Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Dive into the enchanting land of 'Mine!' and the intricate world of kiddie diplomacy. Justin and Kylie unpack the challenges of sharing, with some big ideas to unlock the magic of cooperation - one shared toy at a time! Topics in today's episode: Special toys Sharing with siblings Learning cooperation, negotiation, and fairness through sharing Scarcity mentality vs abundance mentality Three basic...

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...

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 -...

There are some simple yet profound ways to let your family know that they are loved, irreversibly and unconditionally.  "How do you feel loved?" Being together as a family The power of names Joy and gratitude 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.

* Content warning: mature themes - listener discretion advised* How do you talk to your kids when they are touched by the profound loss of a loved one through a suicide? These hard conversations must be had openly with your children - with kindness, compassion, and empathy. Your job is NOT to tell them everything, but to answer their questions honestly, in an age-appropriate way.  Topics in this e...

*Content warning: mature themes - listener discretion advised* When someone is grieving the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to know how to approach them and what to say. How do you convey your compassion, your awareness of their enormous loss? What words and actions are helpful to the person grieving, and what is unhelpful or perhaps even harmful? Colin Campbell, author of ' Finding the...

As many of you would be aware, Justin's nephew Logan died at the age of 20 after taking his own life. Craig Bruce is the executive producer of the Happy Families Podcast, and provides a quick update on Justin and Kylie and what the podcast will look like over the next few days. Justin and Kylie will be taking a break to spend time with family, before we return on Wednesday, November 15th with a ti...

*Content warning - parental discretion advised* Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling from ACCCE outlines the critical role parents and carers play in keeping children safe online. Learn how to have important conversations with your children - education is the key to prevention!  Topics in this episode: What is capping? The work of ACCCE  Teenagers at risk How in-game chat functions move to enc...

In this episode Justin speaks to Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia about getting ready for the schoolies season. Find out more about Paul Dillon at the Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia website . Topics discussed in this episode: The cons of letting your kids celebrate schoolies abroad How safe are organised schoolies events? Why schoolies is the last opportu...

With the silly season just around the corner we share some simple tips to help navigate (or avoid entirely!) a meaty "Christmas Conundrum" - when disappointed children and disgruntled gift-givers collide.  Topics in this episode: Justin's history of dodgy gift giving Being disappointed AND grateful The thought is important Having conversations before Christmas events How to do difficult conversati...

Worms, scooters and buckets, oh my! Today we share some personal stories of "nailing it and failing it" to help you be more intentional with your family.  Topics in this episode: Connection before direction Flexible intention Homeschooling Worm farming Justin has a no good, very bad, terrible day and gets HANGRY Filling relationship buckets "People matter, things don't"   Find us on Facebook at  D...

With only 54 days left until Christmas are you beginning to feel a little anxious about expenses?  You can have honest conversations with your children about budgets and presents - and still keep the Magic of Christmas alive! Topics in this episode: The joys and stress of shopping for gifts Materialism  Giving and receiving Anxiety over money Expectations and values Wants or needs? Santa Three E's...

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...

Worried that your low-achieving, school-hating, stressed and struggling child is ruining every chance of their future success? Learn how to kindle the flame of curiosity in your child - and hear Justin share a poet's definition of success that will encourage and inspire any worried parent. Topics in this episode: Curiosity Flaws of our educational system Lifelong learning Exams and stress Living u...

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...

Education is important. Completing high school is important. And yes, final exams are also important. But they are not MORE important than other things - like connection, resilience, hope, and wellbeing. Nigel Howard is a Research associate at Flinders University, a former Secondary Principal, and currently studying for his PhD. As someone who sees the importance of education and knows the terrain...

School matters, and education is important... but they are not "the be-all and end-all". Your graduating child can look forward to their future with excitement and positivity irrespective of grades or academic outcomes. From humble beginnings growing up in the west of Ireland, to retiring at 41 years of age, Tom O'Brien shares his powerful story of how life can play out regardless of your level of...

Is your child experiencing exam pressure, final year stress, or feeling burdened by expectations? Are they worried about their future? It's time to reassure them that it is going to be ok - THEY are going to be ok - regardless of academic results. Listen in for fantastic advice and encouragement from Dr Susan Rogers, who graduated from high school at the age of 44 and then obtained a PhD in Music...

Education is important - but how it looks differs for every child. The messages around education that we are delivering to our children need to develop their initiative, their character and their thinking skills - especially when it comes to their education. These conversations matter, because education matters to us all. Today's guest is Cam Barber , who started as a public speaking coach, and th...

Educational successes and failures, high school dropouts, the pressure of HSC exams, and finding your passion in life... these are BIG and pressing issues for our graduating kids! Learn how to have conversations with your children about educational outcomes and choices, and what being successful in school (and in life) looks like to them. Today we're talking with Ian Steel, who despite being a hig...

In this week's "I'll Do Better Tomorrow" Kylie shares the pros and cons of unschooling, and Justin cooks the best omelet EVER as he strives to make Every Second Count. And a sneak-peak into next week's lineup of comforting conversations for any parent raising kids who are struggling with school or experiencing HSC pressure. Topics in this episode: HSC stress School dropouts Outcomes of kids who do...

Is being a mindful and present parent really that important? How does household chaos impact on family communication? Should corporal punishment be banned in Australia? In this week's 'From the Doctor's Desk' Justin and Kylie unpack these questions and more - sharing the science that will help make you a better parent. Topics in this episode: Mindful parenting  Positive parenting and childhood str...

Journalist, broadcaster and TV host Amanda Keller has just won the Commercial Radio Australia Award for Best On-air Team with her co-host Brendan Jones. To celebrate we are re-playing her Lightning Round interview with Justin - a series of short, sharp questions about parenting life. (Replay) Topics in this episode: IVF Can you have a favourite child? Parental expectations Benefits of tag-team par...

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...

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 H...