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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

17:26

#1229 - Age-Based Consent Conversations (R)

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/16

Consent isn’t just a conversation for teens—it starts from birth and evolves with every stage of childhood. In this important episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack how to teach kids about consent from zero to adolescence. From tickle fights to tricky teen moments, this is your guide to raising respectful, confident kids who know their rights, understand boundaries, and feel empowered to speak up. KEY POINTS: Consent starts early: young children can learn body autonomy through

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14:58

#1228 - Being an ADHD Mum With Jane McFadden (R)

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/15

What happens when a high-achieving mum, running two businesses and parenting three kids, discovers that the chaos in her life isn’t just “normal”—it’s undiagnosed ADHD? In this powerful and relatable conversation, Justin chats with former psychologist and ADHD advocate Jane McFadden about her late diagnosis, parenting in a neurodiverse family, and why understanding is the first step towards connection. KEY POINTS: Jane McFadden was diagnosed with ADHD in

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17:37

#1227 - Why the Kids Don't Listen (R)

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/14

If you've ever asked your child to do something—only to be met with silence, eye-rolls, or outright refusal—this episode is for you. Justin and Kylie dive into five surprising reasons why kids ignore us and share five powerful strategies to help them want to listen. With equal parts insight and humour, this episode offers real-world parenting advice that makes connection—not control—the goal. KEY POINTS: Kids often don’t listen because they don’t care about the

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17:00

#1226 - Forcing Kids To Apologise (R)

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/13

Should we be making our children apologise when they do the wrong thing? What does a sincere apology look like? In this episode: Parental Guidance (S1): “Forcing children to apologise is teaching children to lie” Victim mentality People pleasing Ruptured relationships The Parenting Revolution, by Dr Justin Coulson Motivation Continuum - extrinsic, introjected, identified, integrated, intrinsic Is It Wrong to Tell Kids to Apologize? | The Atlantic Theory of Mind Why do children apologise

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45:14

#1225 - Self Control Can Be A Learned Behaviour With...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/11

Is self-control something you're born with—or something you can teach your kids, starting today? Psychologist and bestselling author Ethan Kross takes us into the science of the inner voice, revealing how our thoughts shape our behaviour—and how we can shape our thoughts. From powerful tools that help children talk to themselves like a friend to simple mindset shifts that build long-term resilience, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for raising emotionally intelligent,

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16:58

#1224 - Awards, Assemblies and Away Days

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/10

Could the way we celebrate kids at school actually be leaving many of them behind? In this episode, Dr. Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the hidden costs of awards, assemblies, and school trips. From motivation to mental health, they explore how traditional recognition systems can impact children—and what we can do instead to help every child feel seen, supported, and valued. KEY POINTS: Awards ceremonies often benefit the same high achievers, leaving many students feeling invisible or

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15:16

#1223 - The Data Around School Mobile Phone Bans is...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/09

Justin and Kylie dive into startling new data showing the positive effects of mobile phone bans in Australian schools. They explore statistics that reveal significant improvements in student learning, behaviour, and classroom engagement and reflect on the broader implications for parenting and screen time at home. KEY POINTS: The mobile phone ban in schools has led to 87% of students being less distracted 81% reporting improved learning 63% drop in critical incidents involving social media

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10:11

#1222 - Taking Control of Self-Control

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/08

Can self-control be taught? In this episode, Justin and Kylie explore the science of self-regulation and how parents can help their kids—and themselves—build better habits. Drawing on an insightful interview with Professor Ethan Kross, author of Chatter, the conversation highlights strategies for boosting motivation, building emotional resilience, and taking control in those tricky moments where willpower fails. KEY POINTS: Self-control is not an innate trait—it's a skill that

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15:40

#1221 - My 3 Year Old is Destroying the House!

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/07

Justin and Kylie respond to a heartfelt question from a mum who’s at her wit’s end with her highly creative—but very destructive—three-year-old. From nail polish on couches to crayon art on every surface, they explore what’s developmentally normal, why punishment may backfire, and how parents can redirect energy with connection, supervision, and playful problem-solving. KEY POINTS: Destructive behaviour in young children is often a sign of creativity and a desire to

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13:52

#1220 - Careless People Rule the World

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/06

Justin and Kylie dive into two powerful reads—Mel Robbins' The Let Them Theory and Sarah Wynn-Williams’ explosive memoir Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism. While Kylie champions the liberating message of letting go of control, Justin offers a scathing but thoughtful critique of Facebook's inner workings, as revealed in Wynn-Williams' book. Together, they unpack how these ideas relate to parenting and the digital world our children are growing up in

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24:47

#1219 - The Surprising Truth About Sports Success...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/04

