Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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 -...

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 sel...

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 Connect...

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 sh...

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 ...

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/intui...

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  Tik...

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 Em...

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 Hed...

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 babysi...

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...

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 Sta...

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 o...

Reaching the end of our parenting tether can lead to angry blow ups or painful criticism. We must watch what we say because our words create worlds – ours and our children’s.   In this episode: Justin has a meltdown Body image and self-talk Watch Your Words – Happy Families #615 You’re the (Inner) Voice – Happy Families #207 Taming That Voice Inside Your Head – Happy Families   Find us on  Faceboo...

This week in parenting: the disturbing world of social media and child influencers - and their online stalkers! Bradley Cooper and Dax Shepherd 'Armchair Expert' podcast interview Early days of parenting, connecting with baby ‘Lunatics’: Fury over change to Mary Poppins movie classification | news.com.au L.P. Hartley — 'The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.' 'Hogwarts Le...

Your child is too little to go to school but needs to be looked after when you are working - a familiar predicament for many parents today! Help your child thrive in childcare, by having consistent rituals of connection. In this episode: Early, extensive childcare  Another Perspective on the Latest Research on Early Child Care | by Jenet Erickson & Jay Belsky Brain development in infancy Attac...

Beth asks, "how do we teach our children the difference between nudity and pornography?". Conversations to have with your child to remove shame and secrecy; and what to do if they are exposed to explicit content.  In this episode: Good Pictures Bad Pictures : Porn-Proofing Today’s Young Kids by Kristen Jenson  #898 Porn-Proofing Your Kids with Kristen Jenson – Happy Families Pornography vs nakedne...

We asked you to share the best parenting advice you've ever heard! In this episode: The 3 basic psychological needs of children Connection   Developmental Milestones - a Happy Families article L.R. Knost - Little Hearts, Gentle Parenting Resources #721 Defusing Explosive Children with Dr Ross Greene – Happy Families Giving in fantasy what they can't have in reality The Secret to Regulating Emotion...

A moon landing, ear bacteria, award-winning lawns, and panning for gold - this conversation has it all as we discuss intentional parenting and trying to do better. In this episode: Some fun facts Connection and being intentional Breaking cycles Nuggets vs flecks of gold Let kids be kids Harmon Killebrew "We are not raising grass, we are raising boys"  Find us on Facebook  or  TikTok Email your que...

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. In this episode: Damaging mindsets Commitment, trust, connection Intention vs action Divorce contagion Provocative statistics Get Married by Brad Wilcox Positive outcomes for children...

New research by sociologist Brad Wilcox shows that nothing predicts happiness in life better than a good marriage—not even a hefty bank account or a great career.  In this episode: Get Married by Brad Wilcox Is marriage just a piece of paper? Ceremony and ritual Cohabitation vs marriage - stability, direction, happiness Finding oneself  The soulmate myth  Family-first model  Cultivating romance an...

For our children, "fair" can often mean getting what they want. Understanding your child's developmental capacity and implementing these three quick ideas can help you deal with those moments when your child appears self-centred and lacking in empathy. In this episode: Email from Lauren about 'fairness' Aimee's Adventures on TikTok - How I teach “fairness” to my elementary schoolers using bandaids...

Sometimes people say dumb things (with the very best of intentions) when it comes to giving parenting advice.  Find us on  Facebook  or  TikTok Email your questions and comments to  podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au Learn more about joining THE QUEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being fully present with your family requires letting go of distractions and remembering that to a child, love is spelled T.I.M.E. In this episode:  Word of the year update "The great unhappiness machine" Emotional regulation The gift of homeschooling Autonomy and freedom in learning Know your child Being intentional Find us on  Facebook  or  TikTok Email your questions and comments to  podcasts@h...

This week in parenting: Disney's Percy Jackson, an epic game taking the internet by storm, and the explicit lyrics your children may be singing in the playground. Plus, a reminder that education matters - in all its forms! In this episode:  Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan now on Disney Palworld  Megan Thee Stallion - not kid friendly! Natasha Bita -  Smartphone obsessions are dumbing down Australian...