Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
Kids & Family
About
The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your...
Episodes
- Our Mind Tells Us Stories
This episode discusses how the mind constructs stories that can distort reality, impacting how we perceive family members and ourselves. It offers strategies to reframe negative thoughts, improve emotional interpretation, and cultivate a m…
- We're In Our Handstand Era
In this episode, Justin and Kylie discuss their daughter Lilli's experience with bullying, her renewed confidence, and a school-based apprenticeship. They also share a family tradition involving handstands that has brought them closer toge…
- Hard Fun is More Fun
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families explores research suggesting that external rewards can decrease children's motivation. It discusses how focusing on "hard fun" and intrinsic motivation can lead to more resilient and engag…
- Parenting Through Grief & Tragedy [with Robin Bailey]
In this emotional episode, Robin Bailey discusses parenting her sons through grief and tragedy after her husband's death. She shares insights on honest conversations with children, the importance of male role models, and finding love and h…
- What Defiant & Non-Compliant Teens Actually Need (a Q&A)
This episode discusses parenting defiant and non-compliant teenagers. It explores why traditional approaches may backfire and offers strategies for rebuilding trust and improving communication within families.
- Nobody Likes You When You're Like This
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses how overwhelm affects individuals and their families. It explores the impact of stress on relationships and offers strategies for resetting and improving emotional well-being.
- I'll Do Better Tomorrow - Coulson's Retreat
Justin and Kylie share two insights from a health retreat that shifted their parenting and family life. They discuss managing priorities, reducing emotional load, and the benefits of putting phones away and spending time in nature.
- Toys, Now With Added AI
This episode explores the potential risks of AI-powered toys for young children. Dr. Justin Coulson discusses how these toys might negatively impact emotional and language development, and he raises concerns about data collection and priva…
- The Screen Habits Rewiring Our Kids’ Brains [with Dr Mark Williams]
Neuroscientist Professor Mark Williams joins Dr Justin Coulson to discuss how excessive screen use impacts children's developing brains. They explore issues such as dopamine loops, gaming addiction, social disconnection, and emotional heal…
- Raising Responsible Readers [a Q&A About Inappropriate Books]
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses how to navigate children reading books that feel too mature. It offers advice on setting boundaries, guiding choices, and encouraging reading without creating conflict.
- Oh No, It's a Boy!
This episode explores the shifting nature of gender disappointment towards boys, the cultural fears influencing anxiety about raising sons, and how parental expectations shape boys' behavior. It examines what boys need from adults and the…
- Raising Capable Kids Without Constant Control
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses raising capable children without constant control. It focuses on the impact of constant correction on family connection and offers insights into fostering self-regulation and reb…
- The Adolescent Personality Dip No One Warns You About
This episode discusses the adolescent personality dip, where personality traits temporarily decline. It covers why teens may seem more difficult, what changes occur beneath the surface, and how parents can shift their responses to improve…
- What Your Child’s Meltdowns Are Really Telling You [with Dr Dusty Hess]
This episode explores how children's meltdowns can be messages about underlying issues like sleep, food, stress, and screen time. Dr. Dusty Hess provides insights into upstream parenting strategies focusing on prevention rather than reacti…
- Big Emotions Parent's Aren't Cool
This episode discusses children's big emotions, defiance, and rejection of parents in public, linking these behaviors to anxiety and overwhelm. It offers strategies for parents to respond helpfully, focusing on collaborative problem-solvin…
- Playing Before Eating
This episode discusses the "play first, eat later" approach in schools, highlighting its benefits for children's behavior, learning, and eating. It explains why movement before eating can improve appetite, regulation, and overall well-bein…
- Rethinking ADHD: Why Medication Isn’t the Magic Fix [R]
This episode discusses new research challenging traditional views on ADHD medication. It covers a 13-year Australian study and its findings regarding the quality of life of children on ADHD medication versus those who were not medicated.
- Helping Kids Manage Big Feelings [R]
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses how to help children manage big feelings. It explains that emotion regulation is a developmental process and provides three strategies for parents: distraction, co-regulation, an…
- Has Screen Use Crossed the Line? (with Brad Marshall) [R]
In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson and Dr Brad Marshall discuss screen overuse and gaming disorder in children, based on Australia's largest study on the topic. They explore the data, its implications for families, and provide practical ad…
- When Your Child Has No School Friends [R]
This episode explores strategies for helping children build friendships, focusing on the importance of intentional time and 'third spaces'. It also discusses the two key relationships crucial for a child's sense of school belonging.
- Let Them: The Two Words That Will Set You Free [R]
This episode discusses Mel Robbins' "Let Them Theory," which involves accepting what others do and choosing your own response to reclaim personal power and energy. It focuses on how to apply these two words, "let them," to manage adult rel…
- Is FAFO the End of Gentle Parenting? [R]
This episode discusses the "FAFO parenting" trend popular on TikTok. It examines the claims made by FAFO advocates, explains why this approach may be harmful, and offers a research-backed alternative focused on need-supportive parenting.
- Inside the Brain of Your Teenage Boy [R]
This episode discusses the inner workings of a teenage boy's brain, explaining why they may seem resistant or unmotivated. It offers strategies for parents to improve connection and cooperation with their teenage sons.
