Episodes
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Ever faced the uphill battle of convincing your kids to put down their devices, step into nature, and engage with life?
I'll Do Better Tomorrow: Justin and Kylie chat about dealing with pushback when you know what's best for your kids, but they resist.
In this episode:
Tech-free teens Firm but loving encouragement to step outside comfort zones Modelling active engagement Motivating teenagers Wild Robots movie Making bids for connection Tough loveFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Dive into cutting-edge studies on parenting and child development, from income's role in behaviour to the debate over smacking's effects. Find out what the latest research says about the best ways to support our kids’ growth!
In this episode:
Impact of income on children's behaviour & development New study...better support would bring lifelong benefits | The Conversation Preschoolers: physical activity, screen time & sleep Study reveals most three and four-year-olds don’t get enough exercise or sleep, but too much screen time | The West Australian School mobile phone bans ‘Protecting a generation’: School phone bans pass the test | The Daily Telegraph Smacking harms child developmentNegative effects of childhood spanking may be overstated, study claims | NY Post
Study published in the Marriage & Family Review
Data vs morality & philosophy The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin CoulsonRelated Links:
Why It’s Not Ok To Smack Your Kids Unplug Childhood #1060 - No Hang-Ups With School Phone Bans Screen Time Guidelines Updated for the Touchscreen GenerationFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Raising a neurodivergent child can feel like an uphill battle, especially within a rigid school system. In this episode, Dr. Justin Coulson, along with Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow, share essential strategies for empowering neurodivergent children and offer hope to parents navigating this challenging path.
In this episode:
Out of the Box: A Guide to Navigating Neurodivergence by Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow Common struggles of ND kids Undiagnosed girls Masking & camouflagingLack of training & resources in schools
3 basic psychological needs
Parent-school partnerships Homeschooling Tips for ND kids starting a new schoolRelated Links:
Supporting Autistic Children [The Course] Help For The ADHD Parent Championing Neurodiversity Webinar One-Minute Wellbeing: Fifty Quick Tips for EducatorsFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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At a recent Fathers of Girls conference, Kylie brought a room full of dads to tears as she spoke about the power of time and connection in parenting. Listen to her heartfelt message, reminding us that it is the time we spend with our children that truly matters.
In this episode:
Personal Progress Interviews Creating a safe space Having your child's back no matter what Love is spelt T.I.M.E Fostering deep connections with your childRelated Links:
I Work Full-time. How do I Connect With my Kids? Building Strong Parent-Child Connections That Last Miss-Connection | 7 Day Connection ChallengeFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Schoolies Week can be a thrilling time for teens, but it’s often a nerve-wracking experience for parents. In this episode, we share two essential strategies every parent needs to help their teens navigate Schoolies Week safely and responsibly.
In this episode:
Schoolies: a rite of passage? Open, honest communication (before and during Schoolies) Safety planning Creating strong support networks Boundaries Peer pressure Responsible drinking Consent "Strong and safe"Related Links:
5 Essential Conversations to Have with Your Teen Before Schoolies #886 Get Set for Schoolies With Paul DillonFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Every Friday we do "I'll Do Better Tomorrow", where Justin and Kylie reflect on the week that was, and how they can be better parents tomorrow.
In this episode:
Dads and straight up conversations Girls are layered Dadding vs Babysitting Not dropping your son-in-law in it. Don't sweat the small stuffFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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"Region Beta Paradox"is a phenomenon where minor annoyances that don't seem urgent can actually cause more stress over time if left unaddressed.
We apply this concept to parenting, showing how minor behaviours in children, like whining or sibling squabbles, can escalate if repeatedly ignored, affecting both the child's development and the parent's well-being.
In this episode:
The Region Beta Paradox Why small annoyances can harm us more than big disruptions | PSYCHE Parenting implications of ignoring minor behaviours Psychological toll on parentsImportance of empathy and emotional regulation in responding to children
Solutions for parents Self-care and setting boundaries Avoiding screensRelated Links:
How to Respond When Triggered by Your Child Self-Care Strategies That Really Work Overwhelm: Self-care Strategies for When Everything is Too Much [Webinar] Why Our Kids Need Us to Set Limits Unplugged Parenthood: Reducing Screen Time to Strengthen Family Connections Developmental Milestones: What to Expect From Birth to AdulthoodFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Bullying can have a huge impact on our kids' lives.
