Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Dr Justin Coulson
  • 4.9 (138)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Daily

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.

  1. 15h ago

    The Digital Duty of Care Is Coming [with Anika Wells]

    More than eight in ten Australian kids were still using age-restricted social media platforms months after the under-16 law came into effect. So is the legislation working? Justin speaks with Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells about what has happened since the social media minimum age law began, why compliance has been slower than expected, and what the new Digital Duty of Care could mean for families. The proposed laws go much further than social media. They cover AI chatbots, online games, messaging platforms and other digital services, with new responsibilities for tech companies to identify and reduce risks to children. They also tackle harmful content, addictive design features, algorithmic feeds and the growing challenge of keeping kids safe from pornography and other dangerous material online. KEY POINTS Why more than 80% of children were still using age-restricted platforms Why enforcement against big tech takes time What the Digital Duty of Care would change for parents How AI chatbots, gaming and messaging platforms could be covered The harmful content platforms would have to address What "safety by design" could mean for kids How algorithmic feeds could change The challenges created by VPNs and children accessing pornography Why group chats and private sharing are harder for parents to monitor What the government says is changing for young Australians QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "We want you to be able to say, this is the law and you can point to the law to try and address these daily fights that people are having in their home." ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Talk with your kids about what they are seeing online, including content shared privately in group chats. Check which social media, gaming, messaging and AI platforms your child is using. Look at the feed settings on platforms your family uses and understand whether algorithmic recommendations can be changed. Keep talking about pornography and harmful online content before your child encounters it. Use Australia's changing online safety laws as a starting point for conversations about what is and isn't acceptable online. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 1d ago

    Just Do Something - The Ultimate Wellness Hack

    What if improving your wellbeing was far simpler than you thought? In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a huge new scientific review published in Nature that analysed 183 wellbeing studies involving nearly 23,000 people worldwide. The conclusion? You don’t need the perfect routine, expensive programs, or hours of free time to feel better. You just need to do something. From exercise and mindfulness to yoga, gratitude, therapy, and simple self-awareness practices, the research shows that consistent small actions have a powerful impact on mental health and happiness. Justin and Kylie also share their own honest experiences of trying to prioritise wellbeing in the middle of busy family life. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to take care of yourself, this episode is your reminder that small steps still count. KEY POINTS: A major Nature study reviewed 183 wellbeing interventions Exercise combined with psychological support had the strongest results Mindfulness, gratitude, yoga, and compassion practices all improved wellbeing Consistency matters more than perfection Small actions done regularly can create major emotional shifts Parents don’t need hours of free time for self-care to work QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “Don’t overthink the perfect wellbeing routine. Just do something.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Nature systematic review and meta-analysis on wellbeing interventions Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Mindfulness and positive psychology practices Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Choose one simple wellbeing habit you can realistically repeat this week Aim for consistency over intensity Pair movement with reflection, mindfulness, or connection Notice how you feel when you stop prioritising your wellbeing Give yourself permission to start small rather than waiting for perfect conditions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. 2d ago

    Raising Kids Who Can Handle Hard Things [with Ant Williams]

    What if protecting our kids too much is actually holding them back? In this powerful conversation, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with extreme athlete, sports psychologist, and author Ant Williams to unpack why so many kids struggle with pressure, discomfort, and resilience — and what parents can do differently. From diving beneath Arctic ice to coaching elite athletes under extreme stress, Ant shares the mindset shifts that help people stay calm, capable, and courageous when life gets hard. Together, they explore the parenting habits that unintentionally weaken resilience, the fine line between support and overprotection, and why kids need opportunities to struggle, fail, and recover. If your child avoids hard things, melts down under pressure, or constantly says “I can’t”, this episode will change the way you respond. KEY POINTS Why resilience is built through challenge — not comfort The difference between being a safety net and a shield How parents accidentally reinforce anxiety and avoidance Why kids need evidence they can handle hard things The long-term risks of wrapping children in cotton wool How your reactions to stress become your child’s template The simple “fish hook” strategy for staying calm under pressure Why modelling courage matters more than preaching confidence QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Our reaction becomes their template.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Let It Be Tough by Ant Williams Resilience: Developing strength, calm, & kindness in our kids [a Happy Families Webinar] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Resist rescuing your child from every uncomfortable situation Encourage small, manageable challenges that build confidence Talk openly about your own fears and how you handle them Stay calm during stressful moments — your child is learning from your response Focus on supporting your child, not shielding them Help kids reflect after setbacks instead of immediately fixing things See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. 3d ago

