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The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand ...
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Bullying can have a huge impact on our kids' lives. Recently, Dr Justin had a conversation with Rachel and Sarah on their podcast The Parenting Couch. Today's snippet from that covers definitions of bullying, how to open up conversations about it, and what steps to take when your child is involved. Find the link to the full conversation in our show…
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*Listener discretion advised* A concerned parent, Emily, has sent in a sensitive but increasingly relevant question. Emily’s seven-year-old son confided that his friend was suggesting inappropriate behaviours, including taking photos of private areas. Listen in for guidance on handling difficult conversations, protecting children’s safety, and fost…
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Why do our kids seem like they're never listening, no matter how many times we repeat ourselves? Today, we share nine practical strategies that can help you to communicate more effectively with your kids, reduce those frustrating moments, and strengthen family connections... without repeating yourself over and over (and over!) again. In this episod…
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The secret ingredient every child craves for feeling loved and understood is their parent's undivided time and attention. Discover why making small sacrifices in your busy schedule to connect with your kids can have a profound impact on your relationship with them. In this episode: Halloween Fathers of Girls QLD politics & corporal punishment Kylie…
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Halloween can be an equal mix of excitement for the kids and chaos for parents, right? And finding a balance between our children's desire for independence (to have fun, to explore, and to eat ALL the sugar) whilst maintaining a sense of safety is a challenge. We share some practical tips to help make Halloween meaningful for your family, from buil…
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Is homeschooling right for your family? A rising number of Australian parents are questioning if this alternative path could truly work for them and their children’s unique needs. We delve into the realities of homeschooling with Brett Campbell, CEO of Australia’s largest homeschooling provider, Euka, as he shares insights, data, and tips that coul…
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Are the classic birth order stereotypes of the responsible eldest, the overlooked middle child, and the free-spirited youngest really grounded in science—or are we just buying into myths? Join us as we unpack the surprising research behind these family labels and discover what truly shapes your child’s personality, beyond their place in the sibling…
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Three news stories for 'This Week in Parenting': Is your phone getting in the way of quality time with your kids? Research shows that when parents are glued to their devices, children are more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and attention issues! A proposal to replace team sports with yoga and pilates in Victorian schools raises concer…
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When a child is upset or angry, it’s easy to think their outburst is about the immediate problem. The real challenge for parents is identifying the deeper emotions driving these reactions. Kylie shares a conversation with her daughter that started as a fight over Roblox but ended with heartfelt tears over a completely different issue. By taking the…
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This Week in Parenting: Roblox is a ridiculously popular game—but not just with kids..and not always for gaming! We take a quick look at the dark side of this platform and how parents can keep children safe online. While a recent report warns that parenting can harm mental health, Justin and Kylie suggest that parenting doesn't need to be stressful…
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Paediatric Dietician Karina Savage, founder of Nourishing Kids, chats with Justin about gut microbiome, sharing practical tips for parents on creating a healthy eating environment for children. In this episode: Good bugs, bad bugs - gut bacteria Symbiosis/dysbiosis & immunity Fussy eating Leaky gut Probiotics & prebiotics (fibre) Force creates resi…
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Neda's 3-year-old son enjoys rough play but struggles to dial it back with his younger sibling, sometimes leading to unintentional harm. Dr. Justin offers six strategies to help every parent manage this lack of regulation in little ones. Emma from Brisbane knows that picking your battles is a pro-parenting tip. But the challenge of knowing when to …
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Has your child been hanging around with a friend that you don't approve of? Does your kid's behaviour change when they spend time with certain friends? Perhaps you've been thinking of stepping in and putting some control around who your kids are friends with. In this episode: Is it a good idea to control our children's friendships? Relationships ar…
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Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with parenting and in your home-work-life balance? You're not alone! For 'I'll Do Better Tomorrow' we discuss the importance of structure—the foundation of building competence—and how it provides the framework and tools for parents and children alike to feel effective. In this episode: “A compliment is not an in…
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Justin and Kylie dive into the latest research to help parents raise healthier, happier kids. With schoolies, summer BBQs, and end-of-year celebrations just around the corner, we look at data around the effects of alcohol on teens and the risks associated with parental supply. Plus, why digital switching leaves you feeling less satisfied and refres…
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Karina Savage, Paediatric Dietician and founder of Nourishing Kids, chats with Justin about some of the most common challenges parents have with feeding kids, and what parents can do to help create healthy eaters in a stress-free way. In this episode: Nourish With Karina The Easy Feed Podcast with Karina Savage (Paediatric Dietician) Fussy eating h…
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Today we have an anonymous question from a mum who's got a happy go lucky teenager, happy to coast through life, as well as a husband who is coasting through the chores with his earbuds in. Does she need to change either of these behaviours? In this episode: Giving kids autonomy Force creates resistance Perspective Upside-Downside conversation Conn…
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The harmful message being pushed onto senior students—that individual academic success is the ultimate priority in their final years of school—sends Mrs. Happy Families on an angry rant! You can help guide your senior student towards a healthy balance between academic achievement and the joy, connection, and recreation that are essential for their …
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"I’ll Do Better Tomorrow"—looking back on the week that has been: what we are doing right, what we are doing wrong, and how we can be better parents. In this episode: Family meetings Check in with each member of the family 3 questions: What’s going well in your life at the moment? What’s not? What can we do better? The power of emotional availabili…
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In today's Book Club episode, Justin and Kyle share what they have been reading this month! Kylie's books: The Measure by Nikki Erlick The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks Troubled by Rob Henderson The Winter Dress by Lauren Chater Justin's books: Hello Darkness, My Old Friend by Sanford Greenberg The Expat by Hansen Shi The Weirdest People in the World: …
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Most people recognise that consent is essential for a healthy sexual experience, yet many still find it challenging to fully understand its meaning. In this conversation, we'll explore the complexities and nuances of consent and how we can address these crucial topics with our children, step by step, as they grow. In this episode: Consent Can't Wai…
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Term 4 is crunch time, with the stress of end-of-year (or final!) exams, report cards, deadlines, and more, leaving students feeling under pressure! Today's conversation includes our top tips to help parents reduce exam stress and guide kids to exam success. In this episode: Hope The marshmallow test Self-control Resilience and wellbeing The role o…
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Is it okay to go away with your friends and leave your partner at home managing everything and everyone? How do you make it work, and should you even try? A successful trip without your partner hinges on a strong, trusting relationship. Open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to support one another are crucial. With the right approach…
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Are we doing more harm than good by pushing our children to excel early? The pursuit of excellence can feel rewarding for parents and children alike, but scientific evidence highlights the conflict between short-term gains and long-term success. Today, we say a sad farewell to Craig Bruce as he concludes his remarkable tenure as Executive Producer …
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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 only flawed humans after all!). Today's tips will help you calmly and confidently navigate through the heat of these challenging moments. (R) This episode originally aired 3/6/24. In this epi…
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