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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

13:26

Justin Responds to the Bondi Terror Attacks

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/15

In this emergency episode, Justin responds to the Bondi terror attacks, offering advice on how to talk to our children, as well as how Jewish families can discuss this with their children. For more up to the minute resources visit the Happy Families Facebook Page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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10:53

Finding the Fun in Festive Flicks

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/14

Christmas chaos creeping in? This episode dives into the magic of festive films—and how they can buy you a precious pocket of peace. Justin and Kylie share their top kid-friendly Christmas movies (and a few grown-up gems), the surprising stories behind them, and why the right film at the right moment can reset the whole family. Perfect for parents who want joy, calm, nostalgia…and maybe a chance to wrap presents without being ambushed. KEY POINTS Why Christmas feels like a tug-of-war

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23:53

Raising Kids in a Post-Social-Media World

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/11

This week, Australia made global headlines — and parents everywhere felt it. Justin shares the emotional, history-making moment inside Kirribilli House as the new social-media age laws rolled out, the families whose stories shaped the legislation, and why this shift matters more than most people realise. Plus: the behind-the-scenes chaos of a family holiday that turned into a resilience masterclass. A powerful mix of emotion, insight, and laugh-so-you-don’t-cry parenting moments. KEY

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16:48

Christmas Gifts or Experiences?

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/10

If you’ve ever stood in the toy aisle wondering what will actually make my kids happy, this episode is the Christmas miracle you need. We unpack the surprising research on gift-giving—why experiences matter, when they don’t, and what different ages really want (and remember!) on Christmas morning. This one will change how you wrap Christmas… literally. KEY POINTS The science-backed truth: giving really does make us happier than receiving. Why toddlers get more joy from

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17:24

The Social Media Ban Starts Today — What Parents Need...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/09

Today’s the day. Australia’s new Social Media Minimum Age Legislation kicks in—and families everywhere are feeling everything from relief to panic. In this special episode, Justin is interviewed by “Intrepid Reporter Kylie” in a reenactment of a newsroom conversation that never got to air. You’ll hear what this ban actually means, how parents and teens are reacting, why the timing matters, and what families can do to keep kids connected, active, and

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15:14

The Psychology of Christmas Magic

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/08

Whydoes Christmas feel so magical—and how can we bottle that feeling for our families? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the science behind Christmas joy and reveal the seven psychological drivers that make the season feel warm, connected, nostalgic, and full of wonder. From sensory anchors to collective effervescence, discover how small tweaks to your traditions can transform a stressful season into a slow, meaningful, joy-soaked one. This is your cheat-sheet to creating the kind of

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19:26

What Happens When You Stop Scrolling?

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/07

What if the world’s biggest social media company discovered its platforms were harming mental health… and then buried the evidence? Today, Justin and Kylie unpack explosive court documents about Meta’s secret research, the upcoming social media age-limit legislation, and what really happens when we step away from the online world. Then, we dive into your powerful responses to our most controversial episode of the year — including raw truths from parents who feel exhausted,

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15:31

How to Have a Merry Christmas (Backed by Actual...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/03

If Christmas usually feels more chaotic than joyful, this episode is the reset you need. Justin and Kylie unpack the research on what really makes Christmas happier—and what quietly steals the joy from it. You’ll hear the surprising predictors of Christmas wellbeing (hint: it’s not money, gifts, or how perfect your table looks) and why letting go of the pressure to “do it all” might be the best gift you give your family. A warm, funny, practical episode to help you

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16:59

The Secret to an Intentional, Joy-Filled Christmas

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/02

Feeling the Christmas chaos creeping in already? This episode hands you permission to rewrite the rules. Justin and Kylie share the three simple diagnostic questions that transform Christmas from exhausting and obligatory… to meaningful, memorable, and truly magical. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “do it all,” this is your reset button for a calmer, lighter, joy-filled holiday season. KEY POINTS The three clarity questions that instantly simplify Christmas Why “What

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12:42

When Your Kids’ Cousins Have Very Different Rules

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/12/01

Christmas catch-ups can be joyful… and also incredibly tense when your kids start noticing that their cousins play by wildly different rules. No screen limits. Loose language. Even underage drinking. In today’s tricky question, Justin and Kylie unpack how to protect your child’s wellbeing without blowing up family relationships — and how to help your kids navigate mixed values with confidence, clarity, and kindness. KEY POINTS Why “forbidden friendships” often

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19:34

Surviving the Christmas Meltdown Season

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/11/30

Christmas is magic… until it isn’t. Big feelings, tired kids, sugar highs, family drama, and festive chaos can turn the “most wonderful time of the year” into a meltdown marathon. In this episode, Justin and Kylie break down how to handle the full spectrum of Christmas emotions — without overreacting, over-parenting, or overcooking yourself into exhaustion. Real stories, practical tools, and realistic expectations… so your day stays joyful, not stressful. KEY

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14:59

How to Help Kids Step Up at Home

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/11/27

Ever feel like your kids walk straight past overflowing laundry baskets, open doors, or lights blazing—and simplydon’t see it? You’re not imagining things. In this episode, Justin and Kylie share the hilarious (and slightly painful!) truth about raising kids who swear they’re “contributing”… while the adults quietly carry the load. This feel-good Friday wrap-up dives into family meetings, chore systems that actually work, and the emotional load parents

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20:51

Don't Buy Your Kid an E-Scooter/ Bike This Christmas

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/11/26

Kids are begging for e-scooters and e-bikes this Christmas—but the rise in catastrophic injuries tells a very different story. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson breaks down the shocking stats, the hidden dangers, and the conversations every parent must have before saying yes. This is the episode every parent needs to hear before heading to the checkout. KEY POINTS Emergency departments are seeing a surge in serious e-scooter injuries—many life-threatening. Speed, illegal modifications,

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22:06

The Hidden Cost of Labels and What Kids Really Need...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/11/25

Are we turning ordinary childhood struggles into “disorders”? In this gripping conversation with child psychiatrist Dr Sami Timimi, we unpack the rise of ADHD, autism, anxiety — and the cultural story that’s quietly reshaping how parents see their kids. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child actually needs a diagnosis or just needs more connection, this episode will hit home. Dr Timimi challenges the medicalisation of childhood, explains how labels can limit hope,

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11:57

How to Talk About Babies Without Oversharing or Freezing

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/11/24

Kids have a magical way of asking thebiggest questions at the most unexpected moments. In this episode, we walk you through exactly how to respond when your six-year-old suddenly wants to know how a baby gets into Mum’s tummy—without oversharing, freezing, or fumbling. You’ll learn the calm, clear, developmentally-appropriate way to keep curiosity open, connection strong, and panic levels low. KEY POINTS Why kids ask tricky questions earlier than we expect How to give truthful but

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19:34

Why Australia Needs Its Own Thanksgiving

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/11/23

What if the secret to calmer kids, stronger families, and better mental health was free—and we’re the only country ignoring it? In this episode, Justin and Kylie make a bold case for bringing Thanksgiving to Australia… minus the turkey. Discover the neuroscience of gratitude, why it’s a proven buffer against anxiety and depression, and how one simple family ritual can transform your year. KEY POINTS The surprising research: gratitude can reduce mortality by 9% and

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19:53

When Parenting Feels Overwhelming: ADHD,...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/11/20

A huge week in the Coulson household — ADHD dilemmas, graduation milestones, big Roblox safety updates, and a brutally honest conversation about whether homeschooling is finally over. In this episode, we unpack the emotional load of parenting when life feels stretched thin, and why the choices we make for our kids rarely come with simple answers. KEY POINTS ADHD medications, family wellbeing, and thereal question behind parental burnout Why “child problems” are often

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13:32

Rethinking Schoolies: Experiences Your Teen Will...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/11/19

Schoolies can feel like a runaway train of risk, pressure, and “everyone else is doing it.” But your teendoes have options—ones that are safer, more meaningful, and genuinely unforgettable. In this episode, Justin and Kylie share powerful ways to reframe the end-of-Year-12 celebration, build intention, and offer your teen experiences they’ll remember for all the right reasons. From once-in-a-lifetime trips to simple, joy-filled adventures closer to home, you’ll get

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20:14

Challenge Accepted: Raising Kids Who Step Up [with...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/11/18

If your tween or teen feels stuck, scared of failure, or glued to their screen, this episode will change everything. Education innovator Chris Balme reveals why adolescence is thesecond great brain-growth window — and why kids today desperately need more real-world challenges, not more protection. A powerful, hopeful conversation about autonomy, resilience, and helping young people feel big, brave, and capable again. KEY POINTS Why ages 11–16 are a critical “second

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13:51

Growing Brave Kids Without Pushing Them Away

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/11/17

If your eight-year-old won’t walk into another room without you, this episode will change everything. Justin and Kylie unpack what’s really going on beneath “irrational” childhood fears—and why pushing independence backfires. Instead, you’ll hear the science of secure attachment, relatable stories, and simple steps that make your child braver because you’ve got their back. KEY POINTS Your child’s fear isn’t irrational—it’s real to

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