Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families A Year of Big Shifts, Big Lessons, and Big Surprises
Jan 18, 2026
Dive into a lively discussion about last year's parenting predictions and their outcomes. Discover the surprising success of AI as a mainstream tool for parents, and the unexpected rise of homeschooling due to societal pressures. Hear about the missteps, like the persistence of TikTok and the challenges boys and young men are facing today. They also explore the implications of Australia's new under-16 social media law and the unmatched dominance of YouTube. It's a fun, insightful look ahead as families gear up for 2026!
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Transcript
Episode notes
Yearly Predictions Set The Stage
- Justin explains he made eight parenting predictions for 2025 and will review hits and misses from the year.
- He frames the episode as a look back to set up four predictions for 2026.
TikTok Prediction That Missed
- Justin recounts predicting TikTok wouldn't survive but admits he was wrong after policy shifts in the US.
- He attributes the miss to political unpredictability under Donald Trump allowing TikTok to continue.
Cost-Of-Living Predictions Reversed
- Justin expected more intergenerational living and fewer overseas holidays due to cost pressures but found no strong data for families moving in together.
- Instead, Australians took more overseas trips in 2025, so his cost-of-living travel prediction failed.