Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Justin and Kylie reflect on a broken promise many families made during COVID — to never return to the rushed, overscheduled lives we previously lived. They explore the concept of "Hurried Child Syndrome," first introduced by Dr. David Elkind, and discuss the troubling impacts of pushing children to grow up too fast. With honesty and humor, they offer practical insights and three powerful strategies to help families slow down and reclaim childhood. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:"The number one way to unhurry childhood is to literally slow it down so the kids can be playing — especially with other kids, especially in unstructured activities." KEY INSIGHTS FOR PARENTS: Hurried Childhood Defined: Accelerated academics, overscheduling, early exposure to adult issues, and perfectionist pressures can rob children of their childhood. Mental Health Impact: Being hurried can lead to anxiety, depression, low resilience, and feelings of unworthiness. The Competitive Parenting Trap: Fear of children falling behin