    The Hidden Cost of Fighting the Wrong Battles (a Q&A)

    You’re worried. They don’t care. And somehow, headphones have become the hill your relationship might die on. When one mum fears Bluetooth is harming her teen’s brain—and he flatly refuses to listen—this episode unpacks what’s really going on beneath the conflict. Because this isn’t just about radiation. It’s about teenage psychology, risk, independence… and knowing which battles are worth fighting. KEY POINTS Why “I don’t care, I’ll be fine” is peak teenage brain development The surprising truth about Bluetooth and radiation risk What actually is harming teens’ hearing (and why it matters more) Why logic and research rarely change teen behaviour How pushing too hard can quietly damage your relationship The mindset shift that instantly reduces conflict with teens A simple compromise that teens are far more likely to accept QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “‘I don’t care, I’ll be fine’ is the most accurate summary of a teenage boy’s brain.” RESOURCES MENTIONED World Health Organization (2023 review on wireless device exposure) BMJ Global Health study on youth hearing loss risk ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Let go of battles that don’t have strong evidence behind them Focus on connection before correction Shift the conversation from “danger” to “practical impact” Set boundaries where it matters most—and hold those consistently Talk about volume, not just device use Offer compromises your teen can realistically agree to Protect the relationship, even when you disagree See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. 4d ago

    Why Your Kids Only Listen When There’s a Reward

    Your child can spend hours on screens without being asked… but getting them to empty the dishwasher feels impossible. So what’s really going on with motivation? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the psychology of motivation and reveal why rewards, punishments, nagging, and bribery often backfire. You’ll learn the “motivation continuum” — the simple framework that explains why some kids resist everything while others willingly pitch in, help out, and take responsibility. This conversation will completely change the way you think about chores, homework, screens, sibling conflict, and parenting cooperation. If you’re tired of constantly cracking the whip, this episode offers a better way. KEY POINTS Why rewards and punishments only work short-term The hidden downside of paying kids for chores The difference between external and internal motivation How children move from resistance to ownership Why “identified motivation” is the parenting sweet spot The powerful role values play in behaviour How motivation shifts depending on stress, sleep, and emotions Practical ways to help kids genuinely want to contribute QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “The question isn’t how motivated your child is. The question is how your child is motivated.” RESOURCES Boys by Dr Justin Coulson The “The 3 Es of Effective Discipline” framework  Episode #1093 When the 3 E's Don't Work Simple Tips for Parents to Boost Motivation in Kids [Article] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Stop relying on rewards as your first strategy Talk with your child about why certain behaviours matter Help children identify the value behind responsibilities Focus on contribution, teamwork, and belonging at home Remember that motivation is fluid — tired, stressed kids struggle more See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Sep 24

