Shows / Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your…
Episodes
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1016 - From The Doctor's Desk: Touch Good, Anger Bad
We unpack the latest science for parents with three fascinating studies this week: the positive outcomes that come from connecting online, the power of touch…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1015 - Beck Delahoy Says Raising Kids is Easy
Beck Delahoy explores the paradox of modern parenting: while raising children has never been easier thanks to advancements in health, education, and living…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1014 - The Peace Keeper & The People Pleaser
Conflict is a normal, natural part of every healthy relationship, but sometimes our children can become fearful and anxious when parents argue. You can have…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1013 - Are Emotions Too Important?
When we make feelings “King”, our children can become stuck in their emotion, unable to regulate or move forward. Justin shares the right way to respond to…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1012 - A Mum's Break
Kylie is away on a kid-free adventure with a friend...and loving it! Has Justin been surviving without her? Listen in to hear the challenges, the fun, and the…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1011 - This Week in Parenting: Smacking & Socials
This Week In Parenting: why Australian parents are more open to smacking children than other countries, and how we can reduce peer pressure for kids and for…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1010 - The Behaviour Curriculum With Susie O'Brien
Journalist and author Susie O'Brien chats with Justin about the current situation in schools regarding student behaviour and classroom management, with a…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1009 ADHD in Adults & Toddlers
Three-year-olds are exhausting! Energetic, emotionally reactive, and uninhibited—all the things that can make a parent begin to question if their child has…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1008 - Family Dinner Deep Dive
Are you overthinking family meals? Do you want a little more peace and a lot less chaos at the dinner table? How can a family dinner fit in amongst work…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1007 - Let's Unplug Childhood
We know that giving children access to social media and devices is not in their best interests. Our children deserve—and need—a play-based childhood. Join the…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1006 - Book Club: Why is Kylie Reading Kid's Books?
In between homeschooling, 7 seasons of House, and a lot of travel, Justin and Kylie still managed to do some reading this month. Listen in to hear reviews of a…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1005 - 2 Books on Neurodivergence That You Must Read
Life can be really challenging for neurodivergent kids growing up in a world where they don't seem to fit in. Justin speaks with two authors about their…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1004 Ditching Screens as a Grown Up
Screen struggles are something that every family is dealing with - and not just with the kids! We share some small changes you can make to help you find a…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1003 When the 3 E's Don't Work
Dr Justin’s 3 E’s (explore, explain, and empower) are the pillars of autonomy-supportive parenting. But there are times when they just do not work (we are all…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1002 Why Kylie Loves Snapchat
Connecting with your teenager on their terms gives you the opportunity to engage with their world in a meaningful way. Being on the same digital platforms as…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1001 Gentle Parenting Under Fire
'Gentle Parenting' is a mindset with an emphasis on the child’s feelings. It may sound lovely and calm, but in reality, this "way of being" has a tendency to…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1000 Reflecting on 1000 Episodes!
Reflecting on 1000 episodes of Australia’s leading parenting podcast, we cover the highs and the lows of family life, from farewells to celebrations and…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#999 When Dad Isn't There & School Bus Stress
Anonymous asks, "My 3-year-old is asking questions about his absent father. How do I answer in a way that supports my young son's mental health and…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#998 Social Media Shutdown
There is a growing movement to commit to giving our primary-aged children unplugged childhoods! Dr Justin shares four things you can do NOW to give your…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#997 A Dog's Life
Justin reads a personal letter aloud to his children, sharing insights into what life was like for him growing up. In this episode: Sharing childhood memories…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#996 From the Doctor's Desk - Weight Stigma & Baby Language
Study 1: Is your child feeling unhappy, pressured, or teased about their weight? Navigating growing up in a society so focused on physical appearance is…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#995 Why Ratings Matter With Liz Handsley
Most families have screens in their home, which means a steady stream of movies, TV shows, games, apps, and more! How can parents know what content is or isn't…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#994 Resetting Sibling Dynamics
On Tuesdays, we answer listener questions about making your family happier! Separation anxiety at school drop-off is a daily struggle for many families…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#993 Schoolyard Misogyny with Stephanie Westcott
Andrew Tate's harmful ideology is infiltrating schools. Boys, broadly speaking, are big fans, and their behaviour in the classroom is reflecting this. Dr…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#992 Pillow Fights & Dishy Decibels
Justin's singing turned complaints about dishes into a whole lot of fun, with sound levels hitting dangerous decibel levels! Term 2 of homeschooling started…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#991 This Week in Parenting: Vape Zones, Baby Bans & Nicotine Pouches
There's a brand new nicotine product out, so invisible you may not even be aware your child has it! Plus, the dangers of vaping, a nation-leading move by SA to…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#990 Mental Health Challenges with Anne Hollonds
Anne Hollonds was the opening speaker at the Breaking Point Digital Conference. On the podcast today you will hear an excerpt from Anne's presentation…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#989 Winning at All Costs
Today, Justin is answering two listeners' questions. First up is Bridget from Victoria, a mum of two. Her question is about her five-year-old son, whose…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#988 School Can't
Do you have a child who refuses to or is unable to go to school? Sydney mum Alice joins Justin on the Happy Families podcast today to share the day-to-day…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#987 Mummy Daughter BFF's
An encouragement to any parent feeling like they are stuck in a rut with a child determined to be horrible and difficult - there is hope! The relationship with…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#986 The Mother's Day Yes/No Game
Kylie is back, answering some quick-fire "Have you ever...?" questions about motherhood and family life. Mother's Day Links: Me & My Mum Activity Book - Free…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#985 Responding to Gendered Violence With Richard Ryan
How can parents ensure their children grow up to be respectful, kind, and considerate towards others? This conversation with author and academic Richard Ryan…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#984 City vs Country
Does a particular school really make for a “better” education? And how can parents prepare their children for the death of a much-loved grandparent? In this…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#983 Man or Bear?
