Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

From classic works to cutting-edge neuroscience, discover the books that have shaped modern parenting wisdom. Join Dr Justin Coulson as he shares his carefully curated list of game-changing parenting books, including why each one matters and how they can transform your family life. Plus, hear Kylie's surprising take on which books might matter most of all. Quote of the Episode: "When I think about the kind of parent that I aspire to be, those two books have had more influence in my life than all the other books combined." Key Insights: Great parenting often comes from continuous learning Different books serve different parenting stages and challenges Some classics remain relevant despite their age Picture books can be as influential as academic texts Cultural perspectives offer valuable parenting insights Understanding child development enhances parenting approach Expert knowledge needs to be balanced with practical application Scientific understanding of child development continues to evolve Resources Ment

How much sleep do kids really need? From caffeine myths to screen time truths, sleep specialist Dr Moyra Vandeleur from Royal Children's Hospital unpacks the latest research on children's sleep. Learn why teens naturally stay up late, whether weekend sleep-ins matter, and what the science really says about warm milk before bed. Quote of the Episode: "Sleep, diet and exercise are the three pillars of health - and sleep has only recently been recognized as equally important." Key Insights: Recommended sleep varies by age: Toddlers (1-3): 12-14 hours Preschoolers (3-6): 10-12 hours Primary school (5-12): 10-11 hours Teenagers (13-18): 8-10 hours Individual sleep needs vary Quality, quantity and pattern all matter Teen biology naturally shifts sleep timing later Caffeine affects sleep for about six hours Regular exercise improves sleep quality Screen time before bed doubles sleep difficulties Snoring more than three nights weekly needs medical attention Resources Mentioned: Royal Children's Hospital National

From a ten-year-old willingly trying alfalfa sprouts to teenagers singing while doing dishes, discover how indirect approaches can transform family challenges. Learn why leaving a book about gut bacteria lying around might work better than years of mealtime battles, and how a simple word game can turn kitchen clean-up into family fun. Quote of the Episode: "Force creates resistance. When you try to make kids eat, as we have for so many years... but instead, she reads it in a book and she's willing to give it a crack because she feels like she's in the driver's seat." Key Insights: Indirect approaches often work better than direct instruction Strategic placement of resources can spark interest Games can make chores disappear into the background Family participation makes tasks more enjoyable Children teach themselves when given the right resources Time and patience often yield better results than pressure Fun and connection matter more than task completion Siblings can create effective solutions Resources Me

What happens when researchers analyze 238 studies spanning 51 years and 38 countries? They discover one consistent truth: autonomy support leads to thriving kids, while psychological control leads to struggling ones. Learn why guilt, shame and coercion damage child wellbeing, and discover the three practical steps to becoming a more supportive parent. Plus, understand why this holds true across all cultures and age groups. Quote of the Episode: "If you want to be a great parent, and there was one variable that mattered more than anything else, this is it. It's about autonomy support." Key Insights: Meta-analysis covered 238 studies across 51 years Research included 126,000 participants from 38 countries Results consistent across cultures and age groups Psychological control leads to maladaptive perfectionism Control linked to depression 12 months later Reducing control improves academic performance Findings apply from toddlers through adolescence Three types of control: autonomy support, psychological contro

New research from the National Child Health Poll reveals surprising statistics about children's sleep, including why 42% of kids have sleep problems and why parents' beliefs about teen sleep might be wrong. Learn why screen time isn't actually helping kids wind down, how caffeine affects sleep patterns, and discover the biology behind why teenagers really do struggle to wake up early. Quote of the Episode: "While we're exhausted at 8:30, teenagers are still good to go at 9:00, 9:30 - that's when melatonin starts to kick in." Key Insights: 42% of children have sleep pattern problems 47% of parents wrongly believe screens help wind down Caffeine after lunch doubles sleep difficulties Teen biology affects sleep timing Melatonin production differs between teens and adults Regular sleep patterns matter more than total hours Screen use disrupts natural sleep cycles Sleep routines remain important for all ages Resources Mentioned: National Child Health Poll Happy Families Action Steps for Parents: No Screens Be

