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PODCAST

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families

Dr Justin Coulson

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast. Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting. From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

17:29

Raising Girls Who Like Themselves & Feel Good in...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/02/02

It’s happening younger than ever. Girls as young as five are worrying about their weight, and by age nine the insecurities can hit hard. In this episode we unpack a listener’s heartbreaking question: “Is my daughter pretty enough?” - and share the practical steps that protect kids from body image pain without making it worse. KEY POINTS Body image worries now start between ages 5–9 for many girls Why reassurance backfires & curiosity helps The 3-step approach:

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15:53

How The Social Media Ban is Going

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/02/01

The new social media minimum-age laws have landed — and parents are feeling everything from relief to rage. Eight weeks in, are our kids safer… or has nothing changed? In this episode, Justin Coulson unpacks what’s working, what’s failing, and the 3 essential things families must do now to navigate the digital world without losing connection. KEY POINTS Why the ban isn’t about cutting friendships — it’s about removing algorithmic manipulation from

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17:02

When Teaching Kids “Doesn’t Work”… Until It Does

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/29

Some lessons don’t land the first time. Or the tenth. But then—something shifts. In this episode, Justin shares a surprising win from “explicit teaching” with his kids, and Kylie opens up about kinesiology, therapy, and why the evidence doesn’t always tell the whole story. This one hits deep for any parent who’s trying to raise values-led kids while staying connected through the teenage years. KEY POINTS Why teens need us in the details of their lives —

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13:34

Is The Routine Falling Apart Already?

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/28

The school year has barely started… and mornings are chaos, afternoons are meltdowns, and bedtime is a war zone. If your family routine is already off the rails, you’re not alone — and you’re not failing. In this short, evidence-based episode, Justin & Kylie share two powerhouse strategies backed by world-class research that will instantly reduce friction, restore calm, and get your days flowing again. KEY POINTS Most families don’t have ten problems — they

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15:24

Why We Chose to Homeschool and What Happened Next

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/27

When school becomes a source of anxiety, exhaustion, and lost love of learning, something has to give. In this deeply honest episode, Justin & Kylie share why they made the controversial leap into homeschooling - what pushed them to act, what surprised them, and what the research actually says about outcomes. If you’ve ever worried your child is struggling in the system, this episode may change the way you see education. KEY POINTS The real drivers behind Australia’s homeschooling

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14:49

Can Parent-Teacher Relationships Make or Break a...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/26

The first weeks back at school can make or break your child’s year — but what most parents miss is that the relationship you build with their teacher is the secret lever that shifts everything. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the surprising stats behind teacher burnout, why parent behaviour matters more than we think, and three game-changing ways to build a relationship with teachers that actually helps your child succeed — even if you’ve had rough years before. KEY

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15:28

New Year's Resolutions

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/22

Christmas doesn’t have to be chaotic — and New Year goals don’t have to fail by February. In this episode, Justin & Kylie share how they transformed Christmas into their most joyful (and calm) ever, and the surprising mindset shift that finally made New Year’s resolutions stick. Expect simple family wins, real-life honesty, and a powerful reframe that boosts health, energy & connection in 2026. KEY POINTS Why “less is more” made Christmas our best yet The

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14:46

Back-to-School Check List

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/21

The stationery scramble matters… but not as much as your child’s heart. In this powerful back-to-school episode, Justin and Kylie share the real checklist that sets kids up for confidence, calm, friendships, and resilience—without over-engineering the morning routine or forcing a perfect bedtime. Whether your child is starting school for the first time or changing schools for the fourth time, these strategies make Week 1 smoother and the whole year emotionally healthier. KEY

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16:44

When Do You Give The Kids a Smart Phone?

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/20

Smartphones feel inevitable… until you see what early access actually does to a child’s mental health, sleep, and happiness. In this episode, Dr Justin & Kylie Coulson break down new research fromPediatrics and share the family standard that finally ended the phone wars in their home (after one very big mistake). KEY POINTS New study: earlier smartphones = worse outcomes for kids. The four real reasons parents give phones (and why they’re flawed). Why

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14:18

The Parenting Trends That Will Reshape 2026

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/19

Screens, school, and AI are about to collide—and families will feel it first. In this fast, punchy episode, Justin breaks down four major trends set to hit parents in 2026: hybrid schooling, AI chatbots, the messy social media ban, and the rise of screen-free childhood. If you want to understand what’s coming—and how it will impact your kids—start here. KEY POINTS Hybrid Education Exodus: homeschooling + online learning + co-ops = flexible mash-ups AI Goes Critical: chatbots

