Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

What happens when a child falls years behind in reading and writing? This week’s episode of The Happy Families Podcast dives into one of the most talked-about moments from Parental Guidance: the Life School parents’ children struggling with basic literacy. Justin and Kylie share why reading matters so much, how to help children who resist school and learning, and practical steps for parents who feel overwhelmed when their child is falling behind. If you’ve ever worried about your child’s progress—or felt judged by others—this conversation will give you hope, empathy, and a clear path forward. KEY POINTS: Reading is a gateway to learning, and kids need to see, hear, and engage with books daily. Many families lack books in the home—screens have crowded them out. Literacy struggles can stem from earlier traumatic or negative schooling experiences, creating resistance. Avoidance of learning challenges often worsens anxiety; action and support are crucial. There is no quick fix—progress takes time, love, and the right support network. Collaboration with schools is vital, but sometimes alternative schooling or tutors may be necessary. Motivation often follows competence—find what your child loves to learn and build on that. Above all, children need to know that they are loved, supported, and not alone in their struggle. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "Readers are leaders, and leaders are readers. But before anything else, your child needs to know you love them, no matter how hard the journey gets." RESOURCES MENTIONED: Previous Happy Families podcast episodes on How to Help Kids Love Reading #952 - An Interview with Author Sally Rippin #918 - A Slice of Advice on Getting Your Kids to Read More happyfamilies.com.au for more resources on literacy and schooling alternatives, including: Rethinking School: Why Alternative Education Might Be the Best Choice for Your Child Home Schooling 101 With Brett Campbell of Euka How to Raise Kids Who Read Nine Now app to watch Parental Guidance ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: 1. Read to your child every day, even if they’re older.2. Let your child see you reading.3. Fill your home with books your child can access anytime.4. Work with the school to understand and address learning challenges.5. If needed, explore alternative schooling options or hire a tutor.6. Avoid avoidance—take small, consistent actions to build competence.7. Help your child discover an area of learning they’re motivated by.8. Above all: remind them daily that they are loved and supported.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when your child refuses to eat? When food, health, and body image turn into a dangerous battleground? In this deeply moving episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the devastating reality of eating disorders — with insights from a brave young woman who overcame anorexia, her incredible family, and a specialist psychologist who shares life-saving advice for parents. KEY POINTS 90% of teens have negative thoughts about their bodies; eating disorders affect far too many young people, especially girls. Social media and “diet culture” fuel body dissatisfaction, validation-seeking, and dangerous habits. Even the most loving parents can have children who perceive themselves as unlovable — perception is reality for struggling kids. Parents play a vital role: showing up consistently and lovingly is powerful even when it feels unnoticed.   Warning signs to watch for include: Loose, baggy clothing (to hide weight loss or from skin sensitivity) Avoiding family meals, picking at food, or excessive “health consciousness” Withdrawing socially, prioritizing exercise obsessively Personality changes, irritability, especially around meals   Parents need extraordinary patience, kindness, and firmness — staying at the table for hours if necessary, showing the eating disorder who’s stronger. Separate “the eating disorder voice” from your child’s real self in your interactions. It’s less about finding the “cause” and more about focusing on healing. The Butterfly Foundation (butterfly.org.au) is an excellent resource for specialist help. QUOTE OF EPISODE #1299 "You need to show that eating disorder that you're stronger than it, more patient than it, and you will sit there as long as it takes — because your child is worth fighting for." — Christine Gregory RESOURCES MENTIONED The Butterfly Foundation — national support for eating disorders Parental Guidance episode (stream on 9Now) Happy Families articles and resources on connection and body image (happyfamilies.com.au) ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS 1. Watch for early warning signs and trust your instincts — you know your child best.2. Be patient, kind, and firm — sit with your child at meals and don’t let the eating disorder win.3. Separate your child’s identity from the illness; speak to your child, not to the disorder.4. Don’t obsess over what “caused” it — focus on healing and connection.5. Seek professional help early through organizations like the Butterfly Foundation.6. Show up consistently: being present every day sends a powerful message of love and commitment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“You don’t let other people tell you what beautiful is.”In this heartfelt episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie Coulson reflect on the powerful lessons from Parental Guidance Season 3, Episode 3, exploring body image, self-worth, and how parents can shape their children’s relationship with their bodies—for better or worse. With vulnerable personal stories and actionable advice, they discuss how to shift the focus from looks to function, joy, and character.  