Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Force creates resistance—especially with teenagers. In this essential episode, we reveal why your teen's silence might actually be normal and share proven strategies to rebuild connection without pushing them away. From the surprising effectiveness of parallel activities to the power of perfect timing, you'll discover how to create spaces where real conversations can naturally emerge. Plus, learn why traditional advice about "getting them to open up" might be exactly what's keeping them closed off. Quote of the Episode: "People say parenting is the hardest job in the world. It's not. Growing up is." - From Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Key Insights: By age 13, parents have completed 75-80% of their hands-on parenting. Teen emotional overwhelm can lead to communication shutdown. Side-by-side activities often work better than face-to-face conversations. Written communication can be an effective alternative for some teens. High emotions equal low intelligence—timing matters for importan