Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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 Findin...

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...

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 Determi...

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 pe...

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...

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...

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 Prioriti...

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. I...

A listener wants to know how to help her friend, a single mum to an increasingly difficult 10-year-old boy. Plus, three things you can do to survive your child’s big and embarrassing public meltdown! In this episode: Single parenting Supporting other parents Aggressive child Emotional regulation Psychological help It takes a village! 2-parent privilege Travelling with kids HALTS How to say no with...

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!  In this episode: Cost-of-living increase Returning to work Motherhood Being a mum is valid and valuable wor...

Justin & Kylie discuss the hills and valleys of life - Justin is definitely feeling on top of the mountain as he strives to achieve a better work/life balance, while Kylie is in the valley after farewelling daughter number three. 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 w...

Justin takes a look at Abigail Shrier's controversial new book "Bad Therapy". What's really going on with our kids, and why are they going through so many challenges?  In this episode: Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up and Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier Why The Kids Aren’t Alright | Honestly Podcast Trauma, PTSD, depression Therapy Iatrogenesis - when the healer introduces harm Pa...

Today we answer listener questions about co-parenting, homework, and starting daycare. In this episode: Co-parenting and divorce Picking battles  Co-parenting apps: 2houses and  OurFamilyWizard Structure and routine Natural, unstructured environments Developing social skills Happy Families Resources: Parenting on the Same Page – Happy Families 7 Tips for Co-Parenting Your Children – Happy Families...

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

After years of family holiday flops, ChatGPT planned a successful Coulson holiday. Plus, Kylie saves the day with a big dose of compassion. In this episode: #952- A Rippin Good Read – Happy Families ChatGPT itinerary planning Large family dynamics Farewelling children Gap years #968 The Secret to Regulating Emotions – Happy Families The power of compassion Find us on Facebook  or  TikTok Leave a v...

Content warning: violence, CSA + a spoiler alert for Bluey fans. This week in parenting: how a family of dogs is teaching resilience, a sober warning to parents regarding children's online activity, and a fun look at celebrity parenting rules.  In this episode: Bluey is back with a lesson about preparing kids for change - ABC News Resilience Guy Sebastian's bad parenting advice Responding to Toddl...

Warning: sensitive content Pregnancy and infant loss are such important yet rarely discussed topics. Author Lellie Lopter emphasises the importance of creating a safe environment for these conversations to take place, as well as the need to include children in the healing journey. In this episode: My Brother Born Sleeping by Lellie Lopter Supporting families Coping with different beliefs about inf...

Following the tragic attack in Bondi, our children need help processing such difficult news. There are things you can do and say to ensure your child feels safe and secure as they come to terms with what has happened. Also, a mum of three asks "What should we do when our kids don't show us the respect that we would like?" In this episode: Having hard conversations Honesty Limiting exposure to news...

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@happyfami...

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...

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 Fai...

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...

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 u...

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 Optiona...

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...