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
#1198- The 'Worst Mother' Who Got It Right
When Lenore Skenazy let her nine-year-old ride the subway alone, she was dubbed "the worst mother in the world." In this preview of Saturday's interview…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1197 - When Your Child Has No School Friends
When your child says they hate school and have no friends, what really works? Discover why building friendships takes 200 hours of intentional time, and learn…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1196 - Hack Your Child's Brain Chemistry (The Good Way!)
What if you could tap into your child's natural brain chemistry to boost motivation and reduce stress? Discover the "Happiness Quartet"—four key…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1195 - Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About ASD, ADHD and Executive Function With Andrew Guastella
Parenting a neurodivergent child comes with unique challenges, especially when executive function skills—like planning, organisation, and impulse…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1194 - Maths Anxiety, Camp Bullies, and the Power of Connection
When your Year 12 child can't do maths or your teen rings crying from camp after being bullied, your instinct is to fix everything. But research shows that…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1193 - The School Photo Crisis: When AI Turns Toxic
When school photos become weapons through AI manipulation, how do we protect our children? From understanding why teenage boys might engage in this behaviour…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1192 - Creating Better Spaces for Neurodivergent Children
When we change environments to support neurodivergent children, everyone benefits. In this preview of Saturday's interview with Professor Adam Guastella from…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1191 - Should You Pay for A's? The Pocket Money Debate
Should pocket money be linked to chores? What about paying for good grades? From savings percentages to spending rules, discover why traditional pocket money…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1190 - The Ultimate Parenting Book List (From Someone Who's Read Them All)
From classic works to cutting-edge neuroscience, discover the books that have shaped modern parenting wisdom. Join Dr Justin Coulson as he shares his carefully…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1189 - Sleep Myths Busted: A Doctor's View
How much sleep do kids really need? From caffeine myths to screen time truths, sleep specialist Dr Moyra Vandeleur from Royal Children's Hospital unpacks the…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1188 - The Book That Changed Our Fussy Eater
From a ten-year-old willingly trying alfalfa sprouts to teenagers singing while doing dishes, discover how indirect approaches can transform family challenges…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1187 - 238 Studies Can't Be Wrong: The Key to Better Parenting
What happens when researchers analyze 238 studies spanning 51 years and 38 countries? They discover one consistent truth: autonomy support leads to thriving…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1186 - The Sleep Stats That Will Wake You Up
New research from the National Child Health Poll reveals surprising statistics about children's sleep, including why 42% of kids have sleep problems and why…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1185 - Girls and Makeup: The Mecca Meltdown
Is your child begging for makeup while you're desperately trying to preserve their innocence? From church on Sundays to everyday requests, the makeup debate…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1184 - 95% of Parents Don’t Have This One Thing - But We All NEED It
Ever cringed at a recording of your own voice? Imagine watching your daily parenting played back on video. In this raw and honest episode, Dr Justin Coulson…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1183 - 71% of Household Mental Load Falls to Mums - Here's Why
The mental load in families isn't just about remembering school events or planning meals - it's an invisible, boundaryless, and enduring form of labour that…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1182 - The Silent Message Your Face Sends
When your child walks into the room, what do they see? Drawing from Toni Morrison's profound insight and an Olympic coach's wisdom about competition, discover…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1181 - When Mama Bear Strikes: A Deeper Look
A mum's classroom confrontation made headlines, but the full story reveals a more complex reality about school bullying. Learn why traditional approaches often…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1180 - Do Helpful Husbands Get Lucky? The Research Says...
