Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

When children need to talk, they'll give subtle clues that most parents miss completely. Recognising these moments and responding with actual listening—not advice, stories, or solutions—creates connections that last decades. The secret? Summarise what they say instead of steering the conversation. Most children never reveal their real issue first, which means parents who jump in with solutions are missing what their children truly need: to be understood. Quote of the Episode: "Understanding is the deepest hunger of the human heart." - Stephen Covey (quoted by Ross Judd) Key Points: Children rarely reveal their real issue first—they test the waters with a "safe" topic before sharing what's really bothering them. Look for unusual behaviour or emotional signals that indicate your child needs to talk. Taking control of the conversation prevents your child from getting to the deeper issue. The art of summarising (repeating back what your child has said) is the key to effective listening. Our brains think 10 times faster than people speak, making it incredibly difficult to truly listen. Deep listening isn't something you need to do all the time—just recognise the important moments. Children often already have the answers to their problems; they just need someone to listen. Use neutral phrases like "tell me more" to encourage continued sharing. Don't change the direction of the conversation with questions that steer it elsewhere. Effective listening involves "taking the ride, not the wheel"—let your child drive the conversation. Resources Mentioned: "Listening: A Guide to Building Deeper Connections" by Ross Judd "Miss Connection: Why Your Teenage Daughter Hates You, Expects the World, and Needs to Talk" by Dr. Justin Coulson Stephen Covey's concept of "faithful translation" (active listening technique) Happy Families Action Steps for Parents: Recognise special moments when your child is seeking connection (unusual behaviour, lingering in doorways, emotional signals). When these moments occur, stop everything, engage fully, and put away distractions. Use neutral phrases like "tell me more" instead of asking directive questions. Practise summarising what your child says without adding your own input. Remember that the real issue usually comes second—be patient and don't try to solve the first problem they mention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is traditional schooling the only path to success? In this eye-opening episode, Justin and Kylie challenge the conventional approach to education, sharing their journey through homeschooling and industry-based schooling with their daughter, Lily. They discuss why so many kids feel disconnected from mainstream education, the power of hands-on learning, and how alternative schooling models are helping students find passion, purpose, and career opportunities. If you’ve ever worried about whether the standard school system is serving your child, this episode is a must-listen! KEY POINTS: Many kids feel disconnected from traditional schooling because it lacks real-world application. Industry schools combine formal education with hands-on experience, giving kids exposure to different careers. Parents often fear that alternative education means failure, but in reality, it can lead to greater success and fulfillment. The stigma of leaving mainstream school is often more about parental concerns than what’s best for the child. Exposure is key—kids don’t always know what they want to do until they experience different career options. There are so many flexible schooling alternatives—vocational training, homeschooling, apprenticeships, online learning, and more. Insights from a school principal: The biggest hurdle in education reform is often parents’ reluctance to try something different. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "We’re using medieval institutions to train our children to live in an era where we have god-like technology. They don’t match up—they simply don’t." RESOURCES MENTIONED: Dark Horse by Todd Rose Industry schools, vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and alternative schooling options. The Happy Families website  ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: If your child is struggling with school, research alternative education options in your area. Have an open conversation with your child about what excites them and what frustrates them about their education. Challenge the fear of failure. Understand that leaving traditional school doesn’t mean giving up on success—it might be the key to unlocking it. Connect with other parents who have explored homeschooling, vocational programs, or industry schools for insight and support. Encourage your child to explore different careers through internships, apprenticeships, or hands-on learning experiences. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research reveals that 99% of boys have seen pornography by age 15, with the average first exposure occurring around age 10-11. This isn't your parents' magazine under the bed—today's online explicit content is shaping our children's understanding of relationships and intimacy years before their first kiss. This episode provides practical, research-backed strategies for having essential conversations with your children about pornography and online safety. Learn how to protect your kids while maintaining open communication about this confronting but critical topic. Quote of the Episode: "Not talking about it isn't protective. You need to talk about it because that's where the protection comes." Key Points: Average first exposure to explicit content occurs around age 10-11 By age 15, 99% of boys and 50-70% of girls have seen pornography Among 15- to 29-year-olds,  85% consume explicit content weekly or daily Children typically see explicit content 3-3.5 years before their first kiss Modern online pornography often contains aggressive and degrading content Early exposure shapes expectations about relationships and intimacy Open communication is crucial for protecting children Parents should normalise curiosity while not endorsing the behaviour Discussions should focus on healthy relationships and consent Resources Mentioned: "Boys and Sex" by Peggy Orenstein "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution" by Louise Perry eSafety Commissioner website It's Time We Talked Fight The New Drug  Collective Shout (Melinda Tankard Reist's work) Dr Marshall Ballantyne Jones research 2017 Australian study on pornography consumption Action Steps for Parents: Start conversations early—before age two—to build comfort discussing difficult