Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

It's almost the end of the year so we thought we'd look back at the top 5 Happy Families episodes that you listened to in 2023. Here's how it played out: #721 - Defusing Explosive Children #679 - Managing Fatigue as a Parent #674 - The Power of Habit #673 - Family Goal Setting #706 - Gentle Parenting: Is It a Fad or Fabulous? We're so glad that so many people are listening to the podcast and finding value in the information that's being provided! Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au Find out more about becoming a Happy Families member at our website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversial parenting, a growing problem with school attendance (or lack thereof!), a video game the whole family can get excited about, and why every new dad should be taking parental leave. In this episode: Story 1: 60 Minutes Australia: Hidden anxiety epidemic jeopardising ‘a generation’ of Australian schoolchildren School refusal/anxiety - also referred to as "school can't" THE LITTLE BOY By Helen E. Buckley Story 2: ‘I put coal in my kids’ Christmas stockings to teach them a lesson’ | Townsville Bulletin Controversial parenting techniques Punishing kids at Christmas "Every child needs..." (Bronfenbrenner quote) Happy Families | Facebook Be your child's safe place and provide them with unconditional love Story 3: How Paternity Leave Helps Dads’ Brains Adapt to Parenting Paternity leave is a gift to families. Improving father-baby bonding, baby development, relationship between parents Story 4: The creators of Bluey: The Videogame on making a kids’ game that’s also about parenting | The Guardian Playing video games as a family The right kind of screen time (Connecting and/or Creating vs Consuming) Story 5: Four in five parents turn to social media for parenting advice    Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether family life feels messy and hard right now or you are in a season of smooth sailing, there's one thing that matters more than anything: loving your kids - and making sure they know it! In this episode we cover: Struggles and challenges with food Picky eating Autonomy, structure, and competence Conversations to have with children about what they eat Supporting and loving our kids - No Matter What Wet towels, empty fridge, dirty dishes, messy rooms Empty nesters and change in family dynamics Connection - a Happy Families article Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Problematic screen-use spans from toddlers through to teenagers (especially when love is in the air!) and can affect mental health, sleep, wellbeing and behaviour. There are some simple steps parents can take to ensure your child lives a healthy, balanced life - without having to confiscate the screen! Topics from 'The Doctor's Desk': The effects of screens on teenagers Teens as consumers of content Mental health and mental illness are two different things - see "dual continuum of mental wellbeing" diagram Boredom  The importance of strong parent-child relationship Toddlers and screens Screen limits and being intentional Love in the teenage years Delaying romantic relationships Study 1: How Parenting and Self-control Mediate the Link Between Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health Study 2: Toddlers and Tablets: Being Purposeful About Your Child’s Technology Use Study 3: Romantic relationships linked to disturbed sleep patterns in adolescents Helping your child through their first big breakup - a Happy Families article 3 Simple Tips for Managing Screen Time for the Whole Family - a Happy Families article   Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kristen Jenson (founder of Defend Young Minds) shares how, when and why to talk to your child about pornography. [Replay]   Topics in this episode: Educating children to reject pornography The ways that pornography harms children 3 basic steps to having this conversation: 1. Define 2. Warn 3. Plan Advice for parents who have found their child viewing pornography Love your child No Matter What Good Pictures Bad Pictures | Books | Defend Young Minds™️ Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. | Books | Defend Young Minds™️ Defend Young Minds - free guide "How to Talk to Kids About Pornography" Curriculum for children aged 8-12 - Brain Defense Digital Safety Step-by-step SMART plan- "My Kid Saw Porn - Now What?" Bringing Up Boys Summit - Happy Families   Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating the complexities of tween and teen friendships can be challenging, especially in the age of social media. Here are some insights and tips to help your child run towards wonderful friendships rather than living in fear of exclusion. Topics in this episode: Sleepovers Bulling and teasing Snapchat and social media Structured activities and finite time for teenage get-togethers Miss Connection: Why your teenage daughter "hates" you, expects the world, and needs to talk by Dr Justin Coulson What teenage girls worry about most Conversations to have with your child BMX - Be More Exceptional Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's that time of year when school awards nights are in full swing, celebrating academic and sporting prowess. But are awards nights actually helpful?  And how can you help your child cope with the disappointment of missing out on recognition? Some of the things discussed in this episode: Awards by their nature are exclusive, so they can be a punishment for the majority. Relationships between kids, parents and teachers being damaged. Rewards and awards are ignoring reasons. Is it OK to acknowledge excellence? Should parents care more about grades or character?  Teaching your kids to sit with disappointment. Reminding kids that everyone has different talents, and schools recognise only a few of those talents. Status and recognition. Check out the Happy Families Mega Sale | Black Friday to Cyber Monday Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Build stronger and lasting connections with those you love. Three game-changing ideas to help you focus on what really matters most in life.  Topics in this episode: William Martin - 'The Wonders of an Ordinary Life' Household chaos in a time of grief and upheaval Expecting immediate compliance from children Force creates resistance Autonomy  The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson (currently 25% off + free course!) People vs 'stuff' Investing in extended family relationships Black Friday Sales start today - Happy Families Mega Sale | Black Friday to Cyber Monday Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three conversations you really need to be having with your teens BEFORE they head off to Schoolies.  Topics in this episode: Parents - it's ok to say no to Schoolies Creative and healthier alternatives Rite of passages Peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, fights, unsafe/risky behaviour Safe and healthy beats right and wrong Understanding consent Ensure your kids know you will always have their back #886 Get Set for Schoolies with Paul Dillon - a Happy Families podcast Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the enchanting land of 'Mine!' and the intricate world of kiddie diplomacy. Justin and Kylie unpack the challenges of sharing, with some big ideas to unlock the magic of cooperation - one shared toy at a time! Topics in today's episode: Special toys Sharing with siblings Learning cooperation, negotiation, and fairness through sharing Scarcity mentality vs abundance mentality Three basic psychological needs Self-determination / regulation Theory of Mind Power dynamics Developmental Milestones - a Happy Families article     Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.