Episodes
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We know that giving children access to social media and devices is not in their best interests. Our children deserve—and need—a play-based childhood. Join the village today and “Unplug Childhood” with us!
In this episode:
"It was the damn phones" by Kori Jane | Instagram
The “Unplug Childhood” MovementThe Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt | Booktopia
Make some noise and get on board!Why this mattersNo social media before age 13Give kids a play-based childhoodMake the pledge todayRelated links:
Our Phones Are Wrecking Us - Happy FamiliesKids Need Smart Parents Not Smart Phones - Happy FamiliesFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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In between homeschooling, 7 seasons of House, and a lot of travel, Justin and Kylie still managed to do some reading this month. Listen in to hear reviews of a classic children's book, a terrifying, heartbreaking YA novel, a disappointing flop filled with falsehoods, a warts and all memoir, and a contender for book of the year!
Kylie's books:
This Is Where it Ends, by Marieke Nijkamp 4.5/5Charlotte’s Web, by E.B White 5/5Justin's books:
Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up, by Abigail Shrier 3/5Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class, by Rob Henderson 5/5Time to Think: The Inside Story of the Collapse of the Tavistock's Gender Service for Children, by Hannah Barnes 75/5.
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Life can be really challenging for neurodivergent kids growing up in a world where they don't seem to fit in. Justin speaks with two authors about their fabulous books, and why representation in literature is so important for our children.
Square Me, Round World by Chelsea Luker is a collection of short stories describing what life can feel like when you are a person growing up in a world not built for you and Wonderfully Wired by Stacey Lucas-Toumbourou celebrates the strengths and differences of 100 neurodivergent individuals who changed the world
In this episode:
Square Me, Round World, by Chelsea Luker | BooktopiaThe importance of representationRaising neurodivergent childrenWonderfully Wired, by Stacey Lucas-ToumbourouRelated links:
Championing Neurodiversity: Helping Your Child Thrive in a Neurotypical World [Webinar]'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence [The Course]Parenting an ADHD Child7 Insights for Parents of Autistic Children | Chris BonnelloFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Screen struggles are something that every family is dealing with - and not just with the kids! We share some small changes you can make to help you find a healthier and more balanced relationship with your phone.
Does it feel like your child knows exactly which buttons to push to trigger you? News flash: YOU are the only one that can choose how YOU respond! Learn how to increase your competence (and confidence!) in holding personal boundaries and regulating your own emotions, and watch your relationship with your child improve in the process.
In this episode:
We Are Social 2023 Digital ReportHow to turn your phone screen to grayscaleParental triggersNeurodiversitySetting and respecting boundariesThe 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People, Stephen CoveyYou choose your responseParenting competenceBuilding relationshipsRelated links:
#565 Pushing Our ButtonsWhy Our Kids Need Us to Set LimitsHow To Be Less Tired#379 How I Work with Amantha Imber#240 Phones & Family Life with Dr Kathryn ModeckiFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Dr Justin’s 3 E’s (explore, explain, and empower) are the pillars of autonomy-supportive parenting. But there are times when they just do not work (we are all only flawed humans after all!). Today's tips will help you calmly and confidently navigate through the heat of these challenging moments.
In this episode:
The 3 Es of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, and EmpowerSelf-determination theoryBasic psychological needs of every humanRelatedness, competence, autonomyNeed-supportive parentingHigh emotions = low intelligenceBeing ok with our children's discomfortPatience and practiceFast is slow, and slow is fastNeurodiversityTurn towards your child in challenging timesRelated links:
The Parenting Revolution, by Dr Justin CoulsonThe Secret to Regulating EmotionsHow to Fix a Problem ChildLittle People, Big Feelings [The Free Webinar]Find us on Facebook or TikTok
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Connecting with your teenager on their terms gives you the opportunity to engage with their world in a meaningful way. Being on the same digital platforms as your child allows for greater understanding, better conversations, and stronger connections, keeping them safe along the way.
