Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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 share their problems with you. Topics in this episode: Speaking to a professional Act for Kids Campaign "Get Comfy Switching ON by Switching OFF"  - all the research stats, tip sheets and an animation Incidental conversation or "small talk" Being present Connection  Pressures of school, friendships, social media 3 basic psychological needs Mental health issues - anxiety, depression, poor sleep Fear of parental criticism or dismissal, or not being listened to   Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - a Happy Families article Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us yo

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 of senior school/final exams both practically and academically, Nigel gives some terrific advice to parents and students currently facing the pressure of HSC exams. Topics in this episode: Gap in school completion rates between city/country and high/low socioeconomic backgrounds Entry-level jobs and apprenticeships Why do kids stay at school? Why do others leave? The importance of listening to our children Specialised/alternative education Learning to pass exams vs learning how to apply knowledge National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au) Neurodiversity

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 formal education.  Topics in this episode: Work ethic and motivation Do kids today need the 'safety net' of a university degree to get a good job? Opportunities - where and how to find them? Tools for success in life Chasing your passion When decisions need to be made - taking chances or playing it safe? When your child decides to drop out of school or university Opportunity, effort, and doing hard things How do we measure failure or success? Listen to more  from our “Failed at School, Successful at Life” series: #875 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Ian Steel #876 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Cam B

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 and Psychology (after working as Sound Engineer for Prince!).   Topics in this episode: Difficulties in youth when parents are unwell Bright kids, challenging circumstances Pursuing passions The Guardian - Prince's sound engineer, Susan Rogers: 'He needed to be the alpha male to get things done' "Lightbulb moments" Stepping into the world of the unknown after school Learning to listen to the voice within Mature-aged students Parental expectations Dr Susan Rogers' book - This is what it sounds like: What the music you love says about you Questions to ask your child - helping to figure out what success looks like for

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 then broadened out to leadership skills/marketing messages. His clients include Paramount Pictures and Hawthorn Football Club. Topics in this episode: Cam Barber's story, and his bestselling book "What's Your Message". Homework and self-discipline The change from Primary School to Highschool in structure, routine, and overall ease Exchange Student Program, Tertiary/Tafe programs, work experience  Deferring University Twice gifted children Getting an education outside of the educational system  "Vivid" messages - valuable, customisable parenting messages  How to Help when School Sucks - a Happy Families article Listen

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 high school dropout, has gone on to run a string of successful businesses, and is the founder of the South Australian charity Kickstart for Kids.   Topics in this episode: Why school can be so hard ADHD, dyslexia How the school experience differs for girls vs boys Research report:  Understanding the non-completion of apprentices (ncver.edu.au) The importance of education School, trade/apprenticeship, or paid employment? Kickstart for Kids - supporting at-risk children Breaking the cycle of unemployment and poverty Relationship between hunger and classroom behaviours Do exams matter? The teenage brain - a Happy Families

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 finish school, and those who don't Reflecting on how to be more intentional with parenting Homeschooling / unschooling in the Coulson household The challenge of finding rhythm in change Child-initiated conversations Sibling rivalry / connection 'The Bear' receives a rave review from Justin  Every second counts!  Last chance to register for the BRAND-NEW 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' course hosted by Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/lis

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 stress The hippocampus, memory and learning The impact of household chaos on healthy family communication (particularly adolescent disclosure) Smacking/corporal punishment Mindfulness in schools Joan Grusec - 'Mindful Parents, Mindful Children' Jamie Hansen - Positive parenting can help protect against the effects of stress in childhood and adolescence Professor Daryl Higgins - Corporal punishment of children in Australia: The evidence-based case for legislative reform  Why It's Not Ok To Smack Your Kids - a Happy Families article Jackie Nelson - A Hidden Source of Disconnection Between Teens and Parents The MYRIAD pro

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 parenting Teaching children to drive The ultimate joy of parenthood Why Amanda would be happy to go into Witness Protection with her kids Amanda's biggest parenting win   Register for the BRAND-NEW 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' course hosted by Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence 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.

