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
#902 Our Top 5 Episodes of 2023
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#901 This Week in Parenting: Bluey, Influencers & Dad Brains
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#900 What Matters Most
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#899 Social Media, Sleep Patterns, Toddlers & Tech
Problematic screen-use spans from toddlers through to teenagers (especially when love is in the air!) and can affect mental health, sleep, wellbeing and…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#898 Porn-Proofing Your Kids with Kristen Jenson
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#897 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
#896 And The Award Goes To... Not You
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#895 People Matter, Things Don't
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#894 Things Parents Need to Know About Schoolies
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#893 Sharing is Caring
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#892 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
#891 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
#890 How You Know You're Loved
There are some simple yet profound ways to let your family know that they are loved, irreversibly and unconditionally. "How do you feel loved?" Being together…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#889 Talking to Your Kids About a Suicide
*Content warning: mature themes - listener discretion advised* How do you talk to your kids when they are touched by the profound loss of a loved one through a…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#888 Finding the Words with Colin Campbell
*Content warning: mature themes - listener discretion advised* When someone is grieving the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to know how to approach…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
An Update From the Happy Families Team
As many of you would be aware, Justin's nephew Logan died at the age of 20 after taking his own life. Craig Bruce is the executive producer of the Happy…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#887 Online Capping: What You Need to Know
*Content warning - parental discretion advised* Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling from ACCCE outlines the critical role parents and carers play in…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#886 Get Set for Schoolies With Paul Dillon
In this episode Justin speaks to Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia about getting ready for the schoolies season. Find out more…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#885 Christmas Conundrums: Dodgy and/or Disappointing Gifts
With the silly season just around the corner we share some simple tips to help navigate (or avoid entirely!) a meaty "Christmas Conundrum" - when disappointed…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#884 Stolen Scooters & Lessons Learnt
Worms, scooters and buckets, oh my! Today we share some personal stories of "nailing it and failing it" to help you be more intentional with your family…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#883 Santa Tightens His Belt
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#882 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
#881 A Lifelong Love of Learning
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#880 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
#879 Why School Matters with Nigel Howard
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#878 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Tom O'Brien
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#877 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Susan Rogers
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#876 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Cam Barber
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#875 Failed at School, Successful at Life: Ian Steel
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#874 Make Every Moment Matter
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…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#873 Calm, Chaos & Corporal Punishment
Is being a mindful and present parent really that important? How does household chaos impact on family communication? Should corporal punishment be banned in…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#872 Amanda Keller's Parenting Hacks & Highlights
Journalist, broadcaster and TV host Amanda Keller has just won the Commercial Radio Australia Award for Best On-air Team with her co-host Brendan Jones. To…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#871 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
#870 White Line Fever
Parent behaviour at children's sporting events can directly impact the child's experience. Thankfully the majority of parents do seem to encourage having fun…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#869 Time Crunch Moments: Navigating Witching Hour
Family life can be hard, particularly after a long day when everyone is tired! We share 3 things you can do to overcome the challenges of Witching Hour -…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#867 Time Crunch Moments: Lighting Up Lunchboxes
Time-crunch moments to get through the challenges of lunch, because the need for food is never ending! Listen in for 5 time-tested ideas to help you deal with…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#866 Time Crunch Moments: Creating Margin
How can you do it all - AND still be a good parent? 5 ideas for 'Creating Margin' that will make all the difference when it comes to an over scheduled…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#868 Time Crunch Moments: Dinner Dilemmas
"What's for dinner?" This has to be the most frustrating question that any parent deals with on a daily basis. Listen in for 8 solutions to help you overcome…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#865 Time Crunch Moments: Making Mornings Magic
We all have Time Crunch Moments - where the pressure is on, time is limited, and our kids are NOT being compliant! Mornings can be tough, right? But they don't…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#864 Surf's Up & School's Out
When moving homes means changing schools again, and again... and again(!!) it can be hard for children to feel a true sense of belonging within a school…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#863 The Book That Kylie Couldn't Put Down
Who doesn't love a good book? October's Book Club includes: a storyline that will consume your life and keep you guessing right up to the last page, a…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#862 Solving Lunch Box Headaches with Deb Blakley
Does your child whine and moan about what you pack in their lunchbox? Are you sick of preparing healthy lunchboxes only to have it come home untouched? Knowing…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#861 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
#860 Meet Lolly & Pops (Our Biggest Announcement Ever!)
A late-night phone call, unexpected tears, and a sneaky case of stealth-mode to see a special someone. The miracle of birth An emotional journey after a sudden…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#859 When the Juggle Becomes a Struggle
Managing the home-work-life juggle can sometimes feel impossible! Sorry parents - there is no "easy fix" for the balancing act of life, BUT you can have…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#858 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
#857 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
#856 What to Do About Mean Girls
Girls can really struggle with friendship issues, particularly when lacking the maturity and skills to properly navigate these tricky situations. These…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#855 Hitting Pause on Praise
To praise, or not to praise? That is the question! Is praise actually decreasing your child's intrinsic motivation, and encouraging comparison and competition?…
Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families#854 NY Times Bestseller Daniel Pink's Parenting Hacks
Daniel H. Pink is the author of five New York Times bestsellers, including his latest, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. His other…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#853 Developing Yourself or Finding Yourself?
Motherhood can often be accompanied by an overwhelming loss of identity. So how do you "find yourself" again? Three things every mum should do in their quest…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#852 Stop and Smell the Flowers
Are you constantly rushing your child? Is the "Mum guilt" creeping in? Practical solutions to building relationships, maintaining the fun AND learning how to…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#851 50/50 Relationships
Do you feel like you are doing it all? Are you spent with nothing more to give? And what is the secret to actually showing up, in whatever capacity that may…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#850 Structure vs Autonomy
Struggling to implement structure whilst still giving your child some freedom? Three things every parent needs to know to successfully set rules, limits and…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#849 'How I Parent' With Dr Amantha Imber
A super-fast "How I Parent Lightning Round" with Dr Amantha Imber, founder of Inventium, host of the How I Work podcast. and author of Time Wise. (Replay) To…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#848 And The Oscar Goes To...
With holidays just around the corner, we've dug out Justin and Kylie's massive family movie list - some fun inspiration for when you just need to put your feet…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#847 What's Up With WhatsApp? Shona Hendley on Toxic School Groups
We teach our kids to be safe, kind and respectful online - but are we taking our own advice? Shona Hendley unpacks the negative repercussions of frequent…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#846 An Honest Conversation
Frustrated by fibs and "tall stories"? Understand the WHY behind the LIE and learn how to respond honestly to your child's dishonesty - without rupturing…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#845 Phones, Phubbing & Relationship Satisfaction
Are smartphones dumbing down relationships and making your marriage miserable? Four easy ways to help parents quit the phubbing and increase relationship…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#844 Slow Down & Countdown to Calm
Hard to stay calm when your child is in fight or flight mode? Listen in for some emotion-regulating tools to add to your parenting tool kit - and discover why…