In this episode:
Connection - feeling seen, heard, and valuedThe joy of Snapchat filtersUnderstanding our teenager's worldDoing housework with your childDaddy-daughter datesRelated links:
Miss-Connection 7 Day Connection Challenge [Free Download]Miss-Connection: Why Your Teenage Daughter “Hates” You, Expects the World, and Needs to Talk, by Dr Justin CoulsonYou Did WHAT on Snapchat?!Settle Down About SelfiesFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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'Gentle Parenting' is a mindset with an emphasis on the child’s feelings. It may sound lovely and calm, but in reality, this "way of being" has a tendency to indulge emotions at the expense of effective family functioning, leaving parents feeling like they are hanging on for dear life—exhausted, incompetent, and emotionally drained!
Justin and Kylie share four essential steps for parenting gently in a way that ensures our children feel safe, secure, and loved.
In this episode:
Defining "gentle parenting"Parental Guidance Season 1Different parenting stylesGentle parenting the polar opposite of authoritarian“The Rise of the Accidentally Permissive Parent
Anne Pezalla – Gentle Parenting Can Be Really Hard On Parents | The ConversationJohn Gottman - Raising An Emotionally Intelligent ChildEmotion coaching gone wrongIndulging emotions at the expense of all elseAutonomy-supportive parentingKind and present parentsBoundaries and limitsRelated links:
Emotion Coaching | The WebinarThe Secret to Regulating EmotionsWhat’s Your Parenting Style? - Happy Families QuizFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Reflecting on 1000 episodes of Australia’s leading parenting podcast, we cover the highs and the lows of family life, from farewells to celebrations and everything in-between.
Today’s episode is a celebration of Kylie's big heart, Justin's big brain, the best of some really bad jokes, and of course, you, our wonderful listeners—our Happy Families family!
(With a special appearance from Hamish Blake!)
Related links:
#282 Better Together#562 The Pursuit of Happiness#853 Developing Yourself or Finding Yourself?10 Things Every Parent Needs To Know - Happy Families.
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Anonymous asks, "My 3-year-old is asking questions about his absent father. How do I answer in a way that supports my young son's mental health and self-esteem?". Justin gives examples of a healthy and developmentally appropriate response to this difficult situation in a way that honours the father, supports the child, and also advocates for our anonymous listener.
Lisa, from Canada, is concerned that catching the school bus will potentially expose her 11-year-old daughter to explicit material. Justin shares some suggestions that will help every parent safely lead their child along the path to independence.
In this episode:
Single parentAbsent fatherMental health Answering sensitive questions age appropriatelyHonesty and transparencyChildren need to feel safe, secure, lovedBuilding independence, confidence & self-efficacyCocooning, pre-arming, deferenceThe Three E's (Explore, Explain, Empower).
Related links:
How Do I Support My Daughter Now That I'm Divorcing? - Happy FamiliesPornography Is The New Public Health Crisis - Happy Families#898 Porn-Proofing Your Kids, with Kristen JensonCreating Confident Kids - Happy FamiliesNavigating Your Teen's Quest For Independence - Happy Families.
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There is a growing movement to commit to giving our primary-aged children unplugged childhoods! Dr Justin shares four things you can do NOW to give your children a play-based childhood, free from digital distractions and social media.
Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter for more details!
In this episode:
How would an enforcement even work?CensorshipAge-verification for social mediaImportance of holding platforms accountableA movement to keep smartphones and social media out of primary schoolUnplugged childhoodKids need smart parents not smart phonesRelated links:
Tech Giants Are Anti-Kids - Happy Families#991 This Week In Parenting: Vape Zones, Baby Bans, & Nicotine Pouches How Do I Get My Daughter To Drop Social Media And Study For Exams? - Happy FamiliesSocial media has the “exact same negative effect on depression” as eating potatoes | QuartzFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Justin reads a personal letter aloud to his children, sharing insights into what life was like for him growing up.
In this episode:
Sharing childhood memories with your kidsPetsGive your child rootsBenefits to keeping a journalRituals of connectionTo a child, love is spelled T.I.M.E.
Related links:
5 Ways to Promote Happiness in Your Family - Happy FamiliesEnough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - Happy FamiliesFamily Traditions Help Kids Make Sense of Life - Happy FamiliesMiss-Connection | 7 Day Connection Challenge.