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17:16

A Year of Big Shifts, Big Lessons, and Big Surprises

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/18

The new year brings a reality check: what actually changed for parents last year - and what didn’t? In this high-energy episode, Justin and Kylie review last year’s big parenting predictions (AI, social media, homeschooling, boys, cost of living, and more), celebrate the surprising hits, admit the misses, and tee up what’s coming next. Fast, fun, insightful - and wildly relevant for every parent stepping into 2026. KEY POINTS Which predictions landed in 2025 (and why they mattered

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14:40

How Burnt-Out Parents Can Still Build Connection

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/15

If the idea of playing Barbies or dragons makes you groan… you’re not alone. In this episode, Justin and Kylie tackle a parenting confession that many are afraid to admit:“I don’t like playing with my kids.” Drawing from emotional intelligence research and real-life experience, they unpack why play matters (even if it’s not your favourite), how to make it meaningful and manageable, and why it’s one of the simplest ways to build connection, confidence, and

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14:10

Mum’s Screen Time: What It’s Really Doing to Your...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/14

Are your phone habits impacting your child’s growth? We all know kids and screens don’t mix well—but what about parents and screens? A compelling new study has uncovered a strong link between a mother’s screen time and her child’s developmental outcomes. In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the latest research on "technoference" and what happens to our children when our eyes are glued to our devices. The results may just change the way

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17:27

Bringing Up Boys with Dr Arne Rubinstein

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/13

Boys take risks. They push limits. They scare us. But underneath all that danger is an ancient drive to grow up and belong. In this deeply eye-opening conversation with Dr Arne Rubinstein, we unpack why boys behave this way, the missing “rite of passage” that modern culture has abandoned, and what parents can do today to help boys become grounded, respectful, and emotionally mature young men. This episode delivers clarity, relief, and practical steps every family needs. KEY POINTS Boys

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11:41

The 6 Worst Parenting Tips We’re Never Taking Again

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/12

Ever been halfway through a parenting reel thinking *“Oh wow, this is gold”… only to realise it’s actually terrible advice dressed up with pretty music and a pastel background? We’ve been there too. In today’s episode, Justin and Kylie unpack six pieces of popular parenting advice they’re choosing to ignore forever—and why you should too. From controlled crying to timeouts, “spoiling” kids with love, and the classic“just ignore the

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8:07

Why Most Family Goals Fail (And How to Get Yours to...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2026/01/11

Most family goals sound great… and quietly disappear by February. In this short, honest episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson share why family goal-setting usually falls apart — and the simple shifts that actually make goals work. From kids’ fitness goals to holidays, habits, and hopes for the year ahead, this episode shows how buy-in, accountability, and involvement turn good intentions into real change. If you want goals your kids don’t just agree to — but actually own

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16:38

2025 - The Highs, Lows & Lessons Learned

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/18

It's our final episode for 2025! With another year in the rear view mirror, its a very special I'll Do Better Tomorrow, as Justin and Kylie wrap up the year. Topics discussed include: Justin's reflection on the Bondi terror attack. Kylie's thoughts on the recent New Zealand cycling trip, and persevering through hard things. Digging deep when we're dealing with the day to day mundane. Justin and Kylie's highlights of 2025. Merry Christmas from the Happy Families Podcast team - Justin, Kylie, Mim

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10:55

What Kids Really Need on Christmas Day

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/17

What if the Christmas your kids remember most isn’t about what’s under the tree — but how it felt to be together? In this episode, we unpack the four gifts children truly need at Christmas — the ones you can’t buy, wrap, or return — and how letting go of perfection might be the very thing that brings more joy, calm, and connection into your home this season. KEY POINTS Why chasing the “perfect” Christmas often leaves parents exhausted and grumpy How

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7:52

Parental Anxiety and Exhaustion at Christmas [with...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/16

Christmas is meant to be joyful… so why does it leave so many parents anxious, exhausted, and overwhelmed?In this episode, Justin sits down with Rebecca Dredge (CEO of the Kiddo App) to unpack why school holidays spike parental stress — and what actually helps families survive the juggle of work, money, childcare, and endless commitments without burning out. This is a permission-giving conversation every tired parent needs before Christmas arrives. KEY POINTS Why over a third of

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12:51

How to Give Big on a Small Budget

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/15

Feeling the Christmas squeeze? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to drown in stress or debt to give your kids a magical holiday. In this episode, Justin and Kylie share six practical, heartfelt strategies real families use to make Christmas meaningful without blowing the budget. From essential-only Santa sacks to Secret Santa hacks, secondhand gems, and the power of one great gift, this episode is your permission to simplify and still make it special. KEY POINTS The “Four

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