Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

5 parenting trends set to be huge in 2024 are placed under the Happy Families microscope. Will they build strong, solid families, or are they fads destined to flop over time?   In today's episode: Celebrating small wins, on top of the big achievements "Sharenting" - putting your children online places them at risk of harm or exploitation Leah Plunkard , author of Sharenthood: Why We Should Think b...

Starting 2024 with a shock announcement from Justin as he reveals the big parenting issue he has gotten wrong!  Topics in today's episode: holidays homeschooling the magic of Christmas Santa Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien exciting changes to the podcast our words for 2024, and some words from our listeners Join the waitlist for The Quest Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's...

Have the most wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. We look forward to joining you again on The Happy Families Podcast in late January. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the full interview with Dr Ross Greene, as heard in episodes #721 and #722. Topics discussed in today's episode: The Explosive Child, by Dr Ross Greene an associate clinical professor at Harvard Medical School Kids do well if they can Flexibility & adaptability Problem solving High emotions, low intelligence Lagging skills research Motivation vs ability How to work with intensely rigid...

Solutions for managing parental fatigue - perfect timing as we head into the busiest and most exhausting time of the year!  Topics included in this episode - Holidays - a time for rejuvenation or just more exhaustion? Physical and mental fatigue Exhaustion with little kids Causes of parental fatigue Tightrope walker metaphor - a constant balancing act Sleep is not a luxury Diet - eat well, make he...

Why forming positive habits, especially those with our kids and in our families is so important. Purchase the 2023 Webinar Bundle for $199 and get instant access to $1087 worth of parenting resources!  Find us on Facebook at  Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at  podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Topics included in this episode - Ideas on how to motivate your kids and set goals as a family. Find us on Facebook at  Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at  podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does Dr Mona think about gentle parenting? Topics included in this episode - Justin speaks with Dr Mona Delahooke Brain-Body Parenting Responsive parenting Permissive parenting Reading your child's cues Bottom-up behaviours are instinctual Behavioural biomarkers What to do instead Red & green zones Being responsive with time constraints Find us on Facebook at  Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Fa...

Are you ready for summer swimming and surf? Dr Anthea Rhodes, a paediatrician, researcher and child health advocate from The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne shares some water safety tips. [Replay] Topics included in this episode - Justin shares a very personal story related to water safety Drowning can take 20 seconds Drowning is often silent Swimming lessons RCH National Child Health Poll NAT...

Justin & Kylie share their favourite Christmas movies. [Replay] G-rated options: The Polar Express Klaus Arthur Christmas Elf Home Alone Santa Clause Honourable (grown up) mentions: Christmas Chronicles Bad Santa The Holiday Nativity movies: The Nativity Story (2006) Chasing The Star (2017) VeggieTales: The Little Drummer Boy (2011) Watch The Star | Netflix (2017) Journey to Bethlehem - Teaser...

Rebecca Dredge is the Founder and Director of Kiddo , and she shares some tips on surviving the holidays. [Replay] Topics included in this episode - Why are Aussie parents feeling anxious about the holidays? Getting the balance right in long school holidays The power of 'No' Happy Families Podcast Episode #655 Grandparents Gone Wild How Kiddo can help your family Feeling burnt out? Watch our FREE...

Kylie's "year in review" was a difficult but worthwhile process, enabling her to see how much personal growth and progress was made in 2023.   What has gone well?  What hasn't gone so well? Lessons learnt in 2023 What can be done better, moving forward? "Joy is the ability to see beauty."  "Give yourself permission to make ugly art."   Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Emai...

Help your kids have a great Summer! 7 tips for parents who want to see their children experience more independent play in a way that is both safe and fun. In today's episode: Healthy kids need to be playing, taking risks, and involved in independent activity Peter Gray -  Children today are suffering a severe deficit of play | Aeon Essays Decline in mental health  Resilience and happiness Kylie an...

The inconvenience you can feel when a child asks to play a boring game or upon finding their clothes on the floor (again) is real. In these moments of frustration, dig deep and have compassion for your child, seeing life from their perspective. THIS is the real game-changer for a happier family. Topics in this episode: Playing board games when you hate them Should we let our children win? Teaching...

The books that have meant the most to Justin and Kylie this year.  Kylie's top 3 books of 2023: The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin  "A beautiful story about friendship." Homecoming by Kate Morton "Riveting!" Better Than Happy - Jodi Moore "Enlightening and powerful" Justin's 5 star reads of 2023: Silas Marner by George Eliot  "The perfect story - sublime, utterly absorbin...

Justin looks at how 2023 has been for him, both personally and professionally, and shares insights and ideas that will inspire you to improve family living in your own home. It will be Kylie's turn for reflection next Tuesday! What has gone well? What hasn't gone so well? Lessons learnt in 2023. What can be done better, moving forward? You Don't Just Lose Someone Once – Donna Ashworth “You are pre...

It's almost the end of the year so we thought we'd look back at the top 5 Happy Families episodes that you listened to in 2023. Here's how it played out: #721 - Defusing Explosive Children #679 - Managing Fatigue as a Parent #674 - The Power of Habit #673 - Family Goal Setting #706 - Gentle Parenting: Is It a Fad or Fabulous? We're so glad that so many people are listening to the podcast and findi...

Controversial parenting, a growing problem with school attendance (or lack thereof!), a video game the whole family can get excited about, and why every new dad should be taking parental leave. In this episode: Story 1:  60 Minutes Australia: Hidden anxiety epidemic jeopardising ‘a generation’ of Australian schoolchildren School refusal/anxiety - also referred to as "school can't" THE LITTLE BOY B...

Whether family life feels messy and hard right now or you are in a season of smooth sailing, there's one thing that matters more than anything: loving your kids - and making sure they know it! In this episode we cover: Struggles and challenges with food Picky eating Autonomy, structure, and competence Conversations to have with children about what they eat Supporting and loving our kids - No Matte...

Problematic screen-use spans from toddlers through to teenagers (especially when love is in the air!) and can affect mental health, sleep, wellbeing and behaviour. There are some simple steps parents can take to ensure your child lives a healthy, balanced life - without having to confiscate the screen! Topics from 'The Doctor's Desk': The effects of screens on teenagers Teens as consumers of conte...

Kristen Jenson (founder of Defend Young Minds) shares how, when and why to talk to your child about pornography. [Replay]   Topics in this episode: Educating children to reject pornography The ways that pornography harms children 3 basic steps to having this conversation: 1. Define 2. Warn 3. Plan Advice for parents who have found their child viewing pornography Love your child No Matter What Good...

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...

It's that time of year when school awards nights are in full swing, celebrating academic and sporting prowess. But are awards nights actually helpful?  And how can you help your child cope with the disappointment of missing out on recognition? Some of the things discussed in this episode: Awards by their nature are exclusive, so they can be a punishment for the majority. Relationships between kids...

Build stronger and lasting connections with those you love. Three game-changing ideas to help you focus on what really matters most in life.  Topics in this episode: William Martin - 'The Wonders of an Ordinary Life' Household chaos in a time of grief and upheaval Expecting immediate compliance from children Force creates resistance Autonomy  The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson (currentl...

Three conversations you really need to be having with your teens BEFORE they head off to Schoolies.  Topics in this episode: Parents - it's ok to say no to Schoolies Creative and healthier alternatives Rite of passages Peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, fights, unsafe/risky behaviour Safe and healthy beats right and wrong Understanding consent Ensure your kids know you will always have their back #...