Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Ever had one of those parenting days — where you lose your cool, say the wrong thing, and immediately wish for a do-over? In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson get real about what happens when we mess up, why rupture can lead to repair, and how connection - not perfection - is what truly builds a happy family. From teenage meltdowns to dinner duty disasters, the Coulsons share honest lessons on letting go, apologising, and finding calm after chaos. KEY POINTS Delegating family responsibilities isn’t always smooth — but it’s worth persisting. Why “getting it wrong” can be the doorway to deeper connection. Repairing ruptures teaches kids accountability, empathy, and love in action. The magic of family moments that start messy but end meaningful. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “You don’t know everything as a parent — but if you’re lucky, your kids will show you what really matters: the relationship.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Episode #1481 'When Every Night Is a Meltdown' HappyFamilies.com.au for parenting tools and insights ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Pause before reacting. Step away and breathe before addressing your child’s behaviour. Own your mistakes. Model humility by admitting when you got it wrong. Repair the rupture. Circle back for a calm conversation and reconnection. Share responsibility. Let kids take part in family life — even if it’s messy at first. Celebrate small wins. Connection grows in the moments you choose grace over perfection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every generation believes “kids these days” are going downhill — ruder, lazier, less capable. But new research says we’ve been wrong for over 2,000 years. In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack why we keep blaming young people, the psychology behind the “decline” myth, and how it’s hurting our kids more than helping. This one will make you rethink how you see today’s youth — and maybe even yourself. KEY POINTS Why every generation thinks the next one is “worse” — and why they’re wrong The two psychological traps that make adults unfairly judge kids How nostalgia and selective memory distort our view of the past What the data actually says about modern kids (it’s not what you think) Why criticising “kids these days” says more about adults than children How negative stereotypes harm young people — and how to stop it QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “The complaints reveal more about us than about the kids.” — Dr Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED Study: Why the youth of today seem lacking — John Protzko & Jonathan Schooler, Science Advances The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Catch your nostalgia: When you find yourself saying “back in my day,” pause and question it. Look for strengths: Notice what today’s young people are doing right — and tell them. Model respect: Show the behaviour you want to see, across all generations. Stay curious: Ask your kids what the world looks like from their eyes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The One Lesson Every Dad of Daughters Must Learn 270 men. One powerful story. When Kylie Coulson stood before a room full of dads at the “Fathers of Only Girls” charity lunch, she didn’t give them a parenting lecture — she shared something far more raw and real. This episode is that talk: a deeply moving reminder that the best way to raise strong, emotionally secure daughters begins with one simple act — how you love their mum. KEY POINTS Why emotional safety at home starts with your relationship, not your parenting. The real reason your daughter’s future relationships mirror yours. What happens when we stop trying to fix and start listening. How to model love, grace, and security — even when life feels heavy. The single sentence that could redefine fatherhood. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Sometimes the most effective parenting we’ll ever do has nothing to do with our children — and everything to do with the person we choose to be.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Fathers of Only Girls (FOOGS) charity happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Hold space for your partner — without fixing or judging. Show your daughter what love looks like in real life. Remember: how you treat her mother is how she’ll learn to love herself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The social media age ban is coming - and parents everywhere are freaking out. But here’s the truth: this isn’t the end of your child’s world. It’s a chance to reshape it. Justin and Kylie share five practical ways to help your teen navigate life beyond the screen - from rebuilding real-world friendships to resetting your family’s digital habits. KEY POINTS: Why banning social media isn’t enough — and what families can do instead How to start calm, open conversations with your teen about the changes The surprising benefits of going “old school” (yes, landlines are back!) Why parents need to reconnect with their kids’ social circles The power of modelling healthy tech boundaries as adults QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “If all we do is say ‘you can’t have this thing,’ something else will fill the void.” — Dr. Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Parenting Revolution by Dr. Justin Coulson The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Pediatric Research, July 2025: “Navigating Youth, Smartphones, and Policy” ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Start the conversation early - ask how your teen feels about the change. Help them reconnect offline: swap phone numbers, plan hangouts, build community. Fade out (or cut off) social media together - in solidarity. Model it. Set your own tech boundaries. Make it positive - this is an opportunity, not a punishment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re raising a generation surrounded by noise, opinions, and algorithms — but how do we teach kids to actually think for themselves? Dr Justin Coulson talks with headmaster and author Michael Parker about helping children (and ourselves) escape echo chambers, stretch attention spans, and develop true independent thought in the age of AI and endless scrolling. KEY POINTS: Why attention span is the #1 obstacle to deep thinking How social media and “influencer logic” shape young minds The surprising role of boredom and debate in critical thinking Practical ways to nurture reflection and focus at home Why AI might help—or hurt—our children’s ability to think independently QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Stop listening to the loudest and most extreme voices. Start thinking for yourself.” — Michael Parker RESOURCES MENTIONED: Thinking for Yourself by Michael Parker and Fiona Morrison More parenting insights at happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Stretch your child’s attention span with longer, screen-free activities. Encourage respectful debates and devil’s advocate questions at home. Expose your family to multiple perspectives—especially those you disagree with. Model reflective thinking out loud when you make decisions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When life forces you to slow down, sometimes that’s exactly what your family needs. In this raw, real “I’ll Do Better Tomorrow,” Justin and Kylie share how a tough week - complete with surgery, surf trips, and kids cooking dinner - led to surprising moments of growth and gratitude. It’s a gentle reminder that slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. KEY POINTS Why stepping back can strengthen your family The hidden power of sharing the load Teaching kids responsibility through real contribution The mindset shift that turns “I can’t” into “We can” QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Sometimes it’s okay to lay flat on your back and let somebody else carry the load. They usually can—and the world won’t fall apart.” — Dr Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED Minted Kids podcast with Nicole Peterson McKinnon Boys by Dr Justin Coulson (coming 2026) ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Let someone else lead for a day. Involve kids in cooking or chores—real, meaningful help. Reflect: where can you slow down before the season speeds up? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 13-year Australian study has just dropped — and its findings are shaking the medical world. Children on ADHD medication reported lower quality of life than those who weren’t medicated. In this eye-opening episode, Justin unpacks why the “gold standard” research behind ADHD treatment might have been flawed all along — and what this means for families trying to do what’s best for their kids. This one might make you rethink everything you’ve been told.  KEY POINTS The shocking new Deakin University study on ADHD medication and child wellbeing. Why “the gold standard” MTA study may have misled the world for decades. How peer review can fail — and how Big Pharma shapes the story. What long-term follow-ups reveal about medication outcomes. Why your child isn’t the problem — and what really needs to change instead. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Your child doesn’t have a problem. Thinking your child is the problem is often the bigger problem.” RESOURCES MENTIONED MTA Study (Multimodal Treatment of ADHD) and 3-year follow-up research. Deakin University longitudinal study on ADHD medication and quality of life. The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson. Parenting ADHD [The Course] + Course FAQs [Article] Help for the Parent with ADHD ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Don’t make changes overnight — start by reading the linked studies. Talk to your child’s GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist about alternative supports. Focus on your child’s environment, not just their behaviour. Trust your gut — if something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth exploring. Remember: grace for your child, yourself, and your professionals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve been told that “good” parents never take their eyes off their kids — but what if that’s the very thing making childhood (and parenting) harder? In this fascinating chat, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with Lenore Skenazy — New York Times bestselling author of Free Range Kids and co-founder of Let Grow — whose viral act of letting her 9-year-old ride the NYC subway alone sparked a global movement. Fresh from her TED Talk, Why You Should Spend Less Time With Your Kids, Lenore dismantles the “terrible lie” that children can’t handle life on their own — and reveals why the best learning, confidence, and resilience often happen when parents step back. KEY POINTS The fear-driven parenting trap — and how media and culture made “unsupervised” a dirty word. The myth of “better safe than sorry” and why it’s hurting our kids. How independence builds competence (and true confidence). What happens in a child’s brain when they solve problems without adult help. The staggering truth about “stranger danger” and why it’s wildly overblown. How to make it normal again to just open the door and let kids play. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Independence leads to competence — and competence leads to confidence.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Lenore Skenazy’s TED Talk: Why You Should Spend Less Time With Your Kids Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy— New York Times bestseller Let Grow nonprofit: letgrow.org Range by David Epstein ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Open the door. Let your child play or walk somewhere safely on their own. Resist the rescue. When your child faces a small problem, pause before stepping in. Swap “be safe” for “trust yourself.” Let your language build courage, not fear. Talk about freedom. Ask your kids what independence means to them — and listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Choosing the right care for your little one can feel like walking a tightrope — guilt on one side, exhaustion on the other. In this heartfelt Q&A, Justin and Kylie unpack the real differences between daycare, early learning centres, and family daycare — and what matters most when your child has big emotions or struggles with separation. Whether you’re expecting another baby or just trying to do what’s best, this episode helps you breathe easier and make a choice that feels right for your family. KEY POINTS The real difference between daycare and ELC (and why the labels don’t matter as much as you think). What to look for on your childcare tour: staff ratios, turnover, and outdoor play. Why sometimes not enrolling can be the best choice. How to support a deeply feeling child who struggles with separation. The “choose your hard” mindset — and how it changes everything. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Parenting is hard either way — we just have to choose the kind of hard we’re willing to live with.” RESOURCES MENTIONED What Your Child Needs From You by Dr Justin Coulson Episode #920 Minimising Daycare Drama ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Reflect on why you’re choosing care — not just whether to. When touring, focus less on the shiny buildings and more on the people. Prepare your child for separation with empathy, connection, and practice. Give yourself permission to pick the path that best supports your family’s season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If every evening feels like emotional warfare, you’re not alone. Exhausted, desperate, and out of ideas? In this episode, Justin and Kylie share three powerful ways to turn chaotic, tear-filled nights into calm, connected moments — so bedtime stops being a battle and starts feeling peaceful again. KEY POINTS The three pillars for calmer nights: routine, environment, and presence Why predictability helps kids feel safe (and parents feel sane) The surprising power of dim lights, soft music, and storytime What your kids are really asking for when they “stall” bedtime Simple, loving ways to reconnect — even when you’re out of patience QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “They just want to feel safe and secure and know that they’re loved — that’s the game.” RESOURCES MENTIONED What Your Child Needs From You by Dr Justin Coulson More resources: happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Create a predictable nightly rhythm — same order, same cues. Ditch screens an hour before bed and dim the lights. Be present, not perfect — a calm hug goes further than any rule. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.