- Sylvia Arotin on Montessori Education
This episode of Dr. Justin Coulson's Happy Families features Sylvia Arotin discussing Montessori education. The conversation explores why families choose alternative education, focusing on independence, emotional regulation, and practical…
- When Your Adult Child Refuses to Launch
This episode from Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses adult children who refuse to launch. It explores why some young men disengage and offers strategies for parents to support them without enabling unhelpful behaviors. Key topics…
- When Parents Become Bullys
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses parenting reactions to children's bullying behavior. It explores why fear, shame, and punishment can be counterproductive, advocating for empathy and understanding instead.
- The Truth About Men, Emotions, and Silence (with Craig Russouw)
In this episode, Craig Russouw discusses men's mental health, examining why men may express emotions through anger or withdrawal. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding underlying issues, promoting mental maintenance…
- Is Homework Actually Helping Your Child?
This episode discusses the value of primary school homework, exploring why children resist it and what truly improves academic outcomes. It also covers a significant court ruling against social media companies and its relevance to screen t…
- Content Creep & the Invisible Influence of What Kids Watch
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses the impact of content creep on children. It explores how prolonged exposure to various media can shape their behavior, beliefs, and empathy, highlighting the critical influence o…
- Raising Kids Who Think Deeply About Relationships
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses how to foster deep thinking about relationships in children. It emphasizes using everyday moments for conversation starters and building trust with kids.", detected_language="en"…
- The Hidden Way Games Are Training Kids to Gamble
This episode of Dr. Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses how video games may expose children to gambling-like mechanics. It covers the normalization of such features and their potential impact on kids' understanding of money, risk, an…
- Raising Boys Who Become Men People Actually Respect (with Andre Casson)
In this episode, Dr. Justin Coulson and educator Andre Casson discuss raising boys to embody healthy masculinity. They explore topics such as core values, the role of discipline, the importance of male role models, and fostering connection…
- Minister for Boys and Men?
This episode of Dr. Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses the challenges boys and men face, including issues of violence, suicide, addiction, and disengagement. It explores the impact on families and communities, emphasizing the need t…
- The Friendship Advice Experts Swear By
This episode from Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses the science behind adult friendships and why many adults find it difficult to make and keep friends. It covers the rising issue of loneliness and provides advice on how to buil…
- Why Most Families Feel Stuck and How to Fix It
This episode of Dr. Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses why families often feel stuck and offers advice on how to improve family dynamics. It introduces simple, structured habits for better conversations and alignment, such as quarte…
- Justin & Kylie's 28th Anniversary
In this episode, Justin and Kylie celebrate their 28th anniversary, sharing insights on maintaining a strong marriage. They discuss choosing each other daily, handling frustrations, and prioritizing connection over winning arguments.
- Responding to Your Child About Body Safety (John Cardamone)
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families features a discussion with John Cardamone about body safety for children. They explore how adults can best respond when a child discloses abuse, emphasizing the importance of a calm and su…
- Raising Boys in a Toxic Online World (Q&A re: The Manosphere Documentary)
This episode from Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses raising boys in the context of the online "manosphere" and its promotion of misogyny and outrage. It explores why some boys are vulnerable to this content and provides strategi…
- Does Your Child Feel Worthy?
This episode of Happy Families explores how embracing struggles and challenges is crucial for children to develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of worth. It discusses the surprising psychology of why children may feel unfulfilled whe…
- You’ll Give More Than You Ever Get as a Parent
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families explores the idea that parenting involves giving more than one receives. Justin and Kylie discuss how small sacrifices and family rituals contribute to a richer experience, and how expecti…
- Training for Old Age
This episode features Kylie discussing her perimenopause journey and body changes. She shares how simple habits helped her achieve significant results without drastic measures after years of struggle. The conversation covers why consistenc…
- 10 Reasons For Ditching Homework
This episode discusses 10 reasons to ditch homework, based on research that suggests it may do more harm than good. It covers the lack of academic benefit in primary school, increased stress, and negative impacts on family life and a child…
- When Independence Turns Into Dishonesty
In this episode, Justin and Kylie discuss how to address dishonesty when a child's independence leads to bending rules. They provide a framework to help parents guide kids toward responsibility without damaging trust.
- AI Is Making Our Kids Dumber and Schools Are Letting It Happen
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families explores how AI impacts children's brains and learning, discussing concerns about cognitive development and critical thinking. It examines the role of schools and provides guidance for par…
- Does Your Child Mirror Your Worst Habits?
This episode discusses how children often mirror their parents' behaviors and the importance of parental accountability, quick repair, and emotional reactivity in family relationships. It also includes a conversation about ADHD diagnoses a…
- The Kindness Paradox That Changes Your Child’s Mental Health
This episode discusses the "kindness paradox" and its effects on children's mental health. It explores how engaging in acts of kindness towards others can lead to reduced anxiety, depression, and loneliness in children.
- FAFO Parenting Is Breaking Your Connection
In this episode, Dr. Justin Coulson explores FAFO parenting, examining its rise in popularity and explaining why it can harm the parent-child connection. He discusses the difference between natural consequences and punitive parenting, emph…
- When All Their Friends Have Phones and You’re Standing Firm
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families podcast addresses the dilemma of children wanting smartphones when their friends have them. It provides a framework for parents to set boundaries while maintaining connection, focusing on…
- What Really Happened When I Met the Roblox CEO
Dr Justin Coulson recounts his meeting with Roblox CEO David Baszucki to discuss concerns about child safety on the platform. He shares details about the conversation, uncomfortable moments, and why he remains unconvinced about the safety…
- You’re Stronger Than You Think (Even When You Blow It)
This episode of Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families discusses resilience and sacrifice in parenting. It explores how individuals are stronger than they think and how to build stronger families through everyday actions and recovery from mist…