Is your child begging for makeup while you're desperately trying to preserve their innocence? From church on Sundays to everyday requests, the makeup debate touches deep parental fears about growing up too fast. Discover why parents really resist early makeup use, and learn a practical three-step approach to handling this delicate issue. Plus, hear how six daughters taught these parents that sometimes the biggest parenting battles aren't worth fighting after all. Quote of the Episode: "Making a big deal about makeup is perhaps a bit unnecessary - we've learned not to sweat the small stuff." Key Insights: Most parental concerns about makeup stem from fears about premature maturity Research shows resistance often comes from conservative backgrounds Parents worry about beauty standards and self-worth connections The more parents resist, the more appealing makeup becomes Force creates resistance in these situations Family rules evolve with experience and understanding The Three E's approach works well for makeup

Ever cringed at a recording of your own voice? Imagine watching your daily parenting played back on video. In this raw and honest episode, Dr Justin Coulson shares how a humbling surfing experience revealed the game-changing power of self-awareness in parenting. Discover why 95% of parents think they're self-aware (but only 10-15% actually are), and learn the three practical steps to close your own self-awareness gap. Warning: might involve some uncomfortable truths! Quote of the Episode: "Sometimes our most uncomfortable moments of self-awareness become our greatest opportunities for transformation." Key Insights: Only 10-15% of people are truly self-aware, despite 95% thinking they are Self-aware parents show improved emotional awareness of themselves and their children Video feedback leads to significant improvements in parenting behaviours Small, focused improvements are more effective than trying to fix everything at once Regular feedback and reflection are crucial for growth Self-awareness impacts rela

The mental load in families isn't just about remembering school events or planning meals - it's an invisible, boundaryless, and enduring form of labour that impacts relationships, careers, and wellbeing. Join Professor Leah Ruppanner from the University of Melbourne as she unpacks groundbreaking research on how mental load affects modern families, why it's not just about task-sharing, and what couples can do to create more balance. Quote of the Episode: "The mental load is the emotional thinking work that we do to keep our households functioning." Key Insights: Women carry 71% of household mental load tasks. Mental load is invisible, boundary-less, and enduring. Both partners often duplicate mental load without realising. Schools generate nearly 3,000 WhatsApp messages per child annually. Men in equitable relationships report better health, sleep, and life satisfaction. Single parents (both mums and dads) share similar mental load levels. Work structures and social norms make it difficult for men to step int

The Silent Message Your Face Sends   When your child walks into the room, what do they see? Drawing from Toni Morrison's profound insight and an Olympic coach's wisdom about competition, discover how subtle expressions shape our children's sense of worth and why measuring against our own progress matters more than beating others. Plus, learn why even well-intentioned critical looks might be sending the wrong message. Quote of the Episode: "When they walked in the room, I was glad to see them. It's just as small as that... That is how you learn what your value is." Key Insights: Children read facial expressions more than words. Good intentions can still show as criticism. Competition should focus on personal improvement. Our reactions shape children's sense of worth. Joy should be visible, not just felt. Even caring criticism can appear negative. Personal bests matter more than winning. Face-to-face interactions shape self-worth. Resources Mentioned: Frank Dick's coaching philosophy

A mum's classroom confrontation made headlines, but the full story reveals a more complex reality about school bullying. Learn why traditional approaches often fail, what evidence you need to collect, and when removing your child might be the best option. Plus, discover why building adult relationships could matter more than peer connections. Quote of the Episode: "Fundamentally our job is to keep our kids safe. When we can't control others' behaviour, sometimes removing our children is the only option." Key Insights: High emotions lead to poor decision-making. Evidence collection is crucial for intervention. Restorative practice isn't always effective.  Working within the system brings better results. Adult mentoring may be more valuable than peer relationships. System escalation requires documented evidence. Physical and psychological safety must be priorities. Traditional age-based socialisation may need rethinking.   Resources Mentioned: eSafety Commissioner website Department of Education Po

