Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Family life can be hard, particularly after a long day when everyone is tired!  We share 3 things you can do to overcome the challenges of Witching Hour - helping you move forward when you really just want to run away.  Topics in this episode -  Arsenic hour The challenges younger kids face in the late afternoon Emotional regulation HALTS - "Justin-isms" Digital Phone Wallpapers When the working p...

Time-crunch moments to get through the challenges of lunch, because the need for food is never ending! Listen in for 5 time-tested ideas to help you deal with the challenges of knowing what food to pack so that your child will actually eat at school. Topics in this episode: Tuck shop is awesome... but expensive Canteen pricelists from the 1980's Weekend baking Leftovers Taking the pressure off! Ho...

How can you do it all - AND still be a good parent? 5 ideas for 'Creating Margin' that will make all the difference when it comes to an over scheduled, over-busy life! Topics discussed in this episode: Creating order from chaos Household tasks Connection Parental exhaustion Washing machine analogy Stephen Covey - ' Big Rocks '  Structure and routine Poet Annie Dillard - 'How We Spend Our Days'  Ch...

"What's for dinner?" This has to be the most frustrating question that any parent deals with on a daily basis. Listen in for 8 solutions to help you overcome the dreaded dinner dilemma! Topics in this episode - Summer Fit by Sally Fitzgibbons – Book Review Themed nights Rotating roster The cognitive tax of cooking and planning Involving the kids Adam Liaw   Sharing the load   Register for this mon...

We all have Time Crunch Moments - where the pressure is on, time is limited, and our kids are NOT being compliant! Mornings can be tough, right? But they don't have to be! Whether you have young kids or sleepy teenagers, there are 4 things you can do ahead of time to slow things right down - even when you need to go fast!   Topics discussed in this episode: A change in the ' Making Mornings Magic'...

When moving homes means changing schools again, and again... and again(!!) it can be hard for children to feel a true sense of belonging within a school community. With this being an ongoing experience for some of the Coulson kids, a momentous decision has been made to break away from mainstream education! And on this path to new beginnings, Justin experiences a break of a different kind - rather...

Who doesn't love a good book? October's Book Club includes: a storyline that will consume your life and keep you guessing right up to the last page, a blistering critique on the elite and political classes, learning to be comfortable in solitude, the heroes fighting online predators, unpacking generational differences, and a first-aid manual for supporting your teen’s mental health!    Kylie's rea...

Does your child whine and moan about what you pack in their lunchbox? Are you sick of preparing healthy lunchboxes only to have it come home untouched? Knowing what food to send to school with your child can be so challenging! Deb Blakely shares tips and tricks for making lunch time easier, and why you CAN give your child quick and easy food that they will actually eat - guilt free! (Replay) Topic...

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...

A late-night phone call, unexpected tears, and a sneaky case of stealth-mode to see a special someone.  The miracle of birth An emotional journey after a sudden change of mind Grandparents - navigating boundaries, roles, and visiting rights? A cautionary tale Trickiness of in-law relationships Watching your adult child grow into parenthood Dad’s Guide to Pregnancy For Dummies - by Dr Justin Coulso...

Managing the home-work-life juggle can sometimes feel impossible! Sorry parents - there is no "easy fix" for the balancing act of life, BUT you can have routine, prioritise connection and create a network of support when times get tough!  (Replay) Topics included in this episode - The increasing cost of living   Justin & Kylie share a personal story about their past financial struggles Get cre...

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...

Girls can really struggle with friendship issues, particularly when lacking the maturity and skills to properly navigate these tricky situations. These powerful ideas and practical solutions will help you support your child when they encounter friend troubles - giving them options and building resilience without trying to jump in and "fix it".   Topics included in this episode - The difference bet...

To praise, or not to praise? That is the question! Is praise actually decreasing your child's intrinsic motivation, and encouraging comparison and competition? Learn the science of how to praise a child - and why you really shouldn't! (Replay) Topics included in this episode - The way we give feedback to our children matters Why do people use praise? 'Podcast Episode #150  "Unconditional Parenting...

Daniel H. Pink  is the author of five  New York Times  bestsellers, including his latest,  The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward .   His other books include the  New York Times  bestsellers  When  and  A Whole New Mind  — as well as the #1  New York Times  bestsellers  Drive  and  To Sell is Human.   Dan’s books have won multiple awards, have been translated into 42 languages,...

Motherhood can often be accompanied by an overwhelming loss of identity. So how do you "find yourself" again?  Three things every mum should do in their quest to develop a sense of self; how to rewrite the script, and the art of finding satisfaction and joy in life again. (Replay)   Topics included in this episode - Kylie shares a recent article from Kylie's Corner (monthly articles written by Kyl...

Are you constantly rushing your child? Is the "Mum guilt" creeping in? Practical solutions to building relationships, maintaining the fun AND learning how to slow life down a little.  (Replay)   Intentional parenting Emotional regulation The importance of routine & structure  Breathing techniques Fast is Slow and Slow is Fast - a Happy Families article Transitions  - a Happy Families article C...

Do you feel like you are doing it all? Are you spent with nothing more to give? And what is the secret to actually showing up, in whatever capacity that may look like? Learn how to make "a plan of kindness" to ensure your partnership works - sharing the load together. (Replay)   What is a partnership? Brene Brown suggests marriage and relationships are never 50/50 in terms of energy, patience and...

Struggling to implement structure whilst still giving your child some freedom? Three things every parent needs to know to successfully set rules, limits and boundaries in a way that supports your child's autonomy rather than detracting from it.   (Replay)   3 basic psychological needs   Structure & boundary setting Autonomy Competence Creating a sense of predictability Swimming pool analogy Co...

A super-fast "How I Parent Lightning Round" with Dr Amantha Imber, founder of Inventium , host of the How I Work podcast. and author of Time Wise .  (Replay) To become a Happy Families member, find out more here, Happy Families Membership . 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 f...

With holidays just around the corner, we've dug out Justin and Kylie's massive family movie list - some fun inspiration for when you just need to put your feet up and have some family bonding time.   (R)   Find the complete list of Kylie & Justin's favourite movies, including ones for teenagers here ! Movies & Kids: When is it ok for them to watch that? - A Happy Families Article Monster's...

We teach our kids to be safe, kind and respectful online - but are we taking our own advice? Shona Hendley unpacks the negative repercussions of frequent sharing, oversharing and inappropriate sharing - and the steps Online School Parent Forums can take to set a good example for the next generation.   The School Carpark Mafia has moved to WhatsApp! Shona Hendley's article: "Help! My school WhatsAp...

Frustrated by fibs and "tall stories"? Understand the WHY behind the LIE and learn how to respond honestly to your child's dishonesty - without rupturing relationships.  (R)   Topics included in this episode - Why do we lie? Why do kids lie? Lying is a developmental achievement Theory of mind Focus on the relationship What to do when your child lies to you   You can purchase tickets for the Smells...

Are smartphones dumbing down relationships and making your marriage miserable? Four easy ways to help parents quit the phubbing and increase relationship satisfaction - without blame or judgement!   "Phubbing"  ' More Scrolling, More Marital Problems ' - from the Insitute for Families Studies ' How relationships come to an end and the scourge of the smartphone ' - Andrew Sofin What have phones and...