KEY POINTS: Parents’ comments and attitudes about bodies deeply influence their children’s self-image. Many women carry lasting scars from childhood comments about their weight or looks. Society promotes a narrow and unhealthy definition of “beautiful.” Teach children to focus on what their bodies can do, not just how they look. Affirm children’s inner qualities and character as “beautiful” rather than only appearance. Complimenting children should be consistent and not dependent on clothing, makeup, or occasions. Body image distortion is common and can start young; words and modelling matter. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "When discussing body image, we need to move away from beauty. Instead, emphasise functionality, emphasise finding joy, and focus on what you can do, not what you look like. More than anything, remember that beauty is best defined by who you are and not how you look." — Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED: Miss-connection: Why Your Teenage Daughter Hates You, Expects the World, and Needs to Talk by Justin Coulson Karen Young & Hey Sigmund — resources supporting children’s mental health and self-worth Parental Guidance Season 3 Pixel Perfect [Webinar] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Reflect on your own language and attitudes about bodies—what messages are you passing on? Focus compliments on your child’s inner qualities and abilities, not just their looks. Emphasise the functionality and strength of your child’s body (“Look how strong your legs are!”) rather than its appearance. Avoid shaming or criticising children’s food choices or weight. Let your child know they are always beautiful to you, regardless of what they’re wearing or how they look. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do girls talk about their looks and boys talk about their abilities? Last night’s Parental Guidance episode tackled the big, emotional topic of body image — from what our kids see in the mirror to what they learn from us. In this Happy Families Podcast recap, Justin and Kylie unpack the powerful moments, the heated debates about Botox and social media, and what the research says about raising kids who feel good about their bodies. KEY POINTS Introduction of four new parenting styles: Authoritative, Positivity, Hard Way, and Life School — and their views on body image. Kids’ mirror challenge revealed a clear gender split: boys focused on what their bodies do, girls on how their bodies look. Parents’ debate about Botox and cosmetic procedures highlighted tension between self-acceptance and role-modelling for kids. Social media and screen use increase body dissatisfaction — media literacy alone isn’t enough. WHO study: gender, not body size, predicts body image problems. The importance of parents modelling self-acceptance and healthy habits. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "We focus on boys’ function, not form — and girls’ form, not function. That’s how society has conditioned us for centuries." — Dr Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt WHO study on gender and body image Book: Miss-connection: Why Your Teenage Daughter Hates You, Expects the World, and Needs to Talk by Justin Coulson Pixel Perfect [webinar] Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS 1. Reduce kids’ time on screens and social media to limit harmful comparisons.2. Stop focusing on diets or external measures — promote health, not appearance.3. Encourage kids to focus on what their bodies can do, not how they look.4. Be mindful of how you talk about your own body — you’re modelling self-image.5. Avoid assuming media literacy is enough — talk about values, not just filters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when kids are asked how they really see themselves?This episode of Parental Guidance (and our podcast preview) dives deep into one of the most powerful and emotional topics we’ve covered yet: body image. We unpack the heartbreaking reality of how children talk about their own appearance, the surprising ways parents influence those conversations, and a gripping, must-see story of a young girl’s fight against anorexia. Plus, we explore family fitness, nutrition, and an unexpected twist you won’t see coming. Tonight’s episode of Parental Guidance is one that will get Australia talking — and maybe even bring a tear to your eye. KEY POINTS: Kids share candidly how they see themselves — and the results are eye-opening. A moving story of one girl’s battle with an eating disorder. Why the way parents speak about their own bodies matters more than you think. Family fitness and nutrition challenges reveal compelling insights. An unexpected twist at the end that every family should reflect on. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "It’s just such an important conversation — one that will make every single parent and child sit up and pay attention." RESOURCES MENTIONED: Parental Guidance, Episode 3 — airing tonight at 7:30 PM on Channel 9 and streaming on 9Now. Visit happyfamilies.com.au for more parenting resources. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:1. Watch tonight’s episode of Parental Guidance with your family.2. Start an honest, gentle conversation with your kids about how they feel about themselves.3. Be mindful of the way you speak about your own body around your children — they’re listening.4. Use family mealtimes and activities as opportunities to model positive attitudes towards food and fitness.5. Stay tuned to the Happy Families podcast throughout the week as we unpack the episode in even more detail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking to kids about money can feel daunting. What if you say the wrong thing? What if they pick up your bad habits? In this episode of The Happy Families Podcast, Dr Justin Coulson is joined by financial literacy expert Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon to unpack practical, age-appropriate ways to help kids develop healthy money habits. From pocket money tips and goal-setting to avoiding the “tap trap” and understanding the power of time and compound interest, this episode will help you raise kids who feel confident and capable with their finances — and maybe teach you a thing or two along the way. KEY POINTS: Why parents’ attitudes and modelling matter more than a single “money talk” The importance of teaching kids to delay gratification and set goals Why kids’ biggest financial advantage is time — and how to help them use it Fun, kid-friendly ways to teach saving and earning (including apps and games) The psychological danger of passing on “economic anxiety” to kids How to make invisible digital money more tangible for children QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:"The most powerful financial lesson kids can learn is watching you model mindful, deliberate spending — and hearing you talk about why." — Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon RESOURCES MENTIONED: Kit Pocket Money App & Guide — a pocket money app and free downloadable guide for kids Moneysmart.gov.au — trusted financial literacy resources for adults and kids Spriggy — another popular pocket money app Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon’s book How to Get Mortgage-Free Like Me ASIC and Financial Literacy Board initiatives ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:1. Start talking about money with your kids early — keep it open and judgement-free.2. Use cash with younger kids so they can “see” money and understand it’s finite.3. Help your kids set savings goals and offer stretch incentives to build motivation.4. Model good money habits: avoid impulse buys, talk about budgeting, and explain your choices.5. Teach them about time as an asset: the earlier they save and invest, the more powerful the results.6. Consider using a pocket money app to track chores, savings, and spending in a fun, visual way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever feel like bedtime (or just family life in general) is chaos? In this warm, honest episode of I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share two powerful but simple parenting insights that can transform your family’s connection and calm. From spontaneous expressions of love to creating structured, soothing routines, you’ll walk away inspired to make small changes that lead to big results. KEY POINTS: Don’t wait for a “special moment” to show love. Tell your kids you love and appreciate them spontaneously, even in the middle of everyday moments. Structure creates calm. A consistent, enjoyable bedtime routine can lower resistance and help kids feel secure and settled. Competence matters. When children know what to do and what to expect, they feel more capable, cooperative, and happy. Even partial consistency is better than none. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get it perfect — keep trying. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "Structure builds competence. Competence is a basic psychological need. When kids feel like they know what they're supposed to be doing and how to do it, they just feel better about life." — Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED: Parental Guidance TV Show, Episode 3 — airing Monday at 7:30 on Nine & 9Now. More parenting resources and articles at: happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: 1. Pick a moment today to tell your child you love them and what they mean to you — unprompted.2. Create or refine a simple bedtime routine that includes calming, positive steps your child enjoys.3. Aim for consistency, but don’t let perfect be the enemy of good — even small, regular steps make a difference.4. Notice and celebrate how structure and loving words improve the atmosphere in your home.5. Share this episode or insight with a friend or family member who could use a little parenting encouragement!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

t’s the conversation most parents hope they never have — but need to. Sexting, short shorts, and the values we bring into how we talk to our kids about consent, respect, and peer pressure. In this episode, Justin & Kylie Coulson unpack the big issues raised on this week’s Parental Guidance, and how you can guide your kids through a digital world where nothing sent is ever truly private. KEY POINTS Sexting is prevalent and often normalised among teens — but there is no such thing as “safe sexting.” Conversations about consent, respect, and peer pressure are vital and should happen early. Girls are under more pressure to share explicit images and often face more shame when they do. Parents’ personal values (e.g., about clothing choices) are valid but must not drift into victim-blaming. Teaching kids respect means emphasising that what someone wears or does never justifies harassment or assault. Encourage kids to consider context and to be mindful of how they live out their own values while respecting others’. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Once you send an image, you lose control of what happens to that image — full stop, end of story." RESOURCES MENTIONED happyfamilies.com.au — Resources and articles on consent, sexting, and raising respectful kids. Justin’s book Miss-Connection: Why Your Teenage Daughter ‘Hates’ You, Expects the World, and Needs to Talk (for more on teen girls and digital challenges). Upcoming book on raising boys - join the waitlist. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS 1. Start open, nonjudgmental conversations about sexting, consent, and peer pressure — don’t wait until it’s too late.2. Make it clear: no one “deserves” mistreatment based on what they wear or share.3. Teach kids to think critically about requests for photos and to value their privacy.4. Emphasise that respect and consent are non-negotiable — and model these values yourself.5. Remind kids: even trusted friends can break trust, and once something’s sent, it’s out of their control.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s one of the hardest — and most important — conversations parents can have: teaching kids about consent. In this episode of the Happy Families Podcast, we break down the powerful lessons from Parental Guidance season 3, episode 2, including insights from consent educator Dan Principe. From why consent conversations can’t wait, to the right age to start, to how to empower kids without shame or fear — we’ll help you get comfortable having uncomfortable conversations, and raise kids who understand respect, boundaries, and healthy relationships. KEY POINTS Why consent education starts “before age two” — and why “early and often” matters. The startling reality: 15–19 year old girls are the largest group of sexual assault victims; 15–19 year old boys are the largest group of perpetrators. Why old-school “guns and shovels” attitudes harm more than they help. The role of ongoing, informal and formal family conversations about tricky topics. The three E’s: Explore, Explain, Empower — the simple framework for any difficult talk. How social media and “sharing” require kids’ consent too — even within the family. The risk of silence: what happens when kids don’t feel safe coming to their parents. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "We need to get comfortable being uncomfortable — because no young person should feel like their curiosity or desires are shameful." — Dan Principe RESOURCES MENTIONED Dan Principe: Consent educator and speaker (recommended for schools) Federal Government’s Consent Can’t Wait campaign (Justin as ambassador) More parenting resources at: happyfamilies.com.au Watch Parental Guidance seasons 1–3 on 9Now ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS 1. Start the conversation early — even before they understand the words, practice being open and clear.2. Commit to ongoing “early and often” chats — not just one big talk.3. Schedule regular family check-ins to discuss tricky topics.4. Use the three E’s: Explore what they know and feel, Explain what’s important, Empower them to make good decisions.5. Check in on consent within your own family dynamics — ask before sharing kids’ stories or images online.6. Drop the fear-based jokes and attitudes — empower kids with respect and tools, not shame or threats.7. Remind yourself: if they don’t learn it from you, they’ll learn it somewhere else.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world where kids feel lonelier than ever- despite being constantly “connected” - how can we help them build real, meaningful friendships and resist negative peer pressure? How are the families on Parental Guidance helping their kids make and foster friendships? In this episode, we dive into the crucial role of social skills, healthy face-to-face interactions, and intentional parenting to help children thrive socially and emotionally. KEY POINTS Not all peer pressure is bad — positive peer pressure can help kids adopt healthy habits. Many kids today struggle with loneliness despite being surrounded by peers, often due to excessive screen time and lack of real-world social practice. Social skills like introducing oneself, showing curiosity, and maintaining conversations are essential for resisting negative peer pressure. Parents play a key role by modelling healthy social interactions, facilitating opportunities, and keeping conversations about relationships open and non-judgemental. Excessive technology use may hinder social development, but more evidence is needed to fully understand the impact. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "You become the average of the five people you spend the most time with — so help your kids choose wisely." – Dr Justin Coulson RESOURCES Find more parenting resources and tips for making your family happier at Happy Families. You can watch Parental Guidance on demand at 9NOW. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS ✅ Reduce your child’s screen time and encourage more in-person social interactions.✅ Organise supervised, face-to-face playdates or gatherings to help kids practice social skills.✅ Have regular conversations with your child about their friendships — what’s working, what’s hard, and how they feel about making new friends.✅ Teach curiosity and empathy by modelling how to ask good questions and show interest in others.✅ Support your child in developing both structured (team sports, clubs) and unstructured (free play) social experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.