topics Talk often and naturally about body safety and online dangers Create an environment where children feel safe asking questions Establish clear but supportive boundaries around internet use Respond calmly and without punishment when children report exposure Discuss explicit content in the context of healthy relationships Address curiosity as normal while explaining why certain content is inappropriate Help children develop critical thinking about media messages Install appropriate safety measures on devices Maintain ongoing conversations about consent and healthy relationships See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your brain is like a monkey—constantly jumping around, thinking of what to say next, and rarely focused on what others are sharing. Learning to shut up and truly listen, especially during those key moments when your child is trying to tell you something important, is perhaps life's most difficult skill. This preview of Saturday's full interview with Ross Judd reveals why listening is so challenging and how three simple steps can transform your connections with those you love. Quote of the Episode: "When we engage, the actual main thing to do here is actually to do nothing. We're not having to fix a problem. We're not having to find solutions. What we actually need to do is to be quiet." - Kylie Coulson Key Points: Don't try to actively listen every minute of every day—it's exhausting and unrealistic. Look for clues that indicate someone really needs to talk (unusual behaviour or emotional signals). When these important moments occur, engage fully by staying quiet and using neutral phrases like "tell me more". Summarise what the person has said to show you've understood. Our brains typically prepare to talk rather than truly listen to others. Most conversations are like showing "trinkets" from our respective bookshelves rather than truly exploring others' experiences. Staying present while listening is incredibly difficult because our "monkey mind" constantly chatters. Not offering solutions actually communicates trust that the person has the answers within themselves. We typically listen through our own life experiences, which interrupts the other person's thought process. Effective listening is a "practice in stillness"—something most humans struggle with Resources Mentioned: 'Listening: A Guide to Building Deeper Connections' by Ross Judd '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen Covey 'The Emotional Lives of Teenagers' by Lisa D'Amour Marco Polo app (mentioned as a tool for asynchronous communication) Happy Families website Action Steps for Parents: Watch for unusual behaviour or emotional signals that indicate your child needs a deeper conversation. When those moments occur, stay quiet and use neutral phrases like "tell me more" rather than offering solutions. Practice summarizsing what your child says to show you've understood and to quiet your own "monkey mind". Remember that by not offering immediate solutions, you're showing confidence in your child's ability to find answers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Schools are failing our children when boys who make sexual threats remain in class with their victims. A toxic combination of pornography access, weak responses, and "boys will be boys" attitudes is forcing young girls out of education.  Quote of the Episode: "When schools allow boys who make sexual threats to remain in class with their victims, they're making a value judgment. They're saying a boy's uninterrupted education matters more than a girl's right to learn without fear." - Justin Coulson Key Points: Sexual harassment via school laptops is happening as early as Grade 7 (age 12) Schools often respond inadequately to sexual threats, prioritising perpetrators' education over victims' safety Easy access to pornography is fuelling inappropriate sexual behaviour among young boys Parents must make noise and demand accountability when their children are victims If your child is a perpetrator, taking responsibility and ensuring consequences is essential Parental monitoring of screen use is the number one protective factor against digital harm The e-Safety Commissioner should be contacted in cases of online harassment Media attention and public pressure can force educational institutions to take appropriate action Both victims and perpetrators need support systems focused on responsibility and empathy Resources Mentioned: E-Safety Commissioner (for reporting online harassment) Happy Families "Know My Name" by Chanel Miller (book about sexual assault) Dan Principe Melinda Tankard Reist Collective Shout Action Steps for Parents: If your child is a victim, make noise—report to school authorities, police, the e-Safety Commissioner, and escalate to education departments if necessary. Monitor and supervise all screen time—know what your children are viewing, typing, and who they're communicating with. Have open conversations with your children about online harassment, showing them real examples and developing response strategies. Teach children to block harassers and not engage, as responses often fuel further harassment. If your child is a perpetrator, hold them accountable rather than minimising their behaviour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we protecting our kids or holding them back? In this episode, Justin talks with Lenore Skenazy about the unintended consequences of overprotection and why kids need to experience risk to build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. From eliminating stairs in homes to constant parental surveillance, we examine how fear-based parenting is shaping modern childhood—and what we can do to change it. KEY POINTS: The growing trend of designing homes for maximum parental surveillance and risk elimination. Why removing all risks from a child’s life can have long-term negative effects on their mental health and independence. The difference between reasonable safety precautions (e.g., seat belts, helmets) and excessive protection that stifles growth. How parental fear contributes to anxiety, depression, and dependence in kids. Practical ways to introduce independence and calculated risk into children’s lives. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:"Fear doesn’t prevent death, but it prevents life." KEY INSIGHTS FOR PARENTS: Removing every possible risk doesn't make kids safer—it makes them less capable. Letting children navigate small risks (like climbing stairs, using a knife, or walking to school) helps them build real-world skills. Worrying can feel like an action, but it doesn’t change reality—teaching skills and fostering independence does. Kids don’t need a risk-free life; they need a chance to learn, adapt, and grow. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Let Grow – Free resources for fostering childhood independence. Supervision Not Required podcast – A new podcast on raising confident, capable kids. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Identify one small area where you can give your child more independence. Teach them practical skills rather than avoiding potential risks. Shift your mindset from "How do I eliminate all risks?" to "How do I prepare my child to handle them?" Connect with other parents who value childhood independence to build confidence in your approach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every conflict between children involves two participants, not one. Breaking the destructive cycle requires recognising your child's role in the drama. Meanwhile, a little sweet talking can transform how your teen receives disappointing news, proving that tone matters more than content when communicating with kids. Discover how thoughtful delivery of bad news and understanding conflict cycles can revolutionise your family relationships. Quote of the Episode: "What we say matters a lot less than how we say it." - Justin Coulson Key Points: How you deliver bad news to children significantly impacts their response and your relationship. Showing empathy and consideration demonstrates understanding and improves children's receptiveness. Ongoing conflicts between children create a "vicious circle" that needs conscious intervention to break. Teaching children to recognise their contribution to conflict cycles is essential for resolution. Children can learn to break the cycle by either changing their emotional response or changing their behavioural response. You can only control your own actions in a conflict, not the other person's. Helping children take ownership of their part in conflicts builds emotional intelligence. Breaking conflict cycles is a skill that benefits children throughout their lives. Resources Mentioned: "10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know" by Justin Coulson (contains detailed information on breaking conflict cycles) Happy Families  Action Steps for Parents: When delivering bad news, use a considerate tone and show empathy ("sweet talking") to soften the blow. Draw the "vicious circle" with your child to help them visualise their role in conflict cycles. Discuss two ways to break the cycle: changing emotional responses or changing behavioural responses. Have these teaching conversations during calm moments, not during active conflicts. Remember that breaking conflict patterns takes time and consistent practice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research from Princeton University reveals that mandatory reading logs actually decrease children's interest in reading. While a quarter of Australian parents barely read to their kids at all, the solution isn't forcing children to track their reading time—it's making reading irresistible. This episode exposes why reading logs are counterproductive and reveals the three crucial keys to raising passionate readers. If you've ever battled with your child over filling in their reading log or worried about their reading habits, this episode offers game-changing strategies that actually work. Quote of the Episode: "Reading is the key skill to education. It's literally the gateway to all other skills. And if we can get this one thing right with our kids, they're going to make it all right in the world." Key Points: Research shows mandatory reading logs reduce children's motivation and interest in both recreational and academic reading. 25% of Australian parents read to their children once a week or less. There's up to a million-word annual gap between children from book-rich and book-poor homes. 56% of parents feel insecure about their own reading ability, impacting how much they read to their children. Three essential strategies for fostering a love of reading: Read to children regularly, using engaging voices and interactive questioning. Model reading behaviour by having parents visibly read physical books. Allow children complete autonomy in their reading choices, even if parents consider the material "below standard". Resources Mentioned: Princeton University study on mandatory reading logs and motivation by Sarah Pak Oxford University Press research on Australian family reading habits "Wings of Fire" graphic novel series [affiliate link] "The Magic Faraway Tree" by Enid Blyton [affiliate link] "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman [affiliate link] "Donald Duck's New Toy Train" (Little Golden Book) Action Steps for Parents: Remove any mandatory reading tracking systems. Create easily accessible reading spaces with books within arm's reach. Read to children daily, using expressive voices and engaging discussions. Let children see you reading physical books regularly. Allow children to choose their own reading material without judgment. Keep screens separate from reading time - stick to physical books. Make reading a joyful activity rather than a chore. Ask interactive questions about stories to enhance engagement. Read slower than you think necessary to aid comprehension. Create regular family reading times. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Lenore Skenazy let her nine-year-old ride the subway alone, she was dubbed "the worst mother in the world." In this preview of Saturday's interview, discover why preparation beats protection and how trusting kids with real responsibility helps them become capable adults. Plus, learn why the illusion of control might be holding our children back. Quote of the Episode: "If you want responsible kids, you have to give them responsibility"—Alfie Kohn Key Insights: Preparation matters more than protection. Trust builds capability and confidence. Control is ultimately an illusion. Mistakes are learning opportunities. Clear boundaries enable independence. Practice builds competence. Real-world experience teaches responsibility. Consequences should lead to learning, not restriction. Resources Mentioned: Let Grow movement Lenore Skenazy's work Jonathan Haidt's research Happy Families Action Steps for Parents: Prepare Rather than Prevent Practice skills before independence Provide necessary tools and information Create clear safety guidelines Build Trust Gradually Start with small responsibilities Allow learning from mistakes Maintain open communication Focus on Growth Use setbacks as teaching moments Celebrate increased independence Balance freedom with preparation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.