Podcast
Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
Hosted by Dr Justin Coulson · EN
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 decisions and more connected to your kids.
103episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
I Forgot to Walk Our Daughter Down the Aisle and It Changed Everything
5d ago00:18:42Tap to summarizeFour days before his daughter's wedding, Justin crashed his bike, suffered a severe concussion, and arrived at the big day bruised, stitched up, and barely functioning. Then he forgot the one thing every father of the bride is supposed to remember. What followed was a beautiful reminder that the moments we treasure most are rarely the perfect ones. In this heartfelt episode, Justin and Kylie reflect on letting children grow up, creating space for their choices, and why the messy, imperfect moments often become the memories that matter most. KEY POINTS Why "perfect" family moments are often the least memorable. The surprising parenting lesson hidden inside a forgotten wedding tradition. How letting our children make their own choices strengthens connection. Why raising children ultimately means learning to let them go. The marriage advice Justin shared in his emotional father-of-the-bride speech. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Raising them to let them go is hard, but that's just how it should be." RESOURCES MENTIONED Miss Connection: Why your teenage daughter “hates” you, expects the world, and needs to talk by Justin Coulson [Book] Miss Connection [The Summit] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Give your children ownership over decisions that matter to them. Celebrate imperfect moments instead of trying to control them. Tell the people you love exactly what they mean to you. Remember that parenting isn't about holding on forever — it's about preparing to let go. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Are Attention Spans Really Shrinking?
6d ago00:17:19Tap to summarizeFor years we've been told that screens, social media and short-form videos are destroying our ability to focus. But the latest research tells a very different story. In this Doctor's Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a major new study published in Nature that challenges one of the biggest myths in parenting. Discover why attention spans may not be shrinking after all, what's really stealing our focus, and the practical changes that can help both you and your children concentrate on what matters most. If homework feels impossible, everyone is glued to their phones, or you're constantly switching between tasks, this episode offers hope—and solutions. KEY POINTS Why the "goldfish attention span" myth doesn't stand up to the evidence. The surprising difference between an attention problem and a distraction problem. How today's environments compete for our focus. The three types of attention every parent should understand. Practical ways to reduce distractions at home and improve focus naturally. Why meaningful, engaging activities hold attention far better than we think. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "We don't have an attention span problem. We have a distraction problem." RESOURCES New attention research published in Nature Freedom app (website blocker) Brick device (block distracting apps from phone) ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Turn off unnecessary notifications. Create distraction-free times for homework and family activities. Encourage hobbies that naturally absorb your child's attention. Delay acting on the urge to check your phone by a few minutes. Work in focused blocks followed by short breaks. Look at your child's environment before assuming they have an attention problem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →A New Model of Schooling
1w ago00:16:57Tap to summarizeWhat if the problem isn't your child... but the way school is designed? For many families, traditional schooling simply doesn't fit. Whether it's school refusal, elite sport, performing arts, health challenges, travel, or a child who just learns differently, parents are searching for better options. In this episode, Justin speaks with Joanna Baker, Head of Campus at Haileybury Pangea, Australia's pioneering private online school. Together they explore how technology, small class sizes, and personalised learning are creating an education model that challenges everything we thought school had to be. If you've ever wondered whether there might be another path, this conversation could completely change how you think about your child's education. Key Points Why traditional schooling isn't the right fit for every child. Which students thrive in an online learning environment. How today's online schools are dramatically different from COVID homeschooling. The surprising social benefits of well-designed online education. Why flexibility doesn't have to mean compromising academic quality. How personalised learning can help students feel challenged, supported and engaged. Quote of the Episode "School shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all model." Resources Mentioned Haileybury Pangea online school Happy Families Action Steps for Parents Consider whether your child's current school environment truly matches their learning needs. Think beyond traditional schooling if your family faces unique circumstances or challenges. Talk with your child about what helps them learn, engage and feel successful. Research alternative education models before assuming there are no other options. Remember that the best education is the one that helps your child thrive—not simply the most conventional one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Help! I Called My Daughter the B Word! (A Listener Q&A)
