Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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 content Mental health and mental illness are two different things - see "dual continuum of mental wellbeing" diagram Boredom  The importance of strong parent-child relationship Toddlers and screens Screen limits and being intentional Love in the teenage years Delaying romantic relationships Study 1: How Parenting and Self-control Mediate the Link Between Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health Study 2: Toddlers and Tablets: Being Purposeful About Your Child’s Technology Use Study 3: Romantic relationships linked to disturbed sleep patterns in adolescents Helping your child through their first big breakup - a Happy Famil

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 Pictures Bad Pictures | Books | Defend Young Minds™️ Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. | Books | Defend Young Minds™️ Defend Young Minds - free guide "How to Talk to Kids About Pornography" Curriculum for children aged 8-12 - Brain Defense Digital Safety Step-by-step SMART plan- "My Kid Saw Porn - Now What?" Bringing Up Boys Summit - Happy Families   Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Connection: Why your teenage daughter "hates" you, expects the world, and needs to talk by Dr Justin Coulson What teenage girls worry about most Conversations to have with your child BMX - Be More Exceptional Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, parents and teachers being damaged. Rewards and awards are ignoring reasons. Is it OK to acknowledge excellence? Should parents care more about grades or character?  Teaching your kids to sit with disappointment. Reminding kids that everyone has different talents, and schools recognise only a few of those talents. Status and recognition. Check out the Happy Families Mega Sale | Black Friday to Cyber Monday Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 (currently 25% off + free course!) People vs 'stuff' Investing in extended family relationships Black Friday Sales start today - Happy Families Mega Sale | Black Friday to Cyber Monday Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 #886 Get Set for Schoolies with Paul Dillon - a Happy Families podcast Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 psychological needs Self-determination / regulation Theory of Mind Power dynamics Developmental Milestones - a Happy Families article     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.

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 | Mental health | The Guardian Link between perfectionism and psychological distress Parental/societal expectations Increased competition and excessive pressure "Doing your best" - is this helpful? Self-sabotage, procrastination and avoidance of failure  What is success? The Perfection Trap Thomas Curran's new book   Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 - genetics or environmental? The 3 types of perfectionism Intergenerational transmission of perfectionistic tendencies The challenging cycle of self-defeat The Perfection Trap Thomas Curran's new book TEDMED - Our dangerous obsession with perfectionism is getting worse   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.

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.auSee 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 episode: Protecting children from pain Limited evidence for how to have these conversations Keep your reactions level National Centre for Childhood Grief Keep the conversation age/developmentally appropriate Young Children and Middle Childhood: Keep it simple Operate on the principle of 'the fire hose' Answer questions honestly (to the degree with which they are curious) - the more general you can be, the more protected your child will be Offer empathy Talking helps to dispel misinformation and stigma and creates a safe space to ask questions Encourage questions about anything, and at any time Ensure they understand

*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 words', shares a practical and helpful approach to supporting someone in their grief, how to move through sorrow and profound loss with hope and purpose, and why there is a vital need for community during the grieving process. Topics in this episode: The loss of a child Suicide How to support someone in their deep sorrow - what to say, what not to say "I have no words" ends any chance of a dialogue about grief. Find the words. The evolution of grief, and of the grieving person's identity within that sorrow The importance of engaging with and accepting grief, rather than avoiding it Grief as a sensitive, taboo subject

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 timely conversation with Colin Campbell. After the death of his two teenage children in a car accident, Colin wrote the book 'Finding the Words', a powerful account of how he navigated through unimaginable grief. From everyone at Happy Families, thank you so much for all of your comments, thoughts and messages at this difficult time, If you or anyone you know needs help, reach out to the following services: Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467, Mensline Australia on 1300 789 987or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*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 encrypted environments or video chat Red flags that are often missed The role of parents and carers in keeping children safe online Supervision and rules for screens Teaching children how to respond  Laws regarding child self-generated material Advice for parents   Some previous interviews with Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling from ACCCE: #699 Jayne Crossling on Safe Photo Sharing #731 Kids and Grooming - What You Need to Know #748 Are Paedophiles Really Looking at Your Kids Online? Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

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 opportunity for parents to talk safety with their kids before they are legally adults   Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 conversations with extended family Forewarned is forearmed    If you have a Christmas Conundrum you would like Justin and Kylie to solve, you can email your question to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 of Effective Discipline Giving in fantasy what they can't have in reality Easing parental guilt at Christmas Some Happy Families Christmas Articles: Take Back Christmas 10 Easy Traditions That Can Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family 16 Gifts our Children Need For Christmas Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 self-aware of your own triggers 'Ghosts in the nursery' Neurodiversity When does life suck for teens? 'The Three Rs of Great Parenting' Connected interactions Learn more about The Teenage Brain in our FREE Happy Families Article. Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 up to expectations Anxiety and perfectionism in our kids Resilience External vs internal worth "Success is..." by Anonymous    Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.