    Lessons From Lion's Star Lachie Neale

    What happens when your child knows they did the wrong thing but immediately reaches for an excuse? The Lachie Neale tribunal story gives parents a surprisingly useful way into a bigger conversation about responsibility, consequences and healthy masculinity. Justin and Kylie unpack what happens when kids blame others, deny what happened or expect an exception because the circumstances feel unfair. They also explore the difference between standing up for someone and getting even, why anger can lead to poor choices, and how parents can support their kids through consequences without rescuing them from the discomfort. KEY POINTS Helping kids move from blame, excuse and denial to ownership, accountability and responsibility Why rules need to apply even when someone is talented, popular or important The difference between loyalty and retaliation Why parents often want to rescue kids from consequences How to support your child without taking responsibility for their choices What healthy masculinity looks like when things go wrong Why the way someone responds after a mistake tells us a lot about them QUOTE OF THE EPISODE“I'm not here to rescue you. I care, but I can't carry you.” RESOURCES MENTIONED The OAR framework: Ownership, Accountability and Responsibility ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTSAsk your kids: What would you do if you saw a friend getting shoved? Should the best player get different rules? What's the difference between sticking up for someone and getting even? When your child makes a mistake, resist the urge to fix the consequence. Help them own what happened, understand the impact and work out what they can do differently next time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Sep 23

    Teaching Kids About Friendship

    Friendship drama is one of the biggest sources of stress for kids — and heartbreak for parents. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the six powerful habits that create strong, lasting friendships and explain how parents can help children build healthier relationships from the very beginning. From loyalty and inclusion to emotional support and trust, these simple but profound friendship skills can shape your child’s confidence, wellbeing, and sense of belonging for years to come. If your child is struggling socially, feeling left out, or constantly caught in friendship ups and downs, this conversation will help you guide them with clarity and compassion. KEY POINTS: The six friendship habits linked to stronger relationships Why loyalty matters more than popularity How gossip quietly destroys trust The difference between emotional support and “fixing” Why belonging at school impacts lifelong wellbeing How small acts of kindness deepen friendships What parents can teach kids about inclusion and empathy SIX ELEMENTS TO MAKE FRIENDSHIPS FLOURISH: Standing up for a friend in their absence Sharing important news Providing emotional support Trusting and confiding in each other Volunteering help when required Making an effort to make the other person happy QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Kids who understand that friendships require active care are far better equipped to keep them.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Research by Michael Argyle and Monika Henderson on friendship  Dr Kelly-Ann Allen’s work on school belonging ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Talk with your child about what loyalty looks like in friendship Encourage them to include others and notice who gets left out Teach them to pause before sharing hurtful information Model emotional support by listening without trying to fix everything Help them look for small ways to encourage and serve friends Remind them that good friendships need effort, kindness, and consistency See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Sep 22

    The Hidden Breathing Problem That Can Look Like ADHD

    Your child’s behaviour problems might start with the way they breathe. Dentist Dr Jason Leung joins Justin to explain why mouth breathing can affect sleep, concentration, emotional regulation and behaviour, and why some of the signs can look remarkably similar to ADHD. They unpack the clues parents often miss, including snoring, teeth grinding, waking tired and breathing through an open mouth. Jason also explains why jumping straight to mouth taping, expanders or other devices may not fix the underlying problem, and what parents should check first. KEY POINTS How mouth breathing can interfere with quality sleep Why poor sleep can show up as hyperactivity, poor concentration, grumpiness and meltdowns The possible connection between sleep-disordered breathing and ADHD-like behaviour Signs to watch for, including snoring and teeth grinding Why children need to be able to breathe freely through their nose before trying to change their breathing habits The role of the tongue, lips and diaphragm in healthy breathing Why mouth tape and airway devices aren't always the answer When Jason recommends having a child’s breathing and oral function assessed QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “If you don't have good sleep, what happens for a child? They're not concentrating. They're hyperactive. They're waking up tired.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr Jason Leung, Oral Myology Perth Breath by James Nestor ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Notice how your child breathes when they’re relaxed and asleep. Look for regular mouth breathing, snoring or teeth grinding. Pay attention to whether they wake tired, grumpy or poorly regulated despite getting enough hours in bed. Don’t use mouth tape if your child cannot comfortably breathe through their nose. If you’re concerned, seek professional assessment of their airway, breathing and oral function. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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4.9
out of 5
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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.

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