Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Get ready for 2026 as hybrid education and AI dynamics reshape parenting! Discover how homeschooling and online co-ops will create flexible learning options. Learn about the risks of chatbots linked to mental health issues. Explore the unintended consequences of social media bans that could isolate vulnerable teens. Plus, see a shift towards screen-free childhoods as parents embrace play and reduce device time. This is a must-listen for every forward-thinking parent!

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!

If the idea of playing Barbies or dragons makes you groan… you’re not alone. In this episode, Justin and Kylie tackle a parenting confession that many are afraid to admit: “I don’t like playing with my kids.” Drawing from emotional intelligence research and real-life experience, they unpack why play matters (even if it’s not your favourite), how to make it meaningful and manageable, and why it’s one of the simplest ways to build connection, confidence, and emotional regulation in your child. KEY POINTS Play is not a luxury—it’s essential.Play builds emotional intelligence, connection, and social skills better than almost anything else. It’s not about doing it ‘right’.Play works best when it’s spontaneous, simple, and mutually enjoyable—not when it’s forced or scripted. The emotional impact is profound.Play regulates emotions, reduces tension, strengthens relationships, and helps kids feel seen, heard, and valued. The secret is in the interaction.What makes play powerful is the back-and-forth: the jokes, the giggles, the shared creativity—not the activity itself. A little goes a long way.Just 5–10 minutes of intentional play can fill your child’s emotional cup and help them play independently afterwards. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Play is not about perfection—it’s about connection and presence.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Happy Families Membership – parenting tools & webinars happyfamilies.com.au – resources for raising emotionally intelligent kids Shift by Ethan Kross ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Find a 5–10 minute window each dayYou don’t need hours. Commit to short, fully present bursts of play—no phones, no multitasking. Gamify the mundaneTurn routines into playful challenges: “Can you hop to the bathroom on one foot?” or “Let’s race to tidy up.” Let your child leadAsk: “How could we make this more fun?” Give them a sense of autonomy and watch their creativity bloom. Prioritise connection over performanceYou’re not there to entertain—you’re there to engage. Drop the pressure, enjoy the moment. Repeat. Consistency is the win.Over time, this builds emotional strength, stronger relationships, and memories that last. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does your screen time affect your child's development? New research reveals that a mother’s excessive use of devices can lower language and social skills in kids. The study found that over an hour of screen time correlates with developmental delays, while two hours or more is even worse. Technoference disrupts vital parent-child interactions, and children often mimic their parents' habits. Additionally, while TV is less stimulating than handheld devices, neither substitute for real-life learning. Time to put down those phones and engage!

Boys take risks. They push limits. They scare us. But underneath all that danger is an ancient drive to grow up and belong. In this deeply eye-opening conversation with Dr Arne Rubinstein, we unpack why boys behave this way, the missing “rite of passage” that modern culture has abandoned, and what parents can do today to help boys become grounded, respectful, and emotionally mature young men. This episode delivers clarity, relief, and practical steps every family needs. KEY POINTS Boys are wired for risk — if adults don’t create safe challenges, they’ll create their own. Cultures worldwide share four rite-of-passage elements: storytelling, challenge, visioning, and honouring. Without that process, boys can grow into adult men with boy psychology (self-centred, entitled, emotionally volatile). Dads, mums, and male role models each play a critical role — but the village matters for every boy. Early parenting is crucial: strong relationships, fair boundaries, shared stories, and responsibilities build maturity. Single mums can create support through uncles, mentors, friends, and community. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Every boy will go through a rite of passage. The question is whether he creates it himself — or whether we create something appropriate for him.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr Arne Rubinstein — Rites of Passage Institute The Making of Men (book) Happy Families Bringing Up Boys Summit The Miss-Connection Summit is also available Sign up here to be the first to news about Justin's new book 'Boys' ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Create 1:1 connection time — device-free and regular. Share stories from your own adolescence — including failures and learnings. Acknowledge strengths — notice what goes right. Teach reflection before correction — ask what they think first. Pair privileges with responsibility — avoid entitlement. Build the village — involve mentors, relatives, teachers, coaches. Separate the child from the behaviour — “I love you, but this isn’t okay.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this lively discussion, Justin and Kylie tackle six popular yet harmful parenting tips. They reveal how controlled crying damages attachment and why timeouts erode trust. The duo emphasizes that responsiveness is essential, debunking the myth that it spoils kids. Ignoring tantrums? Not the answer! Empathy is key to helping little ones regulate their emotions. Plus, they challenge the outdated notion of 'seen and not heard,' advocating for children's voices. Co-regulation is the way forward for calming kids, proving parenting doesn't have to rely on hacks!

Family goal-setting often fizzles out by February, but there are ways to make it stick. Discover how involving kids in goal discussions fosters true buy-in. Regular family meetings can pinpoint what’s working and what needs attention. The importance of accountability and celebrating progress is emphasized to keep motivation alive. Parents are encouraged to support rather than police their children's goals. Join in the journey, as parental involvement can make all the difference!

It's our final episode for 2025! With another year in the rear view mirror, its a very special I'll Do Better Tomorrow, as Justin and Kylie wrap up the year. Topics discussed include: Justin's reflection on the Bondi terror attack. Kylie's thoughts on the recent New Zealand cycling trip, and persevering through hard things. Digging deep when we're dealing with the day to day mundane. Justin and Kylie's highlights of 2025. Merry Christmas from the Happy Families Podcast team - Justin, Kylie, Mim and JR! We hope you have a wonderful season with those nearest and dearest to you. Thank you for making the Happy Families Podcast the most downloaded parenting podcast in Australia this year. We'll be back in 2026 with more daily parenting advice to help make your family happier. As always visit the Happy Families website for more resources, or join the conversation on our Facebook page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This discussion reveals that the most memorable Christmases aren't about gifts but the feelings of togetherness. Parents often stress over perfection, but peace and presence matter more. Children crave their parents' attention rather than wrapped presents. Playfulness fosters connection without heavy conversations, and embracing imperfection can lead to joyful memories. Finally, infusing purpose into the holiday adds meaning, steering away from consumerism and creating richer experiences for families.

Christmas is meant to be joyful… so why does it leave so many parents anxious, exhausted, and overwhelmed?In this episode, Justin sits down with Rebecca Dredge (CEO of the Kiddo App) to unpack why school holidays spike parental stress — and what actually helps families survive the juggle of work, money, childcare, and endless commitments without burning out. This is a permission-giving conversation every tired parent needs before Christmas arrives. KEY POINTS Why over a third of parents feel anxious about school holidays The hidden pressure of “making Christmas magical” How saying no can protect your family (and your sanity) Why over-planning everything backfires — and what to plan instead Practical ways to get support without guilt or overwhelm QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “It’s okay to say no. Your fridge doesn’t need every invitation on it.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Kiddo App – On-demand babysitting and care support for families Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Circle the non-negotiables that matter most to your family Say no to at least one invitation this week Plan a few meaningful moments — not every moment Line up support before you’re desperate for it Aim to “glide into Christmas,” not collapse into it See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.