Recently, Dr Justin had a conversation with Rachel and Sarah on their podcast The Parenting Couch. Today's snippet from that covers definitions of bullying, how to open up conversations about it, and what steps to take when your child is involved. Find the link to the full conversation in our show notes.
In this episode:
What is bullying? Verbal, physical, repeated, cyber-bullying Having conversations with your kids Emotions Feeling seen, heard, valued Encouraging empathy and "upstanding" behaviour What to do when bullying happens When to involve other parentsRelated Links:
Stop the Bully: Proven Strategies to Empower Your Child, with Dr Justin Coulson | The Parenting Couch PodcastFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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*Listener discretion advised*
A concerned parent, Emily, has sent in a sensitive but increasingly relevant question. Emily’s seven-year-old son confided that his friend was suggesting inappropriate behaviours, including taking photos of private areas.
Listen in for guidance on handling difficult conversations, protecting children’s safety, and fostering trust.
In this episode:
Importance of a trusting parent-child relationship Developmental appropriate behaviour Girlfriend/boyfriend in primary school Guidance on sensitive conversations Steps for addressing friend's behaviour Age-appropriate education on bodies, boundaries, consent Empowering children Ongoing vigilance and supportRelated Links:
Should our Young Children have Boyfriends or Girlfriends at School? #1071 – Body Boundaries With Jayneen Sanders 7 Strategies For When Your Child Accidentally Finds Pornography #898 Porn-Proofing Your Kids with Kristen JensonFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Why do our kids seem like they're never listening, no matter how many times we repeat ourselves?
Today, we share nine practical strategies that can help you to communicate more effectively with your kids, reduce those frustrating moments, and strengthen family connections... without repeating yourself over and over (and over!) again.
In this episode:
Why repeating instructions doesn’t work Common misunderstandings between parents and kids How to improve communicationRelated Links:
What To Do When Kids Won’t Listen How to Get Your Kids to Really Listen [Ebook + AudioBook]Find us on Facebook or TikTok
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The secret ingredient every child craves for feeling loved and understood is their parent's undivided time and attention.
Discover why making small sacrifices in your busy schedule to connect with your kids can have a profound impact on your relationship with them.
In this episode:
Halloween
Fathers of Girls
QLD politics & corporal punishment
Kylie's riding, Justin's writing
Love is spelt T.I.M.EMaking time for the things that matter most
Intentional connection
Don't miss the final intake for our Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence
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Halloween can be an equal mix of excitement for the kids and chaos for parents, right? And finding a balance between our children's desire for independence (to have fun, to explore, and to eat ALL the sugar) whilst maintaining a sense of safety is a challenge.
We share some practical tips to help make Halloween meaningful for your family, from building community connections to teaching social skills, plus some fun twists on the classic trick-or-treat! 🎃👻
In this episode:
Balancing fun & safety for kids Setting boundaries & rules Alternative Halloween celebrations Trunk-or-treat Cultural differences (gore vs fun) Community & family bonding Teaching social skills and life lessonsRelated Links:
An Australian Halloween Worried about too much sugar? Some helpful tips from 'Kids Eat In Color'Don't miss the final intake for our Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence
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Is homeschooling right for your family? A rising number of Australian parents are questioning if this alternative path could truly work for them and their children’s unique needs.
We delve into the realities of homeschooling with Brett Campbell, CEO of Australia’s largest homeschooling provider, Euka, as he shares insights, data, and tips that could transform the way you think about your child’s education.
In this episode:
Top reasons for homeschooling
Flexible schedule Socialisation Finding community University Pathway – Grade 11 & 12 Options Future Learners Podcast Misconceptions about homeschoolingRelated Links:
#1042 – Work & Home School Life Balance How to Help when School Sucks #503 - Home Schooling 101Find us on Facebook or TikTok
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Are the classic birth order stereotypes of the responsible eldest, the overlooked middle child, and the free-spirited youngest really grounded in science—or are we just buying into myths?
Join us as we unpack the surprising research behind these family labels and discover what truly shapes your child’s personality, beyond their place in the sibling lineup.
In this episode:
Birth order stereotypes What your sibling birth order does—and doesn’t—explain | VOX Birth Order Theory - Alfred Adler Gender roles & family dynamics Family size, age gaps, & unique circumstances Confirmation bias Personality traits & birth order Avoiding rigid labelsSupporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence
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Three news stories for 'This Week in Parenting':
Is your phone getting in the way of quality time with your kids? Research shows that when parents are glued to their devices, children are more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and attention issues!
A proposal to replace team sports with yoga and pilates in Victorian schools raises concerns about the balance between physical activity and academic focus.
Plus, why homeschooling is booming in QLD!
In this episode:
Parents Distracted By Smartphones Linked To Higher Anxiety In Kids | Forbes Negative impact on child development Being intentional with screen use Feeling seen, heard & valued Private schools ditch footy for yoga in APS shake-up | Herald Sun Mindfulness Team sports & competition Sedentary learning Home-schooling explosion in Qld fed by bullied children | The Courier MailRelated Links:
#1107 - This Week in Parenting: Roblox Hell & Parental Health Hazards Our Phones Are Wrecking Us Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey LawrenceFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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When a child is upset or angry, it’s easy to think their outburst is about the immediate problem. The real challenge for parents is identifying the deeper emotions driving these reactions. Kylie shares a conversation with her daughter that started as a fight over Roblox but ended with heartfelt tears over a completely different issue.
By taking the time to talk with our kids, we can help them uncover the true reasons behind their strong feelings.
In this episode:
Play dates & Roblox
14 reasons why....
Homeschooling Need for connectionHindenburg Research: Roblox
Roblox - a tool for sexual predators The 3 Es of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, and EmpowerRelated Links:
Keeping kids safe on Roblox Why Your Kids Need a Tribe Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey LawrenceFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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This Week in Parenting:
Roblox is a ridiculously popular game—but not just with kids..and not always for gaming! We take a quick look at the dark side of this platform and how parents can keep children safe online.
While a recent report warns that parenting can harm mental health, Justin and Kylie suggest that parenting doesn't need to be stressful—we just need a little less pressure and a lot more fun.
Finally, Meta has shifted the responsibility of protecting kids online to parents, while failing to adequately safeguard children on their platforms.
In this episode:
Roblox: a paedophile hellscape Roblox Inflated Data And Doesn’t Protect Underage Gamers | Forbes Parental stress & isolation Where is the village? Parenting Is Hazardous to Your Health, the Surgeon General Warns | WSJ Age-verification for social media Meta wants app stores and Aussie parents to act as social media age limit 'gateway' | The Daily Telegrap Parental Guidance Season 3 applications open Supporting Autistic Children Course (early bird pricing ends soon!)Related Links:
Keeping kids safe on Roblox It Takes A Village… But the Village is Sick #1072 – Does Parenting Have a PR Problem? Answers with Dr Justin Coulson | The Screen Smart SeriesFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Paediatric Dietician Karina Savage, founder of Nourishing Kids, chats with Justin about gut microbiome, sharing practical tips for parents on creating a healthy eating environment for children.
In this episode:
Good bugs, bad bugs - gut bacteria Symbiosis/dysbiosis & immunity Fussy eating Leaky gut Probiotics & prebiotics (fibre) Force creates resistance (or anxiety) Nourish With Karina The Easy Feed Podcast with Karina Savage (Paediatric Dietician)Related Links:
How do I Get My Child to Eat Healthy Food Without the Power Struggles? #1101 – Fussy to Healthy Eaters With Karina SavageFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Neda's 3-year-old son enjoys rough play but struggles to dial it back with his younger sibling, sometimes leading to unintentional harm. Dr. Justin offers six strategies to help every parent manage this lack of regulation in little ones.
Emma from Brisbane knows that picking your battles is a pro-parenting tip. But the challenge of knowing when to enforce clear and consistent boundaries and when to step back (without becoming "white noise" to your kids!) can be relentless.
In this episode:
Cognitive development Lack of regulation Boys & rough play Quality time Risky, active play Building sibling bondsFamily meetings: 3 questions
Asking kids for consent before sharing consent/correction
"But why?"
Related Links:
#764 Should We Stop Our Boys Playing Rough? Teaching Kids Kindness [Webinar] The Case for Risky Play in an Age of Overprotection #1045 – The Art & Science of Family MeetingsFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Has your child been hanging around with a friend that you don't approve of? Does your kid's behaviour change when they spend time with certain friends? Perhaps you've been thinking of stepping in and putting some control around who your kids are friends with.
In this episode:
Is it a good idea to control our children's friendships? Relationships are hard Relationships are two ways Whey stepping in may hinder learning and growthRelated Links:
Maternal Disapproval of Friends damages the Peer Status of Pre and Early Adolescents Forbidden Friends as Forbidden Fruit How do I Keep my Daughter Away from her Boyfriend? Supporting Autistic Children Course (NDIS approved)Find us on Facebook or TikTok
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