Content warning: not for young ears. “If you had to be in the forest with a man or a bear, which would you choose?”. How do we get to the point where we can…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#982 Judgement & Criticism Are Out!
Judgement & criticism, punishing, provoking, and trying to “fix” a child—none of these are a parent’s job. They only serve to drive a wedge in relationships…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#981 Am I The Only One Not Interested in Intimacy?
If you are struggling to "keep the spark alive" with your loved one, you're not alone. Exhaustion, screen addiction, lack of time, resentment - all these…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#980 The Anxious Generation With Jonathan Haidt
Justin shares four big ideas based on Jonathan Haidt's new book in the hope that it generates some constructive conversations with your kids at home: The key…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#979 Taking No For An Answer
A listener wants to know how to help her friend, a single mum to an increasingly difficult 10-year-old boy. Plus, three things you can do to survive your…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#978 Putting Mum on Your Resume
Are you wanting to return to work but struggling to know what on Earth to write on your resume after years out of the workforce? Listen in for some ideas that…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#977 The Not So Fond Farewell
Justin & Kylie discuss the hills and valleys of life - Justin is definitely feeling on top of the mountain as he strives to achieve a better work/life balance…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#976 Abigail Shrier's Bad Therapy
Justin takes a look at Abigail Shrier's controversial new book "Bad Therapy". What's really going on with our kids, and why are they going through so many…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#975 Homework Hassles & Social Struggles
Today we answer listener questions about co-parenting, homework, and starting daycare. In this episode: Co-parenting and divorce Picking battles Co-parenting…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#974 Roblox Rules
Roblox is incredibly popular with kids, bringing a very real challenge to parents today. We share 5 practical steps you can take to keep your child safe online…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#973 Hooray for Holidays!
After years of family holiday flops, ChatGPT planned a successful Coulson holiday. Plus, Kylie saves the day with a big dose of compassion. In this episode…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#972 This Week in Parenting: Bluey, BuzzFeed & Bad Impersonations
Content warning: violence, CSA + a spoiler alert for Bluey fans. This week in parenting: how a family of dogs is teaching resilience, a sober warning to…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#971 Pregnancy and Infant Loss with Lellie Lopter
Warning: sensitive content Pregnancy and infant loss are such important yet rarely discussed topics. Author Lellie Lopter emphasises the importance of creating…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#970 Talking About Tragedies
Following the tragic attack in Bondi, our children need help processing such difficult news. There are things you can do and say to ensure your child feels…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#969 The Generation Gap
Digital influences, demographic shifts, and information overload: we explore the evolution of parenting from GenX through to Millennial parents. In this…
Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families#968 The Secret to Regulating Emotions
The meltdown out of nowhere, an angry and aggressive child, the emotionally flooded teen - kids of all ages have BIG emotions, and experience emotional…
Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families#967 Becoming a Hope Builder
Is your child stressed out, apprehensive or just feeling like life is too hard? Does anxiety or perfectionism cause them to feel they are not enough? All hope…
Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families#966 Gaming Info You Need to Know with Katie Davis
Part 2 of Justin speaking with author & associate Professor Katie Davis about her new book Topics discussed in this episode - Technology's Child by Katie Davis…
Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families#965 Navigating Apps & the Digital World with Katie Davis
You CAN be a "good-enough" digital parent! Two questions every parent needs to ask when choosing apps or games for their child PLUS learn how to guide your…
Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families#964 What to Do About Mean Girls
Friendships are oxygen for girls! When a friendship sours, the mean girls arrive, or your daughter just can't find her tribe, life can be really hard. We share…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#963 The Perfection Trap with Thomas Curran (Part 2)
Part 2 of a conversation on perfectionism with Professor Thomas Curran from the London School of Economics. Rather than expecting perfection from your child…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#962 The Perfection Trap with Thomas Curran (Part 1)
Professor Thomas Curran is (among many impressive titles) a 'perfectionist expert'. He unpacks the 'what, why, where, who, and how' of perfectionism in part 1…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#961 Parenting Teens When Life Sucks
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#960 Being on the Outer
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#959 Someone to Talk To
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#958 Are You Over Sleepovers?
Is it just me...or are sleepovers a really bad idea? In this episode: Pros and cons of sleepovers Social development Memories Safety concerns Peer…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#957 Diet-Free Families
Dietician Meg McClintock on eating disorder prevention and the impact of poor body image on eating. Meg shares how parents can nurture positive relationship…