Does helping around the house lead to a better love life? In this preview of Saturday's interview with Professor Leah Ruppanner, we explore the surprising…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1179 - Why Your Three-Year-Old Seems Possessed (And What to Do)
When everything's a battle with your three-year-old, understanding the developmental realities can transform your approach. Learn why emotional regulation…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1178 - Two People Who Can Change Your Child's School Life
When kids feel they belong at school, the benefits last up to 10 years into their future. Drawing from groundbreaking Monash University research, discover why…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1177 - The Tech Expert Who's Fighting Big Tech... For Our Kids
Use HAPPY at g-mee.com for a $40 discount on G-Mee Connect Pro (down from $189 to $149). A former Channel 9 tech commentator reveals why he abandoned his media…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1176 - Competition and Kids: A Fresh Perspective
Pink lunch boxes, parenting confessions, and some truly terrible (but hilarious) kid jokes—this episode has it all! Justin shares a surprising "mea…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1175 - Why Your Husband's Diet Works (And Yours Doesn't)
From dinosaur cartilage to gluten-free unicorn tears, the wellness industry has gone off the rails. Drawing from viral content creator Caitlin Murray's…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1174 - Meta's Worst Nightmare: Kids Without Phones
Use HAPPY at g-mee.com for a $40 discount on G-Mee Connect Pro (down from $189 to $149). Why don’t tech executives let their own children use social…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1173 - The Fine Line: Coaching Anxious Kids Without Parent Drama
Your child is hesitant about sports, the coach wants to help, and you're caught in the middle—what now? Today’s tricky question tackles the complex…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1172 - The 3-Step Solution to Better Emotional Regulation
Want to help your child manage big emotions? Start by understanding what emotional regulation really means. In this episode, we unpack why suppressing emotions…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1171 - Evidence Based Solutions to Break Screen Addiction with Dr Brad Marshall
New research shows that simple parent-led interventions can reduce gaming disorder and smartphone addiction in children by up to 60% in just six weeks. In this…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1170 - When Your Brilliant Schedule Implodes: The Reality Check
Sometimes the most carefully crafted family schedules fall apart spectacularly - and that's perfectly normal. Today, we dive into what happens when the perfect…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1169 - Birthday Party Politics
Less is more when it comes to kids' parties. We tackle the thorny issue of birthday party politics in the modern age, from managing invite lists to handling…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1168 - Screen Time Wars: The Simple Hardware Fix That Changes Everything
Parents have been fighting the wrong battle in the screen time wars—and the most effective solution isn't about apps, contracts, or consequences at all…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1167 - Help! My Teen Only Speaks in Monosyllables
Force creates resistance—especially with teenagers. In this essential episode, we reveal why your teen's silence might actually be normal and share…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1166 - When Your Child is Bullied: The Five Steps That Could Save Your Child
When Your Child is Bullied: The Five Steps That Could Save Your Child With Australian students among the most bullied in the world and recent tragedies…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1165 - 23% Better School Performance? The Sleep Secret Nobody's Talking About
Want better bedtime routines? Start with wake-up time. In this eye-opening episode, we reveal why your morning routine is the secret weapon for achieving…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1164 - Why Your Schedule Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
When the afternoon chaos of activities, homework, and commitments leaves everyone exhausted and frustrated, it's not your organisational skills that need…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1163 - Beyond Chore Charts: The Simple Secret to Kid Cooperation
Forget sticker charts and pocket money—the key to getting kids to help around the house isn't about rewards or punishments. Discover why making…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1162 - The $4.50 Lunch Box: Why Healthy is Actually Cheaper
New research reveals that the "convenient" pre-packaged school lunches are actually the most expensive option - and the least healthy. Discover the simple menu…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1161 - The School Morning Hack That Changes Everything: Getting out the Door Stress Free
The School Morning Hack That Changes Everything: A Slice of Advice on Getting out the Door Stress Free The secret to peaceful school mornings isn't what you do…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1160 - 3 Types of Conversations Your Family Needs to Master: An Interview With NYT Bestselling Author, Charles Duhigg
Justin interviews Pulitzer Prize winner Charles Duhigg about his groundbreaking book "Super Communicators." Discover the science behind meaningful family…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1159 - The Monthly Date That Changes Everything
One-on-one time transforms parent-child relationships, but finding that time can seem impossible. Discover the revolutionary monthly date system that's helping…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1158 - The Upside of Adversity: Children Learn Resilience From Coping With Difficulties
Why Your Kids Should Risk Breaking Their Arm Today Discover why letting your kids take physical risks - even ones that could land them in the doctor's office -…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1157 - 3 Conversations Your Family Needs to Master
Understanding the right type of conversation can transform family communication and deepen connections with our children. Justin and Kylie explore insights…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1156 - From Buttons to Beards: Why Kids Develop Strange Fears (And How to Help)
How to support children through their fears and phobias - whether it's buttons, beards, or anything in between - without escalating their anxiety. Key Points…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1155 - 2025 Predictions: Everything Changes This Year
Justin and Kylie explore eight bold predictions for parenting and family life in 2025, covering everything from emerging parenting styles to AI's impact on…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1154 - The Surprising Truth About Sports Success From Australia's Most Decorated Olympian: An Interview With Emma McKeon
Australia's most decorated Olympian, Emma McKeon, shares intimate insights about her journey from young swimmer to Olympic champion, revealing the crucial role…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1153 - How Doing Nothing Made Us Better Parents
Can a little “selfishness” make you a better parent? Join Kylie and Justin as they share relatable parenting mishaps, with a reminder that taking…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1152 - Why Inside Out 2 is Essential Viewing for Every Parent
Inside Out 2 isn’t just a movie—it’s a parenting masterclass on navigating the beautiful chaos of adolescence! Justin and Kylie Coulson…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1151 - Nervous Kids? An Olympic Champion's Surprising Advice
Emma McKeon, with 14 Olympic medals, knows what it takes to excel without burning out—and she credits her parents for getting the balance just right. In…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1150 - From 'Mid' to Meaningful: 5 Questions That Get Kids Talking
Ever feel like you’re stuck in the loop of “How was your day?” and hearing “meh” in response? Justin and Kylie share…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1149 - The 2025 Family Reboot: Using The WISE Approach
Justin and Kylie kick off 2025 with a powerful discussion about resetting family life using their WISE Family Reset framework. After experiencing burnout in…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1148 - The 3 Levels of Christmas
Ever wondered how to go beyond the tinsel and treats of Christmas to create a truly holy and meaningful celebration? Justin and Kylie Coulson take you on a…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1147 - How to Unspoil the Kids at Christmas
Does Christmas gift-giving feel more like a burden than a joy as you try to find a balance between gift-giving and avoiding entitlement? Dr. Justin Coulson and…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1146 - Road Trip Sanity Savers
"Are we there yet?" Long family road trips can definitely be painful, BUT they can also be a great opportunity for some quality family time! We share a list of…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1145 - Merry Movie Marathon
Some Christmas movies that will keep your children from getting underfoot while you get the gifts wrapped! G-rated options: The Polar Express Klaus Arthur…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1144 - Our Favourite Christmas Traditions
Christmas is a time where we can really lean into and celebrate family traditions! Christmas traditions: Gifts, Santa. decorating Spending time with loved ones…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1143 - Getting Clear on What You Want
Feel like you're drowning in a sea of Christmas "shoulds" and "musts" as a parent? Or that you're constantly running on empty, with no energy left to enjoy…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1142 - Getting It Royally Wrong on Social Media
This episode unpacks Australia's groundbreaking social media ban for kids under 16, set to roll out by Christmas 2025. With tech giants stepping up…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1141 - The Best Christmas Story Ever
This episode takes a heartfelt turn as we delve into one of the most touching Christmas stories ever written—O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. Whether you’re a…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1140 - 5 Ways to Make Christmas Awesome
Christmas is almost here! In this festive episode, we share five simple yet impactful ways to elevate your holiday celebrations. Whether it’s through…
- Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1139 - The Top 5 Episodes of 2024
As the end of the year closes in us, we take a look back at 2024 and the top five episodes you listened to this year. Click on the links to go back and listen…