Does helping around the house lead to a better love life? In this preview of Saturday's interview with Professor Leah Ruppanner, we explore the surprising truth about mental load duplication in relationships and why keeping score might be missing the point. Plus, discover why men who share the mental load don't just get 'lucky' - they get better sleep, health, and life satisfaction too. Quote of the Episode: "The load hasn't shifted, it is still as heavy as it was, but now we're shouldering it together." Key Insights: Both partners often carry duplicate worries and mental load Men frequently carry heavy but unspoken burdens Task division isn't about transactions but teamwork Mental load reduction isn't about attraction but creating space for connection Daily vs episodic tasks affect how couples share responsibilities Working as a team matters more than keeping score Sharing mental load benefits both partners' wellbeing Open communication about burdens strengthens relationships Resources Mentioned: Professo

When everything's a battle with your three-year-old, understanding the developmental realities can transform your approach. Learn why emotional regulation, theory of mind, and language development explain those challenging behaviours, and discover three practical solutions that actually work. Plus, find out why your child might be an angel at daycare but struggle at home - and why that's actually a good sign. Quote of the Episode: "We expect way too much of our children emotionally and not nearly enough of them physically." Key Insights: Emotional regulation begins developing at age 3-4 Theory of Mind develops around ages 4.5-5.5 Language limitations affect behaviour management Different contexts (home vs daycare) create different behaviours Connection matters more than correction Rushing and time pressure escalate emotions The importance of autonomy for toddler cooperation Fun can transform routine tasks Resources Mentioned: Little People, Big Feelings [webinar] The Parenting Revolution [book] Happy Famil

When kids feel they belong at school, the benefits last up to 10 years into their future. Drawing from groundbreaking Monash University research, discover why school belonging trumps academic success for long-term wellbeing, and learn the two key relationships that can transform your child's school experience. Plus, get practical strategies to help your child build stronger school connections, even if they're struggling to fit in. Quote of the Episode: "Those children who felt a strong sense of belonging in high school experienced fewer mental health challenges in their 20s." Key Insights: School belonging impacts mental health well into the mid-20s Two key factors: one supportive adult and one friend at school Strong school belonging leads to better engagement and motivation Social connections act as a resource that helps accumulate more positive relationships Belonging increases resilience and ability to cope with stress Effects persist even when controlling for academic performance Parent involvement can

Use HAPPY at g-mee.com for a $40 discount on G-Mee Connect Pro (down from $189 to $149). A former Channel 9 tech commentator reveals why he abandoned his media career to create a safer phone for kids after witnessing the devastating effects of unrestricted device access. In this eye-opening conversation, Charlie Brown shares shocking insider stories about social media dangers and offers hope to parents navigating the digital landscape. If you've ever worried about giving your child a phone, this episode could change everything. Quote of the Episode: "Do not ever let them have unfettered access to the internet on any device at all, ever." - Charlie Brown Key Points: The age of first phone adoption is getting younger while devices are becoming more powerful and potentially dangerous. Most parental controls have significant limitations or can be circumvented. Social media platforms deliberately make frequent changes to stay ahead of parental understanding. The impact of current tech decisions on chi

Pink lunch boxes, parenting confessions, and some truly terrible (but hilarious) kid jokes—this episode has it all! Justin shares a surprising "mea culpa" about a parenting stance he might have been too firm on, while Kylie opens up about their daughter's tough transition back to school and how they’re helping her navigate the overwhelm. Plus, a heartfelt listener shoutout and a laugh-out-loud joke about ADHD. Tune in for relatable parenting moments, thoughtful insights, and a few good giggles! Key Insights: Teen overwhelm requires patient, curious exploration Using movies like Inside Out 2 can help explain emotions Competition's impact depends on context and age Sometimes feeling competent matters more than winning Parents can and should revise their positions The way we process experiences matters more than the experiences themselves School transitions create multiple layers of challenge Emotion coaching requires timing and patience Quote of the Episode: "It's not about doing therapy, it's jus

