Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Justin and Kylie explore eight bold predictions for parenting and family life in 2025, covering everything from emerging parenting styles to AI's impact on education and the challenges facing young men.  Key Predictions1. **The Rise of Lighthouse Parenting**   - Moving away from helicopter and free-range parenting extremes   - Parents act as steady guides while children navigate independently   - Balanced approach between oversight and autonomy2. **AI in the Living Room**   - Explosion of AI use in everyday parenting   - Personalized solutions for family challenges   - Interactive parenting resource for various needs   - Notable energy consumption implications3. **AI Revolution in Education**   - Traditional schools facing paradigm shift   - Move from standardized to personalized learning   - Emphasis on AI literacy and critical thinking4. **Homeschooling Growth**   - Increasing mainstream adopti

Australia's most decorated Olympian, Emma McKeon, shares intimate insights about her journey from young swimmer to Olympic champion, revealing the crucial role her parents played in fostering success without pressure. Her story provides a masterclass in supporting children's sporting endeavors while maintaining joy and balance. Key Points: The importance of enjoyment over achievement in youth sports How parental support without pressure builds self-determination Managing early-morning training and self-motivation Balancing multiple activities during teenage years Transforming competition anxiety into positive energy Quote of the Episode: "They never pressured me either way to swim or not to swim... They just wanted me to enjoy what I was doing and be happy in what I was doing, find something I was passionate about." Key Insights: Success comes from internal motivation, not external pressure The value of maintaining multiple interests and activities How to handle failure and setbacks constructively The impo

Can a little “selfishness” make you a better parent? Join Kylie and Justin as they share relatable parenting mishaps, with a reminder that taking care of yourself is a gift to everyone around you. Key Points: The value of a "do nothing" holiday Finding permission for personal time How parenting changes across different children The impact of slowing down Quote of the Episode: "We've been trained for so long to believe that taking time out for ourselves is selfish. And we've got to change the narrative." - Kylie Coulson Key Insights: Younger children often get different versions of their parents Taking time for yourself makes you better for everyone else Growth and maturity in parenting benefit all children differently Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what families need Action Steps: Give yourself permission for personal time Recognize different seasons of parenting Look for ways to connect with older children Create space for new family traditions Resources Mentioned: happyfamilies.com.au

Inside Out 2 isn’t just a movie—it’s a parenting masterclass on navigating the beautiful chaos of adolescence! Justin and Kylie Coulson explore the profound parenting insights from Inside Out 2, discussing teen brain development, emotional complexity, and why this film offers valuable understanding for parents. Key Points: Teen brain development and the "construction zone" phase The role of anxiety in adolescent decision-making How emotions work together (or sometimes don't) Why perfect isn't possible or desirable The importance of embracing all experiences, both good and bad Quote of the Episode: "Life is supposed to be joyful. It's just that it can't stay that way all the time." - Justin Coulson Key Insights: Understanding teen brain development through visual metaphors How anxiety can both protect and hinder The exhaustion of trying to maintain constant positivity Why difficult experiences contribute to wholeness The complexity of managing multiple emotions Research Referenced: Dr. L

Emma McKeon, with 14 Olympic medals, knows what it takes to excel without burning out—and she credits her parents for getting the balance just right. In this episode, we dive into Emma’s upbringing to uncover strategies for encouraging kids to pursue their passions with joy and self-determination. From transforming performance anxiety into a secret weapon to helping children develop discipline on their own terms, this conversation offers invaluable insights for every parent. Tune in to learn how to support your child’s journey—whether they’re a budding athlete, artist, or simply exploring what they love.Key Points:- Finding the balance between encouragement and pressure- The role of self-determination in achievement- How to support children through performance anxiety- Why giving space for autonomy leads to better outcomes- The importance of maintaining joy in activities Personal Stories Shared:- Annie's piano journey from age 3 to 17- Kylie's telegraph pole experience and anxiet