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 Nature Moving forward, finding solutions Responding with compassion and gentleness Emotion Coaching- a Happy Families article  Little People, Big Feelings - a Happy Families webinar  The Secret to Regulating Emotions - a Happy Families article Register for the BRAND-NEW 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' course hosted by Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence 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.

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 Hedley's article - Taking kids to sport all the time Dedication - time, money, energy Training, competitions, camps, social events, volunteering & more! Why do children drop out of sports early? "Doing your best" vs winning vs simply loving the experience Competence & connection Report cards: grades vs effort The current mental health crisis with young people Government policies and decisions re sport    Register for tonight's webinar 'Enough: Helping our children overcome anxiety, perfectionism & self-loathing' Register for the BRAND-NEW 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' course ho

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 parent gets home! The power of recognising 'hard'  Outsource help   Register for the BRAND-NEW 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' course hosted by Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence 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.

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! Home menus Podcast episode #862 - Solving Lunch Box Headaches with Deb Blakley   Register for this month's webinar 'Enough: Helping our children overcome anxiety, perfectionism & self-loathing' Register for the BRAND-NEW 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' course hosted by Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence 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.

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'  Chores   You can purchase early bird tickets for the new course 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' at the Happy Families website Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Become a Happy Families member today - Happy Families Membership Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"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 month's webinar 'Enough: Helping our children overcome anxiety, perfectionism & self-loathing' Register for the BRAND-NEW 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' course hosted by Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence 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.

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'' formula! Teenagers vs young children Back to school Routine and structure Deadlines, fast-paced living Being present Kids and transitions Every family is different 'Fast is slow and slow is fast' - a Happy Families article   You can purchase early bird tickets for the new course 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' at the Happy Families website Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Become a Happy Families member today - Happy Families Membership Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 more painful, and nothing short of miraculous!   Topic's discussed in this episode: Australia's educational system  The 3 basic psychological needs of every child - what happens when these are not being met at school? Educational lessons learned during the Covid lockdowns Homeschooling  When children struggle with emotional regulation and attention at school Becoming grandparents Holidays, surfing, and the power of slowing down Challenging days and changing direction Moving? How to help your child settle into a new school - a Happy Families article School refusal - a Happy Families article      Register for the Ha

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 reading: 'Homecoming' by Kate Morton 'The Secret Life of You' by Kerry Sackville Both these titles are on the Birds of a Feather Book Club 2023 reading list. Check it out for some great suggestions for children, teens and adults. Justin's reading: 'Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World' by Anand Giridharadas 'The Ideas Industry' Daniel Drezner 'Saving Our Kids' by Madonna King 'When Life Sucks' by Dr Jo Prendergast 'Generations' by Dr Jean Twenge   Register for the Happy Families October Webinar - "Enough: Helping our children overcome anxiety, perfectionism & self-loathing" Find us on Faceb

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) Topics included in this episode - Investigating things that can impact your child's ability to eat at school How to support kids with special needs Problem-solve together Should white bread sandwiches, chip packets, cheese sticks and juice be demonized? School is not the time to be stretching our kids Food safety Why foods that look, smell and taste good ARE good (yes - even carbohydrates and sugar!) Communicating with teachers Learn more about Deb Blakley from Kids Dig Food To access the Feed Your Picky Eater [without going crazy] evergreen online course for parents: https://kidsdigfood.com.au/resources/ Book an appoin

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 Failure, anxiety, resilience Our children need to feel hopeful before they can feel they are enough What does the research say about hopeful people? What is hope, and why are our youth feeling hopeless? How to be a hope-builder Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - a Happy Families article Register for the Happy Families October Webinar - "Enough: Helping our children overcome anxiety, perfectionism & self-loathing" Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Become a Happy Families member today - Happy Families Membership. Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@ha