Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

With only 54 days left until Christmas are you beginning to feel a little anxious about expenses?  You can have honest conversations with your children about budgets and presents - and still keep the Magic of Christmas alive! Topics in this episode: The joys and stress of shopping for gifts Materialism  Giving and receiving Anxiety over money Expectations and values Wants or needs? Santa Three E's of Effective Discipline Giving in fantasy what they can't have in reality Easing parental guilt at Christmas Some Happy Families Christmas Articles: Take Back Christmas 10 Easy Traditions That Can Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family 16 Gifts our Children Need For Christmas 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.

Raising teenagers can be hard even at the best of times. Trying to support our teens when they are struggling can feel like a dead-end street. Dr Jo Prendergast shares the most important thing you can do that will make a difference for your teen when life just sucks. Topics in this episode: When Life Sucks - Jo's new book Parents and self-regulation Emotions are contagious Deep breathing Being self-aware of your own triggers 'Ghosts in the nursery' Neurodiversity When does life suck for teens? 'The Three Rs of Great Parenting' Connected interactions Learn more about The Teenage Brain in our FREE 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.

Worried that your low-achieving, school-hating, stressed and struggling child is ruining every chance of their future success? Learn how to kindle the flame of curiosity in your child - and hear Justin share a poet's definition of success that will encourage and inspire any worried parent. Topics in this episode: Curiosity Flaws of our educational system Lifelong learning Exams and stress Living up to expectations Anxiety and perfectionism in our kids Resilience External vs internal worth "Success is..." by Anonymous    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.

Every young person needs to have a close, significant adult to talk to when they experience challenges in life. Sadly, new research has revealed that far too many adolescents do not feel listened to and aren’t speaking to anyone when they’re worried. Dr Katrina Lines (CEO of Act for Kids, and registered psychologist) shares some simple ways to connect with your child that will encourage them to share their problems with you. Topics in this episode: Speaking to a professional Act for Kids Campaign "Get Comfy Switching ON by Switching OFF"  - all the research stats, tip sheets and an animation Incidental conversation or "small talk" Being present Connection  Pressures of school, friendships, social media 3 basic psychological needs Mental health issues - anxiety, depression, poor sleep Fear of parental criticism or dismissal, or not being listened to   Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - 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.

Education is important. Completing high school is important. And yes, final exams are also important. But they are not MORE important than other things - like connection, resilience, hope, and wellbeing. Nigel Howard is a Research associate at Flinders University, a former Secondary Principal, and currently studying for his PhD. As someone who sees the importance of education and knows the terrain of senior school/final exams both practically and academically, Nigel gives some terrific advice to parents and students currently facing the pressure of HSC exams. Topics in this episode: Gap in school completion rates between city/country and high/low socioeconomic backgrounds Entry-level jobs and apprenticeships Why do kids stay at school? Why do others leave? The importance of listening to our children Specialised/alternative education Learning to pass exams vs learning how to apply knowledge National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au) Neurodiversity Responsiveness of schools to struggling students  How important is the ATAR system? What does it mean for schools? Resilience and success Articles in The Conversation written by Nigel Howard - Parents have just started their own school in Sydney – this is part of a long tradition in Australia 20% of Australian students don't finish high school: non-mainstream schools have a lot to teach us about helping kids stay School attendance rates are dropping. We need to ask students why Are flexible learning options giving schools a convenient way out of taking responsibility for 'difficult' students? Listen to our “Failed at School, Successful at Life” series: #875 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Ian Steel #876 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Cam Barber #877 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Susan Rogers #878 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Tom O’Brien 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.

School matters, and education is important... but they are not "the be-all and end-all". Your graduating child can look forward to their future with excitement and positivity irrespective of grades or academic outcomes. From humble beginnings growing up in the west of Ireland, to retiring at 41 years of age, Tom O'Brien shares his powerful story of how life can play out regardless of your level of formal education.  Topics in this episode: Work ethic and motivation Do kids today need the 'safety net' of a university degree to get a good job? Opportunities - where and how to find them? Tools for success in life Chasing your passion When decisions need to be made - taking chances or playing it safe? When your child decides to drop out of school or university Opportunity, effort, and doing hard things How do we measure failure or success? Listen to more  from our “Failed at School, Successful at Life” series: #875 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Ian Steel #876 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Cam Barber #877 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Susan Rogers #879 Why School Matters with Nigel Howard 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.