From dinosaur cartilage to gluten-free unicorn tears, the wellness industry has gone off the rails. Drawing from viral content creator Caitlin Murray's (@BigTimeAdulting) hilarious take on modern health advice, we unpack why women's health has become so complicated and offer practical alternatives to the supplement-heavy, social-media-driven wellness culture. Quote of the Episode: "The best health plan is the one that you can maintain long term." Key Insights: Modern wellness culture creates overwhelming and often contradictory advice Social media amplifies health anxiety and pressure The wellness industrial complex keeps adding complexity and cost Simple, sustainable changes often work better than extreme measures There's a difference between purchasing progress and earning it Family involvement can make healthy choices more sustainable Most health improvements require either time or money investment The basics (movement, whole foods, sleep) still matter most Resources Mentioned: BigTimeAdulting (Caitlin

Use HAPPY at g-mee.com for a $40 discount on G-Mee Connect Pro (down from $189 to $149). Why don’t tech executives let their own children use social media? Can teenagers appreciate strict phone boundaries? If you're fighting screen time battles with your kids, this episode offers hope that your children will eventually thank you for protecting them from unrestricted tech access. Quote of the Episode: "Nobody ever says, 'That was the best weekend ever, just love that! We should do that more often—stare at our phones and ignore each other.'" - Justin Coulson Key Points: Meta and other tech platforms are "terrified" of proposed legislation restricting youth access. Tech executives often ban their own children from using the products they create. The shift from play-based to screen-based childhood is rewiring children's brains. Building trust and supporting autonomy helps children understand and accept boundaries. Regular conversations about technology use are essential for family relationships.

Your child is hesitant about sports, the coach wants to help, and you're caught in the middle—what now? Today’s tricky question tackles the complex dynamics of youth sports anxiety from both the coach's and parent's perspective.  Quote of the Episode: "Your child signed up for it. Your child wants to play the sport. It's their experience, so let them have that experience." Key Insights: Parent involvement can often increase rather than decrease child anxiety. Individual acknowledgement by name creates belonging and confidence. Reframing anxiety can help children approach challenges differently. Trust between parents and coaches is essential for child development. The "uphill" moments in sports build character and resilience. Minimising children's feelings about anxiety is counterproductive. The three E's approach: Explore, Explain, Empower. Action Steps for Coaches: Minimise parent involvement during practice/training. Get curious about individual children and their concer

Want to help your child manage big emotions? Start by understanding what emotional regulation really means. In this episode, we unpack why suppressing emotions isn't always bad, how regulation develops from age three onwards, and why parents might need to work on their own regulation first. Plus, discover three practical strategies that actually work—no more ineffective "just calm down" responses. Whether you're dealing with gaming meltdowns or homework frustrations, these solutions will transform how you handle emotional moments. Quote of the Episode: "They don't need to be reprimanded. They need to be understanded." Key Insights: Emotional regulation means expressing or suppressing emotions appropriately for the context. Self-regulation begins developing at age 3 and stabilises around age 9. Parents often struggle with their own regulation while expecting it from their children. Better regulation leads to improved academic performance, relationships, and life outcomes. Supporting rather than

New research shows that simple parent-led interventions can reduce gaming disorder and smartphone addiction in children by up to 60% in just six weeks. In this episode, clinician and researcher Dr Brad Marshall breaks down exactly what parents can do to help their children develop healthier relationships with technology, backed by groundbreaking new research from Macquarie University. Key Points: About 10% of Australian teens are experiencing problematic screen use and addiction. A study of 689 families revealed significant improvements in screen addiction through parent-led interventions. 60% of children with gaming disorder showed improvement after 6 weeks. 32% of children with smartphone addiction showed improvement after 6 weeks. Five key strategies were identified, with WiFi management being among the most effective. Quote of the Episode: "Parents can have a huge impact on how their kids do stuff online... even without any direct therapeutic intervention." Key Insights: Hardware-level contr