Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

How do you juggle a high-powered global career and single motherhood — and still show up for your child with presence and purpose? In this inspiring episode, Justin speaks with Sarah Armstrong, Vice President of Global Marketing Operations at Google and author of The Art of the Juggling Act: A Bite-Sized Guide for Working Parents. Sarah shares practical insights on setting boundaries, overcoming mum guilt, building a support network, and navigating divorce with grace — all while raising a well-rounded daughter. KEY POINTS: Setting and protecting boundaries is critical to successful work-family balance. Communicating your boundaries to others is as important as establishing them. Mum guilt is real — but grace and self-talk like “I’m doing the best I can” help reframe it. A solid support system — whether formal or informal — is essential for working parents. Children benefit from being included in adult conversations and exposed to diverse role models. A “good divorce” is possible through conscious, respectful co-parenting and emotional self-regulation. You can't control others' behaviour—but you can control your own responses, especially around your kids. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "Our kids deserve a few hours of our undivided attention. I didn’t just set boundaries — I protected them." – Sarah Armstrong RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Art of the Juggling Act: A Bite-Sized Guide for Working Parents by Sarah Armstrong Visit: happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Define your non-negotiable boundaries (e.g., family time, tech-free windows). Communicate those boundaries clearly to work colleagues, clients, and family. Build a diverse support network — friends, neighbours, co-parents, and community members. Practice grace-based self-talk: Remind yourself, “I’m doing the best I can.” Include your kids in adult life — expose them to positive role models and conversations. In separation or divorce, prioritise your child’s emotional safety by regulating your own behaviour and language around them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when your child comes home from the other parent’s house completely dysregulated—tantrums, tears, and turmoil? In this episode, Justin and Kylie respond to a heartfelt question from a grandparent caring for her four-year-old grandson. Together, they explore why these transitions are so tough, what’s really going on beneath the surface, and how to create calm, connection, and consistency after a disruptive change in environment. KEY POINTS: Transition distress is common for kids moving between homes, especially in co-parenting situations. Tantrums are not misbehaviour—they’re a child’s way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed and don’t know how to cope.” Emotional storms after change can be a sign of trust—kids release emotions where they feel safest. A “transition toolkit” can soften the landing when children return from the other parent’s house. Predictable routines, consistent rituals, and physical or emotional regulation activities make a big difference. Compassionate communication—within and between households—helps reduce stress and confusion for everyone. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“The most important gift we can give our kids is a consistent, compassionate response.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: happyfamilies.com.au – Parenting support and resources Submit your own tricky question: podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au or leave a voice message at happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Create a Soft Landing: After a transition, keep things calm, quiet, and low-stimulation. Avoid errands or activities. Establish Connection Rituals: Use consistent, comforting activities like a shared snack, special book, or photo album. Support Emotional Regulation: Offer hugs, breathing exercises, or safe physical play to help them reset. Validate Without Endorsing: Accept their feelings (“It’s okay to be upset”) while gently guiding behaviour. Use Visual Supports: Calendars, countdowns, and transitional objects (like a favourite toy or photo) help children prepare. Communicate Across Households: When possible, work towards consistency in routines and expectations between homes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pop star Chappell Roan recently claimed that all her friends with kids are “in hell” and have “no light in their eyes.” But is parenthood really as bleak as she makes it out to be? In this thought-provoking episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack this viral comment with equal parts data, personal reflection, and heartfelt perspective. Together, they explore the complex relationship between parenting and happiness—and why the hard parts often make family life more meaningful, not less. KEY POINTS: Chapel Roan’s viral claim about the misery of parenthood sparked a deeper conversation about happiness and raising kids. Research shows that while parenting is hard, it can also lead to greater meaning and long-term satisfaction. Married parents report higher happiness than unmarried or childless individuals, despite the challenges. Our culture often values ease and independence—but meaning and deep connection are built through effort. Parenthood brings emotional richness, not just “happiness” in the moment. Blanket statements about parenting overlook the light, joy, and depth it brings to many lives. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“I’m so rich—life is so rich—because every time I look at one of my kids, I think: this is what it’s all about.” — Kylie Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED: Happiness research from the U.S. on parents vs. non-parents Paul Bloom & Roy Baumeister’s work on meaning and parenthood Instagram post from @tessapitter: “Dear Chapel Roan, I’ve never had more light in my eyes.” happyfamilies.com.au – Parenting resources for a happier family life ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Reframe your expectations – Hard doesn’t mean bad. Meaning often grows through challenge. Celebrate small joys – Whether it’s tying a shoelace or a shared laugh, these moments matter. Resist comparison culture – Social media snapshots don’t reflect the richness of your lived experience. Share your light – Let your kids see your joy, even in the chaos. They’re watching—and it shapes them. Choose presence over perfection – Fulfilment in parenthood isn’t about getting it “right,” but being there with love and intention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADHD is now the most diagnosed condition among Australian children under 14, and anxiety tops the list for teens. In this important episode, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with