Is your child experiencing exam pressure, final year stress, or feeling burdened by expectations? Are they worried about their future? It's time to reassure them that it is going to be ok - THEY are going to be ok - regardless of academic results. Listen in for fantastic advice and encouragement from Dr Susan Rogers, who graduated from high school at the age of 44 and then obtained a PhD in Music and Psychology (after working as Sound Engineer for Prince!).   Topics in this episode: Difficulties in youth when parents are unwell Bright kids, challenging circumstances Pursuing passions The Guardian - Prince's sound engineer, Susan Rogers: 'He needed to be the alpha male to get things done' "Lightbulb moments" Stepping into the world of the unknown after school Learning to listen to the voice within Mature-aged students Parental expectations Dr Susan Rogers' book - This is what it sounds like: What the music you love says about you Questions to ask your child - helping to figure out what success looks like for them Listen to more  from our “Failed at School, Successful at Life” series: #875 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Ian Steel #876 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Cam Barber #878 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Tom O’Brien #879 Why School Matters with Nigel Howard 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.

Education is important - but how it looks differs for every child. The messages around education that we are delivering to our children need to develop their initiative, their character and their thinking skills - especially when it comes to their education. These conversations matter, because education matters to us all. Today's guest is Cam Barber, who started as a public speaking coach, and then broadened out to leadership skills/marketing messages. His clients include Paramount Pictures and Hawthorn Football Club. Topics in this episode: Cam Barber's story, and his bestselling book "What's Your Message". Homework and self-discipline The change from Primary School to Highschool in structure, routine, and overall ease Exchange Student Program, Tertiary/Tafe programs, work experience  Deferring University Twice gifted children Getting an education outside of the educational system  "Vivid" messages - valuable, customisable parenting messages  How to Help when School Sucks - a Happy Families article Listen to more  from our “Failed at School, Successful at Life” series: #875 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Ian Steel #877 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Susan Rogers #878 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Tom O’Brien #879 Why School Matters with Nigel Howard 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.

Educational successes and failures, high school dropouts, the pressure of HSC exams, and finding your passion in life... these are BIG and pressing issues for our graduating kids! Learn how to have conversations with your children about educational outcomes and choices, and what being successful in school (and in life) looks like to them. Today we're talking with Ian Steel, who despite being a high school dropout, has gone on to run a string of successful businesses, and is the founder of the South Australian charity Kickstart for Kids.   Topics in this episode: Why school can be so hard ADHD, dyslexia How the school experience differs for girls vs boys Research report:  Understanding the non-completion of apprentices (ncver.edu.au) The importance of education School, trade/apprenticeship, or paid employment? Kickstart for Kids - supporting at-risk children Breaking the cycle of unemployment and poverty Relationship between hunger and classroom behaviours Do exams matter? The teenage brain - a Happy Families article How to Help when School Sucks - a Happy Families article Listen to more  from our “Failed at School, Successful at Life” series: #876 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Cam Barber #877 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Susan Rogers #878 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Tom O’Brien #879 Why School Matters with Nigel Howard Last day to register for the 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' course hosted by Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence 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.

In this week's "I'll Do Better Tomorrow" Kylie shares the pros and cons of unschooling, and Justin cooks the best omelet EVER as he strives to make Every Second Count. And a sneak-peak into next week's lineup of comforting conversations for any parent raising kids who are struggling with school or experiencing HSC pressure. Topics in this episode: HSC stress School dropouts Outcomes of kids who do finish school, and those who don't Reflecting on how to be more intentional with parenting Homeschooling / unschooling in the Coulson household The challenge of finding rhythm in change Child-initiated conversations Sibling rivalry / connection 'The Bear' receives a rave review from Justin  Every second counts!  Last chance to register for the BRAND-NEW 'Supporting Autistic Children: Nurturing Neurodiversity' course hosted by Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence 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.