Ever feel like you’re stuck in the loop of “How was your day?” and hearing “meh” in response? Justin and Kylie share research-backed strategies for having meaningful conversations with your children, including five core questions that build emotional intelligence and resilience. Learn why timing and technique matter more than the questions themselves, and discover how these conversations can significantly reduce anxiety and depression in children. Key Points:- The power of well-timed, meaningful conversations- How conversations build executive function and emotional regulation- The connection between parent-child discussions and mental health- Why traditional questions often fail to engage kids- The importance of timing and technique in family discussionsResearch Highlights:- Harvard's Center on the Developing Child: Back-and-forth conversations build executive function- Minnesota longitudinal study: Regular meaningful conversations improve emotional intelligence- Arizona St

Justin and Kylie kick off 2025 with a powerful discussion about resetting family life using their WISE Family Reset framework. After experiencing burnout in 2024, they share personal insights about slowing down and making intentional changes for the year ahead.Quotes of the Episode: "We're not striving for perfection. We're striving for small, incremental changes." - Justin Coulson"It's not about getting more things done. It's about getting the right things done." - Greg McKeownKey Points:- The challenge of feeling constantly busy but not productive- How burnout affects family dynamics and personal wellbeing- The importance of creating space for personal reflection- Introduction to the WISE Family Reset frameworkThe WISE Family Reset Framework:Work out what matters* Create personal space for reflection* Understand individual and family prioritiesImplement tiny changes* Start with small, manageable adjustments* Avoid overwhelming yourself with too many changes at onceSync as a team* Get everyone involved in th

Ever wondered how to go beyond the tinsel and treats of Christmas to create a truly holy and meaningful celebration? Justin and Kylie Coulson take you on a journey through the "Three Levels of Christmas," offering heartfelt ideas and inspiring stories to bring joy and purpose to your family’s holiday season. Whether it's singing carols, setting up nativity scenes, or reflecting on deeper spiritual themes, this episode is full of inspiration for making Christmas a time of connection, love, and purpose. In this episode: Understanding different perspectives & beliefs Creating a Christ-centred Christmas The three levels of Christmas: Level 1: Santa Claus, gifts, & festive indulgence Level 2: The nativity story & spiritual reflection Level 3: Celebrating Jesus' life & message Ideas for making Christmas more meaningful, including carolling, nativity scenes, & giving back Stories from listeners about their faith-centred Christmas traditions Related Links: Christmas Day and Divorced Fa

Does Christmas gift-giving feel more like a burden than a joy as you try to find a balance between gift-giving and avoiding entitlement? Dr. Justin Coulson and Kylie discuss how to preserve the magic of the season while avoiding the trap of indulgence and entitlement. In this episode: Finding perspective Reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas Having zero agenda—relationships, games, joyful moments What to do when Christmas is hard Focusing on others—emphasising giving, kindness, and family traditions over materialism The Secret to Happiness? Giving.—Elizabeth Dunn research Related Links: How to Unspoil your Kids this Christmas [Webinar] Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Are we there yet?" Long family road trips can definitely be painful, BUT they can also be a great opportunity for some quality family time! We share a list of some helpful road trip games to keep everyone entertained. I-spy Spotto I went to the shops and I bought The alphabet game Car cricket Old MacDonald Had A Farm The Goanna Gang Bingo This Is The Song That Never Ends Peel The Avocado The Fart Game Stay quiet or else! Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some Christmas movies that will keep your children from getting underfoot while you get the gifts wrapped! 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) The Star (2017) Journey to Bethlehem (a musical) (2023) The First Christmas (1998) Purchase Tis the Season to be Cranky or How to Unspoil your Kids this Christmas Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas is a time where we can really lean into and celebrate family traditions!  Christmas traditions: Gifts, Santa. decorating Spending time with loved ones Advent, carols, the nativity Christmas Eve, stockings, pyjamas, Jolabokaflod Christmas ninjas - giving & serving others Related Links: Take Back Christmas Family Traditions Help Kids Make Sense of Life Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feel like you're drowning in a sea of Christmas "shoulds" and "musts" as a parent? Or that you're constantly running on empty, with no energy left to enjoy moments with your kids?  This episode of I'll Do Better Tomorrow addresses the burnout that many parents experience during the holiday season and beyond.  Listen in to hear Justin and Kyle share their own struggles and insights, as well as some helpful tips on how to break free from the cycle of exhaustion and find joy in the simple things again.  In this episode: Kylies in a flunk in the lead up to Christmas, feeling burnt out and stressed Prioritising tasks Introjection motivation What is it that you want? Taking time to reflect on what has worked in the past for mental, physical, and emotional well-being Alfie Kohn Do one thing well Making time for loved ones Related Links: Self Care Strategies That Really Work We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing [ Webinar ] Burnt Out [ FREE webinar ] Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the