[R] Australia's most decorated Olympian, Emma McKeon, shares intimate insights about her journey from young swimmer to Olympic champion, revealing the crucial role her parents played in fostering success without pressure. Her story provides a masterclass in supporting children's sporting endeavors while maintaining joy and balance. Key Points: The importance of enjoyment over achievement in youth sports How parental support without pressure builds self-determination Managing early-morning training

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13:12

#1218 - Room Resets, Dust Bunnies & Waste Witches

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/03

In this episode of the Happy Families podcast, Justin and Kylie Coulson reflect on the challenges of parenting, from managing big emotions to keeping the household running smoothly. They discuss the importance of family meetings, handling difficult conversations with kids, and creative ways to encourage household contributions. KEY POINTS: Navigating difficult emotional conversations with children. The power of apologizing and reconnecting after conflict. Establishing family meetings for

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11:49

#1217 - The Doctor's Desk: What Makes a ‘Favourite'...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/02

Is having a favourite child real, or is it just perception? In this episode ofThe Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie Coulson dive into the research on parental favouritism, exploring why some children may seem more favoured than others. They discuss how personality traits, gender, and birth order play a role in parental preference and share practical strategies to ensure all children feel valued and loved. KEY POINTS: The concept of favouritism and how it manifests in families. Research

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16:45

#1216 - Nutritional Deception: What They're Not...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/04/01

A shocking 90% of Australian baby and toddler foods fail to meet international guidelines, yet manufacturers employ deceptive marketing tactics to make us believe they're healthy choices. In this eye-opening episode, paediatric dietitian Kareena Savage reveals how "organic" labels and Health Star Ratings can mislead parents, with some toddler snacks containing more sugar than white chocolate. Learn practical strategies for decoding food labels, avoiding nutritional traps, and creating healthier,

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13:51

#1215 - Help! My 8 Year Old is Totally Self Centred

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/03/31

Is your child struggling with empathy, social skills, or thinking beyond their own wants? In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson tackle a question from a concerned parent about an 8-year-old who seems self-centred, struggles with friendships, and resists considering others' feelings. They break down key strategies to foster empathy, encourage connection, and navigate discipline without frustration. KEY POINTS: Why some children seem more self-focused than others. The role of personality,

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14:43

#1211 - Sharp Knives and High Places: Why Your Child...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/03/30

Science confirms what our grandparents instinctively knew—children who engage in risky outdoor play develop better motor skills, higher self-esteem, improved social behaviour, and greater problem-solving abilities. Counterintuitively, keeping kids at low heights doesn't prevent injuries, as most fractures occur close to the ground anyway. When we let children climb high, use sharp tools, play with dangerous elements, and occasionally disappear from adult supervision, we're not being

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55:22

#1213 - Your Daughter Doesn't Need Another Mirror...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/03/28

Why do so many girls and women feel like they’re never “enough” when it comes to their appearance? In this powerful episode,Dr. Renee Engeln, author of Beauty Sick, joins Justin Coulson to explore the deep-rooted cultural obsession with beauty that shapes how girls and women see themselves. From five-year-olds already worrying about dieting to teens tying their self-worth to their looks, we discuss how self-objectification, social media, and unrealistic beauty standards impact

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18:40

#1212 - Bringing Up Boys With Dr Arne Rubenstein

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/03/27

Today's episode is taken from the Happy Families Bringing Up Boys Summit. Dr Arne Rubinstein is the author of The Making of Men, and discusses with Justin the idea of a boys “rite of passage”. Get the Bringing Up Boys Summit for $99 (50% off) until March 31st, 2025. The Miss-Connection Summit is also available for $99 until March 31st, 2025. Find us on Facebook atDr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments atpodcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee

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16:56

#1211 - The Crisis of Modern Boyhood:...

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/03/26

The Netflix series Adolescenceisn’t just gripping television—it’s a wake-up call about the hidden struggles of modern boyhood. In this episode, we unpack the toxic pressures shaping boys today, from social media’s influence to the outdated expectations of masculinity. How do we protect our sons from a system that fails them? What can parents do to guide them toward healthy manhood? Let’s explore the hard truths and actionable steps every parent needs to know. KEY

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12:52

#1210 - Breaking Free from Beauty Sickness

Dr Justin Coulson"s Happy Families ·

2025/03/25

What happens when the mirror moves from our wall to our head? In this preview of Saturday's interview with Professor Renee Engeln, discover how beauty sickness affects women and girls, why being "ladylike" might mean "stay small," and how to teach children to value their bodies for what they can do rather than how they look. Plus, understand why having two social media accounts might signal a deeper cultural problem. Quote of the Episode: "Bodies are super cool... teach your children about how cool

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