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Study 1: Is your child feeling unhappy, pressured, or teased about their weight? Navigating growing up in a society so focused on physical appearance is difficult, but there are practical steps parents can take to decrease the risk of internalised stigma and other challenges around weight.
Study 2: So, you think you can read a baby's cry? Think again!
Study 3: The secret to getting your teen to listen to you can be found in the very foundation of what Dr Justin teaches in The Parenting Revolution!
In this episode:
Teasing children about weight increases risk of self-stigma as adults, study finds | The GuardianWeight stigma - what is it?Internalised incompetence and low sense of self-worthBabies’ cries alone don’t convey what they want | The British Psychological SocietyDunstan Baby LanguageThe secret to getting your teen to listen to you | The British Psychological Society
Autonomy supportUnsolicited advice from parentsHow to talk to teens about hard stuffRelated links:
9 Strategies for Soothing A Crying Baby - Happy Families#957 Diet Free Families with Meg McClintock - Happy Families5 Ways To Nurture Positive Relationships With Food and Body For Your Kids - Happy FamiliesThe Parenting Revolution (The Course) Normally $149, FREE when you purchase The Parenting Revolution [The Book]Find us on Facebook or TikTok.
Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter.
Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected].
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website.
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Most families have screens in their home, which means a steady stream of movies, TV shows, games, apps, and more! How can parents know what content is or isn't appropriate for our children, when ratings are so broad and arbitrary?
In today's interview with Prof. Elizabeth Handsley, President of CMA, we explore why it is so hard for parents to navigate the current classification system, and share some helpful resources and advice to minimise the risk that our children will be exposed to inappropriate content.
In this episode:
Children and Media Australia - supporting children and families to thrive in the expanding world of screen mediaRatings and classificationsMovies, apps, games,Inquiry into the Australian Classification SchemeAged-based and research-based informationDose-response relationship to mediaChildren become desensitised to contentRelated links:
Movies and Kids: When Is It Ok For Them To Watch That? - Happy FamiliesEveryone Else Can Do It! Why Can't I? - Happy FamiliesCommon Sense Media - Age-Based Media Reviews For FamiliesFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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On Tuesdays, we answer listener questions about making your family happier!
Separation anxiety at school drop-off is a daily struggle for many families, including Kirsty and her 5-year-old son. Justin shares some helpful tips that will make saying goodbye easier for both the parent and child.
Mum of 3, Michala, is dealing with constant sibling rivalry and conflict. Listen in for some important, ongoing conversations to have with your children as you help to build their character, and teach empathy and kindness.
In this episode:
Sibling rivalry, conflict, and strifeBuilding characterTeaching compassion and empathyRepairing relationship rupturesSeparation anxietyEmotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)Making mornings calmValidating emotionsBasic psychological needsStrong parent-school partnershipFlexibilityRelated links:
10 Steps to Reducing Sibling Conflict - Happy FamiliesTeaching Kids Kindness - a Happy Families webinarSchool Refusal - Happy FamiliesDevelopmental Milestones | Preschool - Happy FamiliesFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Andrew Tate's harmful ideology is infiltrating schools. Boys, broadly speaking, are big fans, and their behaviour in the classroom is reflecting this.
Dr Stephanie Westcott (researcher and lecturer in the School of Education, Culture, and Society at Monash University) shares her research on the experiences women are having in educational settings across Australia, looking at the influence of misogynistic ideology, how algorithms on TikTok and Youtube direct young boys to these ideas, and what parents, carers, and educators can do to combat the rise of these radicalised masculine myths.
In this episode:
Andrew TateMisogyny infiltrating classroomsHarmful ideology influencing young boysAndrew Tate’s extreme views about women are infiltrating Australian schools. We need a zero-tolerance response, Westcott & Roberts | The ConversationExperiences women are having in educational contexts
Behaviours of boys in the classroom
Framing boys and men as victimsRadicalisation of masculinityAndrew Tate Effect in Australian Classrooms | ABC NewsWhat it means to be a real manAlgorithms on social media are showing young boys very specific contentRespectful relationships educationZero toleranceRelated links:
#694 Responding to the Hate from Andrew Tate - Happy Families PodcastHelping Our Boys Grow Into Men - Happy FamiliesCan We Please Talk About Boys? - A FREE Happy Families WebinarFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Justin's singing turned complaints about dishes into a whole lot of fun, with sound levels hitting dangerous decibel levels!
Term 2 of homeschooling started off rather rocky for The Coulsons, but thinking outside the box created an opportunity for a reluctant writer to be creative and expressive in a new way!
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There's a brand new nicotine product out, so invisible you may not even be aware your child has it! Plus, the dangers of vaping, a nation-leading move by SA to protect our children from social media, and 118 reasons to be child-free.
In this episode:
Bluey 'The Sign' - a missed opportunity?Advocate pushes for vaping areas in schools as NSW holds inquiry into vape laws | news.com.auHarm-reduction policy regarding vaping#498 Children and Vaping, with Lisa Damour - Happy FamiliesVaping is a 'young person' phenomenon in Australia | Pursuit, Uni of MelbA new nicotine product that tastes and smells great - known as zyns, snus or little lip pillows‘Invisible threat’: Nicotine pouches taking over schools | news.com.auShould social media be banned for children?How should you approach your children's and teenagers' social media use? | abc.net.auParents in defensive modeAustralian model Ellie Gonsalves shared 118 reasons to be childfree | ABCRelated links:
Pots, Pills, & Parenting: A Masterclass with Paul Dillon and Dr Justin Coulson - Happy Families4 P’s to Prevent Peer Pressure in your Teens - Happy FamiliesFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Anne Hollonds was the opening speaker at the Breaking Point Digital Conference. On the podcast today you will hear an excerpt from Anne's presentation, discussing the mental health of young people around the country and what we can do to help them.
In this episode:
Anne Hollonds - National Children’s Commissioner.Young people and mental healthResidual effects of Covid pandemic
Barriers to accessing mental health support for young people
Strong therapeutic alliance = better outcomes
Breaking Point Digital Conference: Unpacking the Crisis in Youth Mental Health
Related links:
Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - Happy FamiliesWe Need to Talk About Parent WellbeingScreen Time and Our Teens’ Mental Health Crisis - Happy FamiliesFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Today, Justin is answering two listeners' questions.
First up is Bridget from Victoria, a mum of two. Her question is about her five-year-old son, whose over-competitiveness and inability to handle losing are causing issues in the family and in his wider circle of friends.
Becky, a single mum from Melbourne, is looking for ways she can implement rules and boundaries that won't lead to anxiety-fuelled and explosive reactions from her son, who has autism and OCD.
Helpful links:
Winning Or Losing: How To Handle A Bad Sport – Happy Families#78 Boundaries and the Three E’s – Happy Families3 Pillars of Practically Perfect Parenting – Happy FamiliesConnection – Happy FamiliesFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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Do you have a child who refuses to or is unable to go to school?
Sydney mum Alice joins Justin on the Happy Families podcast today to share the day-to-day pressure of trying to help a child get to school when emotions are high and nervous systems are in fight or flight mode.
If you are deep in the trenches of ‘school can’t’, this is a not-to-be-missed conversation, with some beautiful advice and encouragement to parents who are feeling stressed, judged, and alone in their struggle to get a child to school.
In this episode:
Emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA)Reasons for 'school can't'School Can't Australia (Parent/Carer Peer Support) | FacebookNeurodivergence (Autism, ADHD)Importance of friendshipsPressure on parents, judgementHomeschoolingMental health of parentsMoving schools"Is it just me? Am I the only one who can't get their kid to go to school?"School refusal and the Australian families gripped by blame, shame, and the fear of a lost education - ABC NewsRelated links:
School Refusal – Happy Families#533 Emotion Based School Avoidance aka School Refusal – Happy FamiliesA Grown Up’s Guide to Worry Stacking – Happy FamiliesResilience: Developing Strength, Calm, & Kindness in Our Kids – Happy FamiliesWe Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing – Happy FamiliesMoving? How to Help your Child Settle Into A New School – Happy FamiliesFind us on Facebook or TikTok
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