clinical psychologist Dr Jaimie Northam about the rise in childhood mental health challenges, the role of early intervention, and how parents can meaningfully support their kids. From understanding the signs to cutting through the online overwhelm, this conversation provides practical tools, gentle encouragement, and hope for families navigating tough seasons. KEY POINTS: ADHD and anxiety are rising dramatically among Australian children and teens. Family stress and digital distractions impact parent-child connection more than screen time itself. The three D’s to watch for: Distress, Dysfunction, and Deviation from typical development. A simple 10-minute connection with your child can dramatically improve behaviour and emotional resilience. Early mental health challenges often persist if left unaddressed — but early intervention can prevent long-term impact. Overexposure to conflicting parenting advice online can add to parental stress and confusion. Evidence-based strategies should fit both the child and the family — even among credible experts, one size does not fit all. The Growing Minds Check-In is a free, research-backed tool to assess your child’s wellbeing and get tailored support. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Half of all child mental health problems emerge before age twelve — and many become lifelong if we don’t act early.” — Dr Jaimie Northam RESOURCES MENTIONED: Growing Minds Check-In Study — growingmindscheckin.au Dr Jaimie Northam (University of Sydney) – Clinical psychologist and researcher happyfamilies.com.au – Parenting resources and support ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Use the Growing Minds Check-In: In just six minutes, assess your child’s wellbeing and receive customised recommendations. Schedule 10 minutes of ‘special time’ daily to connect with your child on their terms — no agenda, just play. Watch for the 3 D’s: Distress, Dysfunction, and Deviation — and seek early support if you notice any. Filter online advice carefully: Prioritise approaches that are research-backed, clearly explained, and suited to your child’s needs. Model self-regulation: If you’re too tired to engage well, set a respectful boundary — and follow through with connection later. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartwarming 'I'll Do Better Tomorrow' episode, Justin and Kylie share personal parenting wins and lessons from the week that was—featuring an inspiring story from Happy Families team member Mim. From the transformative power of early mornings to the deep connection built through presence, this episode is all about slowing down, showing up, and making time for what matters most. KEY POINTS: Mim shares how getting up early—after 18 years of waking when her kids wake—transformed her mornings, mental clarity, and ability to parent calmly. Kylie reflects on three powerful conversations she had with her daughters, all made possible by slowing down and being fully present. Justin recalls a moment of simple joy: the family naturally gathering in the kitchen, emphasising how unhurried time together creates connection. Time is the essential currency of love—our children need it, even when they don’t ask for it directly. Small changes in our routines can lead to big shifts in our family dynamics and overall wellbeing. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Connection, feeling seen, heard and valued is the currency of our relationships.” — Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED: Episode 1165: The Sleep Secret Nobody’s Talking About happyfamilies.com.au — Tools and resources for making your family happier ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Wake Up With Intention: Try waking up 30–60 minutes earlier than usual. Use this time to care for yourself before the chaos begins. Gift Presence: Notice the moments when your children might need you most—even when it’s inconvenient—and choose connection. Reach Out: Call or check in with a child you may not have spoken to deeply in a while. Your presence can shift their entire week. Slow It Down: Clear some weekend space for unhurried time together—visit a market, prepare food, enjoy simple rituals. Listen Closely: Don’t rush conversations. A single extra question can open up the emotional space your child needs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking you totally bombed it—only to find out later that the other person actually liked you? This “liking gap” is more common than you think, especially in kids. In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie explore fascinating new research about why we often underestimate how much others enjoy our company. They share insights from a large study on self-esteem, anxiety, and likability, and unpack what it all means for our children and their friendships. Plus, a personal story about Kylie’s first meeting with Justin’s mum that perfectly illustrates how wrong our first impressions can be. KEY POINTS: The liking gap is the psychological tendency to believe others like us less than they actually do. Low self-esteem and high social anxiety can amplify this gap, especially in children and teens. Real-world data shows most people are more accepted and liked than they realise. Kylie shares a vulnerable story about feeling disliked by Justin’s mum—which turned out to be the opposite of the truth. Kids need to feel safe, heard, and valued in their interactions to close the liking gap. Teaching children to focus on quality interaction over perceived popularity helps reduce relational anxiety. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Your child walks away from interactions feeling like they’ve bombed—when in reality, they’ve probably scored and they don’t even know it.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Study by Sugani, Sarah et al. at the University of Toronto on self-esteem, anxiety, and the liking gap Misconnection by Dr. Justin Coulson – insights from teenage girls on friendships Visit happyfamilies.com.au for additional resources ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Normalise the Liking Gap: Help your child understand that it's common to underestimate how much others like us. Boost Their Confidence: Support self-esteem by validating their feelings and encouraging their voice at home. Assume Positive Intent: Teach your kids to give others the benefit of the doubt rather than jumping to negative conclusions. Shift the Focus: Encourage your children to concentrate on meaningful interactions rather than worrying about how they're perceived. Model Vulnerability: Share your own stories of mistaken assumptions about being liked to show they're not alone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some kids thrive anywhere. Others need more care to flourish. In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson explore the powerful metaphor of “dandelion and orchid” children—an idea shared by clinical psychologist Dr. Jamie Northam. They discuss how different temperaments impact mental health, why parenting must be tailored, and how to know when your child might need additional support. KEY POINTS: Dandelions are resilient children who thrive in most environments; orchids are more sensitive and require specific conditions to grow well. Evidence-based parenting strategies should be adaptable—not one-size-fits-all. Be cautious of advice from social media; always ask: Is there evidence? Are there clear steps? Does this suit my child? The “Three D’s” of mental health concern: Distress, Dysfunction, and Deviation from developmental norms. Good parenting meets a child where they are—not where we wish they were. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all—what works for one child may fail completely with another.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Full interview with Dr. Jamie Northam (airing Saturday) happyfamilies.com.au for evidence-based parenting resources ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Reflect on your child’s temperament—are they a dandelion or an orchid? Before following parenting advice, check if it's evidence-based, clearly explained, and appropriate for your child. Watch for the “Three D’s”: distress, dysfunction, and deviation from expected development. Adapt your parenting approach based on each child’s needs—not just what worked in the past. If concerned, seek professional support early—mental health matters at every age. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie tackle a tricky parenting dilemma: how to support your adult child without damaging the relationship. Responding to a listener's concern about her 20-year-old daughter's social media presence, they explore the importance of autonomy, the dangers of forceful guidance, and how parents can remain a supportive influence while respecting boundaries. KEY POINTS: Adult children crave autonomy; unsolicited advice often creates resistance. Connection, not correction, is the key to long-term influence. Dropping the parental agenda fosters openness and trust. Seek consent before offering advice to show respect and preserve the relationship. Employers do check social media – nearly 70% of them, according to the Harvard Business Review. When you share concerns respectfully, you plant seeds that may grow later. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Our kids, especially our young adults, want autonomy more than anything – it’s like oxygen to them.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Harvard Business Review statistic: ~70% of employers check candidates’ social media. Happy Families Podcast – Submit tricky questions via happyfamilies.com.au/podcast ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Let go of the agenda – Accept that your adult child will make their own choices. Prioritise connection – Build trust through presence, interest, and nonjudgmental conversation. Ask for permission – Before giving advice, say: “Would you be open to hearing a thought I have?” Share perspective, not prescriptions – Offer insights gently and leave space for reflection. Respect autonomy – Even when it’s hard, show you trust their ability to learn from experience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartfelt episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie take a nostalgic look back at the parenting moments that once felt overwhelming — but now feel deeply missed. From sleepless nights to endless toddler questions, they reflect on the beauty hidden in the chaos of raising young children, and why it’s so important to soak up the season you’re in. KEY POINTS: Parents often miss the toddler years despite how exhausting and chaotic they were. Moments that once drove us crazy — bedtime routines, 3am wakeups, tantrums — are now fond memories. The constant questions from curious toddlers were a sign of trust and connection. Parenting in the early years was hard, but it was also a time of deep attachment and presence. There’s a growing challenge in maintaining community and “the village” that helps raise a child. Slowing down and being present in the moment is easier said than done — but always worth it. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:"I wish I loved it more when I was in it, but I just didn’t have the perspective." RESOURCES MENTIONED: HappyFamilies.com.au – for more parenting resources. You can read all of the comments on that Facebook post here. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Take a moment today to pause and notice something beautiful in the chaos — even if it’s hard. Write down a memory from a tough stage of parenting that now makes you smile. Reach out to someone in your parenting village — connection makes the hard moments easier. Give yourself grace: you won’t always love every moment, but being present matters more than being perfect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with world-renowned author and speaker Alfie Kohn to explore why traditional discipline methods—punishments and rewards—don’t truly work. We unpack how control-based parenting backfires, what the research says about intrinsic motivation, and how parents can move from “doing things to children” to “working with children” to foster true moral development and connection. KEY POINTS: Punishment teaches power, not morality—it damages relationships and promotes self-interest over empathy. Rewards, including praise and star charts, undermine intrinsic motivation and long-term growth. Both punishments and rewards focus on short-term compliance at the cost of deeper learning and ethical development. Real change happens when parents collaborate with children, exploring problems and empowering kids to find solutions. Effective parenting means questioning whether our expectations are reasonable and focusing on trust and respect. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“All rewards are just sugar-coated control.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Punished by Rewards by Alfie Kohn Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn Happy Families resources – happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Shift from control to collaboration—work with your child to solve problems, rather than doing things to them. Question your assumptions—ask yourself whether your expectations are developmentally appropriate and reasonable. Talk less, ask more—engage your child in reflective conversations about their choices and experiences. Move beyond rewards and punishments—focus on building intrinsic motivation by nurturing autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Stay patient—working with children takes more effort initially but leads to deeper, lasting change and stronger relationships. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.