But sometimes, in our desperation to protect our kids from failure—or secure their success—we push too hard, and it backfires. In this conversation with psychologist and parenting expert Professor Wendy Grolnick , we explore the hidden costs of being a pushy parent and how to guide our chi...

Things reached breaking point. And then… everything changed. This week on the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie share a raw and transformative parenting story from their own home—a story of tough love, compassion, and the unexpected joy that emerged when one of their children went screen-free. If you've ever wrestled with screen-time battles, wondered whether stepping in might...

Are your phone habits impacting your child’s growth? We all know kids and screens don’t mix well—but what about parents and screens? A compelling new study has uncovered a strong link between a mother’s screen time and her child’s developmental outcomes. In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the latest research on "technoference" and...

We usually talk about tech as a problem — screens, addiction, distraction — but what if it could actually make family life better? In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson chats with two innovative parents, Matt and Brianna Donaldson, about how they're using smart technology to support routines, reduce stress, and create more quality time together. From bedtime battles to TV tantrums, discov...

Is it ADHD… or something else entirely? This episode dives into one of the most debated topics in parenting and child psychology. Dr Justin Coulson answers a heartfelt question from a concerned parent: Should I pursue a formal ADHD diagnosis for my child — or are there better first steps to take? If you're feeling overwhelmed by symptoms, advice, and conflicting opinions, this co...

When the kids are relentless, defiant, or just downright exhausting, do you give in? Do you clamp down? Or is there a better way? In this episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the three most common parenting responses to challenging behaviour — and make the case for a third, more effective path. You'll laugh, reflect, and come away with a powerful tool to hel...

She thought parenting would be homemade cookies, flouncy dresses, and humming while folding laundry… but instead, she’s throwing plastic cups at walls. In this hilarious, vulnerable, and unexpectedly heartwarming episode, Justin speaks with Victoria Vanstone—author, podcast host, and recovering party girl—about what happens when the perfect mum you imagined never actually...

I'll Do Better Tomorrow: The Power of Teaching Kids About Emotions Kids don’t magically learn emotional regulation—they need to be taught. In this special Friday episode of I’ll Do Better Tomorrow , Justin and Kylie reflect on a big week: a powerful email from the past, and a meaningful family conversation about emotions. They share how their weekly “teaching tradition&rdqu...

What happens when you strip your smartphone of its “smart”? In this Doctor’s Desk deep dive, Justin and Kylie unpack a groundbreaking new study showing what really happens when people block mobile internet on their smartphones. The results? Better focus. Improved wellbeing. Healthier screen habits. Drawing on the science, personal experience, and insights from Jonathan Haidt and...

  What if failing to be the perfect parent was the point all along? In this raw and deeply moving preview episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the heart, humour, and humanity behind  Mumming —a memoir by Victoria Vanstone about a year of trying (and failing) to be a better parent. From shouty moments to terrifying near-loss, Victoria’s journey reminds us that imperfection is part...

What do you do when your anxiety has become their anxiety? In this listener Q&A, Justin and Kylie respond to Amy from Melbourne—a self-diagnosed helicopter parent whose 9-year-old daughter now struggles with fear and risk aversion. With compassion and practical insight, they break down the difference between risky and dangerous play, explore the impact of parental anxiety, and offer real...

“I Don’t Like Playing with My Kids” – Why Play Still Matters If the idea of playing Barbies or dragons makes you groan… you’re not alone. In this episode, Justin and Kylie tackle a parenting confession that many are afraid to admit:  “I don’t like playing with my kids.” Drawing from emotional intelligence research and real-life experience...

Prawns, Perspective & Parenting: Why the Silly Moments Matter Most Sometimes the most ridiculous memories become the most meaningful. In this heartfelt Friday episode, Justin and Kylie reflect on family, connection, and the unexpected power of silly traditions—like reenacting a 50-year-old prawn-and-tomato-sauce date. From celebrating milestones to navigating teenage heartbreak, this epi...

What if the most powerful thing you can do as a parent… is let go? Today’s episode dives into one of the most radical and relieving ideas in parenting: trusting your child’s natural development. Drawing on powerful research from McGill University, Dr Justin explores why pushing less can actually lead to more—less stress, more confidence, fewer behavioural issues, and healt...