This episode unpacks Australia's groundbreaking social media ban for kids under 16, set to roll out by Christmas 2025. With tech giants stepping up enforcement, parents are relieved, while teens face digital detoxes. Join the discussion as we explore Prince Harry’s surprising critique, parents’ joys and woes, and strategies for tackling this new era of tech parenting. In this episode: New legislation Australia's incoming social media ban cannot be considered overreach | Sky News  Bullying over social media Parental reactions Prince Harry's comments  Why Harry has it royally wrong on social media dangers | Daily Telegraph Implementation, digital IDs Navigating conversations with kids Acknowledging sadness and disappointment, FOMO The flow-on effect of the ban The 3 Es of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, Empower Related Links: Super Solutions for Technology Troubles [Webinar] Unplug Childhood - join the village Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families n

This episode takes a heartfelt turn as we delve into one of the most touching Christmas stories ever written—O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the tale or hearing it for the first time, its timeless message of love and sacrifice is sure to move you. In this episode: A reflection on Christmas storytelling O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi Sacrifice, love, and the spirit of giving Related Links: 10 Easy Traditions That Can Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family Gifts our Children Need For Christmas Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas is almost here! In this festive episode, we share five simple yet impactful ways to elevate your holiday celebrations. Whether it’s through meaningful traditions, playful gift exchanges, or acts of kindness, we’re here to help you focus on what truly matters—time, connection, and joy. In this episode: Focus on time together Fun with gifts Christmas Eve traditions Jolabokaflod - Icelandic book tradition Acts of service Neighbourhood connections Related Links: Minimising Materialism this Christmas 10 Ways to ‘Unspoil’ the Children this Christmas Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the end of the year closes in us, we take a look back at 2024 and the top five episodes you listened to this year. Click on the links to go back and listen to an episode. Number 5 - #1041 Screens Suck Number 4 - #1042 Work & Home School Life Balance Number 3 - #1009 ADHD in Adults & Toddlers Number 2 - #1038 Managing Emotional Dysregulation Number 1 - #1055 Why The Kids Don't Listen   Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the weekly wrap up, where we look back at the week that was and figure out ways that we can improve in our parenting. In this episode: Despite being guaranteed downtime this year, Kylie is feeling more tired than ever. If we want to do better, we need to do less. Self awareness is a game changer. Putting your whole self into whatever you are doing. Related Links: Leidy Klotz - Subtract Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Christmas, skip the shopping stress and focus on what really matters. From creating a stress-free environment to embracing meaningful traditions, we explore how these intangible gifts—none of which require wrapping paper or a credit card—can bring joy and connection to your family.  In this episode: Peace Presence not presents Playfulness Purpose Family traditions Reject the pursuit of perfection 3 Levels of Christmas Related Links: Take Back Christmas 10 Easy Traditions That Can Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when online bullying transcends the screen and starts shaping young lives in tragic ways? With eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, we uncover the harsh realities of cyberbullying, sextortion, and the online traps facing today’s youth. Learn about innovative tools and strategies available to parents, educators, and schools to protect children, as well as the importance of staying engaged in your kids’ digital lives. In this episode: The role of Australia's eSafety Commissioner Cyberbullying & mental health  Emerging online threats (doxing, sextortion, violent language, isolating victims) Contagion effect of self harm Parental awareness & responsibility Cooperation from platforms Removing content Tools and resources for parents and educators Teaching kids to report bullying & collect evidence Setting boundaries & modelling respectful communication at home Strategies for managing kids' screen time Related Links: #639 Online Sextortion With Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossl