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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

13:57

#1268 - From Helicopter to Hover-Free: Helping Your...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/06/09

What do you do when your anxiety has become their anxiety? In this listener Q&A, Justin and Kylie respond to Amy from Melbourne—a self-diagnosed helicopter parent whose 9-year-old daughter now struggles with fear and risk aversion. With compassion and practical insight, they break down the difference between risky and dangerous play, explore the impact of parental anxiety, and offer real-world strategies to build your child’s confidence—without ignoring safety. KEY POINTS Risk

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14:51

#1267 - How Burnt Out Parents Can Still Build Connection

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/06/08

“I Don’t Like Playing with My Kids” – Why Play Still Matters 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

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14:51

#1266 - Prawns, Perspective & Parenting: Why the...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/06/05

Prawns, Perspective & Parenting: Why the Silly Moments Matter Most Sometimes the most ridiculous memories become the most meaningful.In this heartfelt Friday episode, Justin and Kylie reflect on family, connection, and the unexpected power of silly traditions—like reenacting a 50-year-old prawn-and-tomato-sauce date. From celebrating milestones to navigating teenage heartbreak, this episode reminds us that family life isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, being

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15:20

#1265 - Learning to Trust Your Child's Natural...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/06/04

What if the most powerful thing you can do as a parent… is let go? Today’s episode dives into one of the most radical and relieving ideas in parenting: trusting your child’s natural development. Drawing on powerful research from McGill University, Dr Justin explores why pushing less can actually lead to more—less stress, more confidence, fewer behavioural issues, and healthier relationships. Learn how to spot the traps of controlling parenting and discover the four key

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12:34

#1264 - 20 Granny Hobbies to Get Your Kids Off Screens

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/06/03

Join us as we dive into the world of "Granny Core" — a charming, nostalgic approach to helping kids disconnect from screens by embracing slow, hands-on, screen-free hobbies. From knitting and baking to treehouse building and backyard adventures, this episode is packed with 20 timeless activities that promote creativity, connection, and calm. If you're tired of fighting the screen-time battle, this list is your new best friend. KEY POINTS: Why Screen-Free Matters: The overuse of screens is

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16:57

#1263 - When Your 7-Year-Old Acts Inappropriately: A...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/06/02

In today’s Q&A episode, Elizabeth from Melbourne shares a heartbreaking concern: her 7-year-old son is engaging in inappropriate behaviours towards girls at school. We unpack this tricky topic with sensitivity and seriousness—discussing how to draw firm boundaries, have safe and open conversations, and when to seek professional help. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to respond when your child crosses a line, this episode will offer clarity, compassion, and practical tools

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15:31

#1262 - Kids & Happiness: Can Parents Truly Be Happy?

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/06/01

It's time to address the age-old question: Do children make us happy? Backed by powerful research and personal stories, Kylie and Justin explore the paradox of parenting—how our kids can simultaneously be our greatest joy and our biggest challenge. Featuring insights from happiness researchers like Daniel Kahneman, Paul Bloom, and Roy Baumeister, the conversation moves from exhaustion and conflict to purpose, meaning, and unconditional love. KEY POINTS: Research shows that parenting often

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39:47

#1261 - Hooked on Games: How to Help Kids Break Free...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/30

Hooked on Games: How to Help Kids Break Free from Addictive Gaming(feat. Scott Novus, former VP at Disney & gaming expert) In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Justin Coulson speaks with former Disney executive and GameTruck founder Scott Novis about the hidden dangers of video games—and how parents can help their kids develop a healthy relationship with gaming. From understanding addictive design to replacing screen time with real-world connection, this conversation delivers practical,

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15:40

#1260 - Funny Questions About Sex

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/29

In this lighthearted episode of the Happy Families Podcast, we revisit some of the funniest and most unexpected things kids say when learning about where babies come from. Inspired by our interview last week with parenting educator Michelle Mitchell and her bookWhere Do Babies Come From?, we share some laugh-out-loud stories that remind us how curious—and hilarious—kids can be. We also reflect on the importance of connection, structure, and giving kids something to look forward to. QUOTE

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18:06

#1259 - How's Life for Children in The Digital Age?

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/28

A major new report from the OECD has revealed shocking insights into how screen use is shaping children's lives—and not for the better. In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the disturbing statistics, explain the real-world impact of screens on kids’ mental health, relationships, and development, and offer practical, age-specific strategies to help parents take back control. From toddlers to teens, this is the digital wake-up call every parent needs. KEY POINTS Startling

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11:18

#1258 - A Gaming Exec on How Your Kids Are Getting...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/27

Is your child’s gaming habit harmless fun—or something more serious? In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson share highlights from an eye-opening conversation with Scott Novis, a former Disney and Nintendo gaming executive. They discuss how modern games are designed to hook kids using sophisticated psychological techniques, what parents can do to support healthier habits, and the small shifts that make big differences in digital wellbeing. KEY POINTS The "Hooked Algorithm": Modern

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12:15

#1257 - Connecting When You're Always Correcting

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/26

What do you do when every interaction with your child feels like a battle? Today we respond to a mum’s heartfelt question about her 11-year-old daughter, who is struggling with screaming, lying, and constant conflict. We explore the psychological needs behind difficult behaviour and share practical, compassionate strategies for rebuilding connection—especially when all you feel like doing is correcting. KEY POINTS Challenging Behaviour Is Communication: Kids act out when their basic

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18:26

#1256 - The Sweet Spot: Overscheduled or Underplayed

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/25

Is your child’s schedule packed from morning to night—or are they struggling with too much downtime? Today we explore the pressure parents feel to provide enrichment, the unintended consequences of overscheduling, and why finding the "sweet spot" of activities matters. Plus, we give practical, compassionate guidance to help families strike a healthy balance between stimulation, growth, and the simple joys of being a kid. KEY POINTS: The Pressure to Perform: Some communities foster

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31:37

#1255 - Helping Your Kids Understand Sex, Puberty &...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/23

In this warm and essential conversation, Dr. Justin Coulson sits down with author, educator, and parenting expert Michelle Mitchell to explore how parents can navigate conversations around sex, puberty, consent, and identity with their children aged 8–12. Michelle shares insights from her book Where Do Babies Come From?, offering parents practical tools to talk about tricky topics with clarity, confidence, and compassion. KEY POINTS: Parents often feel unsure or awkward when kids ask about

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11:18

#1254 - The Subtle Art of Slowing Down (or Why Doing...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/22

Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our family… is slow down. In this reflective I’ll Do Better Tomorrow episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson share the power of pausing, being present, and choosing connection over control. From Sunday night beach walks to heartfelt conversations with teenage daughters, this episode is a gentle reminder that the simple moments matter most. KEY POINTS: Presence > Productivity. Slowing down, ditching the schedule, and being together—like a

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14:30

#1253 - Teen Girls Explain the Mental Health Gender Gap

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/21

Why are so many girls struggling with anxiety, low mood, and poor mental health—and why are they starting to think it’s normal? In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack recent UK research that asked teen girls themselves what's causing their distress. The answers are confronting: gender expectations, academic pressure, toxic friendships, and social media. But there’s hope. This episode offers real parenting solutions to help our girls thrive. KEY

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10:04

#1252 - 'Where do Babies Come From?' & Other Tricky...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/20

When your 8-year-old asks, “Where do babies come from?” how do you respond—without panicking? In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson share a sneak peek from an upcoming full interview with parenting author Michelle Mitchell about how to answer kids’ trickiest questions around procreation, intimacy, and consent. With warmth and practical wisdom, this conversation helps you feel more confident about when to talk, what to say, and how to create safe, shame-free conversations

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18:06

#1251 - Raising Young Adult Males

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/19

In today’s Tricky Questions episode, Justin and Kylie answer Kim’s heartfelt question: How do we raise young adult males and stay connected when we don’t agree with their choices? Whether your son is 16 or 26, this episode is full of practical, compassionate advice about letting go of control, nurturing connection, and guiding your son’s journey into manhood without damaging the relationship. KEY POINTS: Independence is the goal. Young men need to pull away to become their

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18:41

#1250 - Does Parenting Have a PR Problem? (R)

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/18

Last week Justin and Kylie discussed Chappell Roan's recent claim that everyone she knows who has kids is miserable. Listen to episode #1245 - Mothers & Happiness In light of this, we thought we'd replay episode #1072 - an interview with journalist Angela Mollard about an article where she asked if parenting needs a PR job. The link to that article is in the notes below. Journalist Angela Mollard writes that "[a]n age of confession and vulnerability has seen parenting rebranded as a

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13:14

#1249 - Supporting Autonomy Without Losing Authority

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/05/15

In this episode of I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share two powerful parenting wins from their week—one about holding firm with limits and another about letting go with trust. Together, they reflect on how boundaries, autonomy, and persistence are essential ingredients in helping children grow into capable, responsible decision-makers. KEY POINTS: Children need clear, consistent boundaries—especially when it comes to expectations and screen time. Limits may be met with

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1,618 results

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