Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

*Listener discretion advised* A concerned parent, Emily, has sent in a sensitive but increasingly relevant question. Emily’s seven-year-old son confided that his friend was suggesting inappropriate behaviours, including taking photos of private areas. Listen in for guidance on handling difficult conversations, protecting children’s safety, and fostering trust. In this episode: Importance of a trusting parent-child relationship Developmental appropriate behaviour Girlfriend/boyfriend in primary school Guidance on sensitive conversations Steps for addressing friend's behaviour Age-appropriate education on bodies, boundaries, consent Empowering children Ongoing vigilance and support Related Links:  Should our Young Children have Boyfriends or Girlfriends at School? #1071 – Body Boundaries With Jayneen Sanders 7 Strategies For When Your Child Accidentally Finds Pornography #898 Porn-Proofing Your Kids with Kristen Jenson Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do our kids seem like they're never listening, no matter how many times we repeat ourselves?  Today, we share nine practical strategies that can help you to communicate more effectively with your kids, reduce those frustrating moments, and strengthen family connections... without repeating yourself over and over (and over!) again. In this episode: Why repeating instructions doesn’t work Common misunderstandings between parents and kids How to improve communication Related Links: What To Do When Kids Won’t Listen How to Get Your Kids to Really Listen [Ebook + AudioBook] Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The secret ingredient every child craves for feeling loved and understood is their parent's undivided time and attention. Discover why making small sacrifices in your busy schedule to connect with your kids can have a profound impact on your relationship with them. In this episode: Halloween Fathers of Girls QLD politics & corporal punishment Kylie's riding, Justin's writing Love is spelt T.I.M.E Making time for the things that matter most Intentional connection Don't miss the final intake for our Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halloween can be an equal mix of excitement for the kids and chaos for parents, right? And finding a balance between our children's desire for independence (to have fun, to explore, and to eat ALL the sugar) whilst maintaining a sense of safety is a challenge. We share some practical tips to help make Halloween meaningful for your family, from building community connections to teaching social skills, plus some fun twists on the classic trick-or-treat! 🎃👻 In this episode: Balancing fun & safety for kids Setting boundaries & rules Alternative Halloween celebrations Trunk-or-treat Cultural differences (gore vs fun) Community & family bonding Teaching social skills and life lessons Related Links: An Australian Halloween Worried about too much sugar? Some helpful tips from 'Kids Eat In Color' Don't miss the final intake for our Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is homeschooling right for your family? A rising number of Australian parents are questioning if this alternative path could truly work for them and their children’s unique needs.  We delve into the realities of homeschooling with Brett Campbell, CEO of Australia’s largest homeschooling provider, Euka, as he shares insights, data, and tips that could transform the way you think about your child’s education. In this episode: Top reasons for homeschooling Flexible schedule Socialisation Finding community University Pathway – Grade 11 & 12 Options Future Learners Podcast Misconceptions about homeschooling Related Links:  #1042 – Work & Home School Life Balance How to Help when School Sucks #503 - Home Schooling 101 Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are the classic birth order stereotypes of the responsible eldest, the overlooked middle child, and the free-spirited youngest really grounded in science—or are we just buying into myths? Join us as we unpack the surprising research behind these family labels and discover what truly shapes your child’s personality, beyond their place in the sibling lineup. In this episode: Birth order stereotypes What your sibling birth order does—and doesn’t—explain | VOX Birth Order Theory - Alfred Adler Gender roles & family dynamics Family size, age gaps, & unique circumstances Confirmation bias Personality traits & birth order Avoiding rigid labels Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three news stories for 'This Week in Parenting': Is your phone getting in the way of quality time with your kids? Research shows that when parents are glued to their devices, children are more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and attention issues! A proposal to replace team sports with yoga and pilates in Victorian schools raises concerns about the balance between physical activity and academic focus. Plus, why homeschooling is booming in QLD! In this episode: Parents Distracted By Smartphones Linked To Higher Anxiety In Kids | Forbes Negative impact on child development Being intentional with screen use Feeling seen, heard & valued Private schools ditch footy for yoga in APS shake-up  | Herald Sun Mindfulness Team sports & competition Sedentary learning Home-schooling explosion in Qld fed by bullied children | The Courier Mail Related Links: #1107 - This Week in Parenting: Roblox Hell & Parental Health Hazards  Our Phones Are Wrecking Us Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a child is upset or angry, it’s easy to think their outburst is about the immediate problem. The real challenge for parents is identifying the deeper emotions driving these reactions. Kylie shares a conversation with her daughter that started as a fight over Roblox but ended with heartfelt tears over a completely different issue. By taking the time to talk with our kids, we can help them uncover the true reasons behind their strong feelings. In this episode: Play dates & Roblox 14 reasons why.... Homeschooling  Need for connection Hindenburg Research: Roblox Roblox - a tool for sexual predators The 3 Es of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, and Empower Related Links:  Keeping kids safe on Roblox  Why Your Kids Need a Tribe Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Week in Parenting: Roblox is a ridiculously popular game—but not just with kids..and not always for gaming! We take a quick look at the dark side of this platform and how parents can keep children safe online. While a recent report warns that parenting can harm mental health, Justin and Kylie suggest that parenting doesn't need to be stressful—we just need a little less pressure and a lot more fun.  Finally, Meta has shifted the responsibility of protecting kids online to parents, while failing to adequately safeguard children on their platforms. In this episode: Roblox: a paedophile hellscape Roblox Inflated Data And Doesn’t Protect Underage Gamers | Forbes Parental stress & isolation Where is the village? Parenting Is Hazardous to Your Health, the Surgeon General Warns | WSJ Age-verification for social media Meta wants app stores and Aussie parents to act as social media age limit 'gateway' | The Daily Telegrap Parental Guidance Season 3 applications open Supporting Autistic Children Course (early bird pricing ends soon!) Related Links:  Keeping kids safe on Roblox  It Takes A Village… But the Village is Sick #1072 – Does Parenting Have a PR Problem? Answers with Dr Justin Coulson | The Screen Smart Series Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paediatric Dietician Karina Savage, founder of Nourishing Kids, chats with Justin about gut microbiome, sharing practical tips for parents on creating a healthy eating environment for children. In this episode: Good bugs, bad bugs - gut bacteria Symbiosis/dysbiosis & immunity Fussy eating Leaky gut Probiotics & prebiotics (fibre) Force creates resistance (or anxiety) Nourish With Karina The Easy Feed Podcast with Karina Savage (Paediatric Dietician) Related Links: How do I Get My Child to Eat Healthy Food Without the Power Struggles? #1101 – Fussy to Healthy Eaters With Karina Savage Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.