1w ago00:12:07Tap to summarizeOne rushed morning. One moment of frustration. One word you wish you could take back. If you've ever lost your temper with your teenager and spent the rest of the day drowning in guilt, this episode is for you. When one mum admits she called her 15-year-old daughter "the B word" during a stressful race to catch the school bus, Justin and Kylie unpack what was really happening beneath the conflict and share practical ways to stay calm when emotions run high. From stepping away from arguments to letting natural consequences do the teaching, this conversation offers hope for parents who are trying hard but sometimes get it wrong. Because good parents lose their cool sometimes too. What matters most is what happens next. KEY POINTS Why teenage behaviour can trigger our biggest emotional reactions. The hidden cost of rescuing teenagers from natural consequences. How asking "How can I help?" changes the entire conversation. Why parents don't have to attend every argument. The importance of preparation, sleep and self-care in emotional regulation. How perspective and grace can lower the temperature in difficult moments. A simple framework for repairing after conflict: Refrain, Reframe and Reconnect. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "You don't have to attend every argument." RESOURCES MENTIONED The "Refrain, Reframe, Reconnect" framework. Happy Families podcast question submission page. Happy Families membership and parenting resources. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Replace instructions and criticism with one simple question: "How can I help?" Allow natural consequences to do some of the teaching. If emotions are escalating, stop talking and take a short break. Prepare the night before to reduce stressful mornings. Repair quickly after conflict with an apology and reconnection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →You Don't Have to Attend Every Argument
1w ago00:13:13Tap to summarizeWhat if the fastest way to end an argument with your child is to refuse to join it? When emotions are running high, most parents instinctively step into the conflict, hoping to teach a lesson, fix the behaviour, or set things straight. But what if that's exactly the wrong move? In this episode, Justin and Kylie explore why children often invite us into arguments, why it's so tempting to accept, and how learning to pause can transform family relationships. Discover the simple mindset shift that helps parents stay calm, avoid power struggles, and create space for better conversations. Sometimes the most powerful parenting response is not responding at all. KEY POINTS Why children often bait parents into arguments The hidden cost of reacting in the heat of the moment How "high emotions = low intelligence" affects family conflict The power of self-regulation during challenging interactions A simple phrase that can instantly de-escalate tension Why many arguments don't need to be revisited later How calm, delayed conversations lead to better outcomes Teaching children emotional regulation by modelling it yourself QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "You don't have to attend every argument you're invited to." RESOURCES MENTIONED The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey The Happy Families approach to self-regulation and emotional coaching ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS The next time your child invites you into an argument, pause before responding. Use a calm phrase such as, "We'll talk about this later." Keep your tone soft and reassuring, even when emotions are high. Create space for everyone to cool down before revisiting the issue. Ask yourself whether the problem still needs solving once emotions have settled. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →A Concussion, A Wedding and What Matters Most
2w ago00:10:45Tap to summarizeOne moment he was riding his bike. The next, he was unconscious on the side of the road with no memory of what had happened. This week on I'll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin shares the terrifying cycling accident that left him with a severe concussion, stitches, black eyes, and a completely missing memory of the crash itself. As the family prepares for their daughter's wedding day, the experience becomes a powerful reminder that life can change in an instant — and that the people we love need to know exactly how much they matter. It's a deeply personal conversation about mortality, gratitude, family, and the moments we so often assume we'll get again tomorrow. KEY POINTS:• Justin's near-fatal cycling accident and the frightening reality of memory loss after concussion.• The technology that helped Kylie locate him quickly after the crash.• Why families should always know where loved ones are and how to contact them.• The importance of treating ordinary moments as if they might be the last.• Navigating the emotional complexity of celebrating a wedding while processing trauma.• What parents learn when another child leaves home and starts a new chapter. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:"Treat this moment like it might be the last time — the last hug, the last meal, the last ordinary day together." RESOURCES MENTIONED:• Garmin incident detection and emergency notifications.• The "Last Time Meditation" concept.• Happy Families podcast episodes on presence and family connection. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Make sure your family knows where you're going and how to reach you in an emergency. Review emergency contacts and safety features on your devices. Be fully present during everyday family moments this week. Tell the people you love that you love them — explicitly and often. Spend time reflecting on what matters most and whether your priorities align with it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Removing Screens From Childcare [with Anna Russell]
2w ago00:12:40Tap to summarizeA group of Victorian childcare centres recently conducted a "digital detox", removing screens, cameras, Spotify, YouTube, and other technology from classrooms. What happened next surprised even the educators involved. In this episode, Justin talks with early childhood expert Anna Russell about the remarkable changes they observed: calmer classrooms, more engaged children, increased language development, stronger relationships, and even better sleep routines. If you've ever wondered whether young children really need so much technology in their early years, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into what happens when educators return to the basics of connection, conversation, play, and presence. KEY POINTS Why one childcare organisation removed all classroom technology for two weeks The surprising fears educators had before the experiment began How children's behaviour, engagement, and communication changed Why teachers reported feeling more fulfilled despite being more tired The unexpected response from parents What families can do if they want less technology in their child's early learning environment Why relationships matter more than digital documentation QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "What I need from you is to send my child home happy, healthy, and knowing more than they did when they walked in this morning." — Anna Russell RESOURCES MENTIONED National Model Code for technology use in early childhood settings Happy Families Membership ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask your childcare service how technology is used throughout the day. Focus on your child's wellbeing and learning rather than receiving constant photos and updates. Spend a few minutes connecting with educators at drop-off and pick-up. Encourage more face-to-face interaction, storytelling, reading, and singing in your child's daily routine. Advocate for connection-based learning experiences over screen-based activities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Inside the App Helping Millions of Families Flourish [with Smiling Mind CEO Sarah La Roche]
