Every Friday we do "I'll Do Better Tomorrow", where Justin and Kylie reflect on the week that was, and how they can be better parents tomorrow. In this episode: Dads and straight up conversations Girls are layered Dadding vs Babysitting Not dropping your son-in-law in it. Don't sweat the small stuff 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.

"Region Beta Paradox"is a phenomenon where minor annoyances that don't seem urgent can actually cause more stress over time if left unaddressed.  We apply this concept to parenting, showing how minor behaviours in children, like whining or sibling squabbles, can escalate if repeatedly ignored, affecting both the child's development and the parent's well-being. In this episode: The Region Beta Paradox Why small annoyances can harm us more than big disruptions  | PSYCHE Parenting implications of ignoring minor behaviours Psychological toll on parents Importance of empathy and emotional regulation in responding to children Solutions for parents Self-care and setting boundaries Avoiding screens Related Links:  How to Respond When Triggered by Your Child Self-Care Strategies That Really Work Overwhelm: Self-care Strategies for When Everything is Too Much [Webinar] Why Our Kids Need Us to Set Limits Unplugged Parenthood: Reducing Screen Time to Strengthen Family Connections Developmental Milestones: What to Expect From Birth to Adulthood 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.

Bullying can have a huge impact on our kids' lives. Recently, Dr Justin had a conversation with Rachel and Sarah on their podcast The Parenting Couch. Today's snippet from that covers definitions of bullying, how to open up conversations about it, and what steps to take when your child is involved. Find the link to the full conversation in our show notes.  In this episode: What is bullying? Verbal, physical, repeated, cyber-bullying Having conversations with your kids Emotions Feeling seen, heard, valued Encouraging empathy and "upstanding" behaviour  What to do when bullying happens When to involve other parents Related Links:  Stop the Bully: Proven Strategies to Empower Your Child, with Dr Justin Coulson | The Parenting Couch Podcast  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.

*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.