2w ago00:12:17Tap to summarizeWhat if just a few minutes a day could help your child build resilience, confidence, emotional awareness, and stronger relationships? With children's mental health challenges rising earlier than ever, many parents feel unsure where to start. In this episode, Justin talks with Smiling Mind CEO Sarah La Roche about the simple, evidence-based habits that help children thrive—and the free app that millions of families are already using. You'll discover why mental fitness matters long before a crisis emerges, how mindfulness can help kids manage big emotions, and practical ways to strengthen wellbeing at home every day. KEY POINTS Why mental wellbeing support should start before problems appear The surprising age when mental health challenges often begin How mindfulness helps children regulate emotions and stay present Simple ways to build flexible thinking and resilience Why friendships and connection are critical for wellbeing The link between physical health, sleep, movement, and mental fitness How the free Smiling Mind app helps families develop lifelong wellbeing skills QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "You don't have to wait until your child is struggling. Mental fitness is something families can build every day." RESOURCES MENTIONED Smiling Mind app + sleep and mindfulness resources ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Introduce one mindful moment into your family's daily routine. Try the "starfish breathing" exercise with your child. Use the phrase "I can't do it... yet" to encourage flexible thinking. Ask perspective-building questions such as, "What do you think they were feeling?" Prioritise sleep, movement, and meaningful connection as part of your family's wellbeing habits. Download the free Smiling Mind app and explore the resources together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →When Grandparents Don't Get It [a listener Q&A]
2w ago00:14:41Tap to summarizeWhat happens when someone your child should be able to trust leaves them feeling judged, misunderstood, and unloved? In this heartfelt Q&A, we respond to a mother whose autistic and ADHD daughter was deeply hurt by a visit from her grandmother. Despite years of progress, one family visit triggered emotional setbacks, self-doubt, and the painful belief that "Nan doesn't love me because of who I am." We explore how parents can help children recover from criticism, reframe damaging messages, rebuild confidence, and move forward when family members simply don't understand neurodivergence. If you've ever struggled with relatives who undermine your parenting or your child's wellbeing, this conversation will give you practical guidance and hope. KEY POINTS Why criticism makes children feel unloved The hidden damage caused by judgmental family members How to help children reframe hurtful experiences The question that protects kids from unfair criticism Why empathy is the first step toward healing How progress and competence rebuild confidence Supporting neurodivergent children when others don't understand QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Kids don't get better when you make them feel worse." RESOURCES MENTIONED Occupational Therapy (OT) Speech Therapy Submit a question for the podcast! Happy Families website ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Validate your child's feelings before trying to solve the problem. Help them separate another person's misunderstanding from their own self-worth. Ask: "Would you seek advice from this person? If not, why listen to their criticism?" Reframe the story from "They don't love me" to "They don't understand me." Focus on progress by celebrating growth, strengths, and achievements. Set meaningful goals that build confidence and competence over time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Babysitting Costs Blowout
2w ago00:14:55Tap to summarizeHow much is a night out really costing parents in 2026? For many families, the answer is: far more than they can afford. With babysitting costs soaring and the cost of living biting hard, more parents are finding themselves trapped at home, missing out on the relationship time they desperately need. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the surprising reality of modern babysitting costs, explore whether childcare work is undervalued, and share practical ways families are finding affordable time together without blowing the budget. If you've ever looked at the babysitting quote and decided date night wasn't worth it, this conversation is for you. KEY POINTS The average cost of a babysitter in Australia today Why some parents are paying hundreds of dollars for a night out The debate over what babysitters should be paid Creative alternatives to expensive babysitting How babysitting swaps can save families money The hidden value of grandparents and community support Why investing in your relationship still matters, even when money is tight QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "The most expensive person at dinner isn't even there." RESOURCES MENTIONED Happy Families Facebook community discussion on babysitting costs ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Explore a babysitting swap with trusted friends. Reconsider whether grandparents or extended family can help. Plan lower-cost date nights that don't require big spending. Schedule regular couple time, even if it's at home after the kids are asleep. Remember that investing in your relationship is an investment in your family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →