Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Dr Justin Coulson
  • 4.9 (138)
  • Parenting
  • Semiweekly

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. 1d ago

    When Family Conversations Go Wrong, This Is What Matters Most

    What do you do when a parenting conversation goes completely off track? Or when one child's big emotions leave the whole family feeling hurt? Justin and Kylie share two very real family moments that didn't go to plan, but ended with something far more important than getting it right. From failed attempts at the 3 E's to a daughter finding the courage to ask for a hug, this episode explores accountability, unconditional love and why repairing relationships matters more than avoiding conflict. KEY POINTS: Why even the best parenting strategies can fall flat when we're frustrated. How accountability can help children recognise their part in family relationships. Why a child's big emotions aren't always about you. The importance of turning towards each other instead of turning away. How to repair relationships after conflict and hurt feelings. Why unconditional love doesn't mean ignoring challenging behaviour. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "Ruptures are inevitable. Repairs, they're not mandatory, but they're not a luxury item if you want your family to flourish." RESOURCES MENTIONED: The 3 E's: Explore, Explain and Empower. Justin Coulson's parenting books. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: When a conversation goes sideways, pause and reconnect rather than pushing harder. Before reacting to your child's big emotions, consider whether something else might be going on. Make it clear that your love isn't conditional on your child's behaviour. Model accountability by acknowledging when you've got things wrong. Choose to turn towards each other and repair the relationship after conflict. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 2d ago

    Can AI Predict Which Children Will Struggle With Mental Health?

    Could the way your child talks about difficult experiences reveal their future mental health? New research suggests AI might be able to spot warning signs years before depression or anxiety develops. Justin and Kylie unpack three fascinating studies, including a major new finding on the MMR vaccine and autism, and the surprising reason men temporarily lose their ability to think clearly when talking to attractive women. Yes, really. KEY POINTS: How AI identified patterns in children's language that could predict future mental health struggles. Why feeling socially safe, connected and supported matters when children face adversity. What a study of 2.56 million children found about the MMR vaccine and autism. Why the original research linking vaccines to autism was retracted. The surprising science behind why men can struggle to think clearly when trying to impress women. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "Resilience is relational. It's about the quality of the connection." RESOURCES MENTIONED: Stanford research into AI and childhood mental health, published in Nature Mental Health. Large-scale MMR vaccine and autism study published in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 2009 Dutch study exploring the effects of talking to attractive women on men's cognitive performance. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Listen carefully to how your child talks about difficult experiences. Are their stories filled with rejection, exclusion and feeling like they don't belong? Make connection a priority. Help your child build friendships and relationships with trusted adults. Encourage activities your child enjoys and looks forward to, whether that's sport, hobbies, music or spending time with family. Don't rely on ChatGPT or other general AI tools to assess your child's mental health. The research used a specialised tool that is not available as a screening test. Talk to a health professional if you're concerned about your child's emotional wellbeing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. 4d ago

    How to Protect Your Child From Sexual Abuse Without Scaring Them [with Karen Phillip]

    What if the person your child needs protection from is someone they already know and trust? Child sexual abuse is an uncomfortable topic, but staying silent can leave children without the knowledge or confidence to speak up. Dr Justin Coulson talks with counselling psychotherapist Karen Phillip, author of I Thought He Was My Friend, about grooming, recognising warning signs, teaching children the difference between secrets and surprises, and helping them find their voice. Learn how to have age-appropriate conversations that keep children safe without making them afraid of the world. KEY POINTS: Why children are often harmed by someone they already know and trust. The difference between secrets and surprises, and why the distinction matters. How grooming uses trust, threats and secrecy to silence children. Why children need to know they don't have to be polite when someone makes them uncomfortable. How to recognise changes in behaviour, including refusing to visit certain people or places. How to ask open-ended questions and listen without leading your child's answers. Why conversations about personal safety need to start when children are young. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "If it's not feeling comfortable for you, then it's not right for you." RESOURCES MENTIONED: I Thought He Was My Friend by Karen Phillip Happy Families: happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Teach your children that surprises are shared, but secrets should never have to be kept. Remind them they never have to be polite when someone crosses their boundaries. Start age-appropriate conversations about personal safety from a young age. Ask open-ended questions such as "What's making you feel uncomfortable?" rather than questions that suggest an answer. Take changes in behaviour seriously, especially when a child suddenly refuses to visit someone or go somewhere. Make sure your child knows they can always tell you something, and you will listen without getting angry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. 5d ago

    The Surprising Power of Giving Kids a Say - A Homeschool Trip to China

    What happens when a child who hates holidays, refuses new foods and struggles with unfamiliar places chooses a trip to China? Kylie shares how giving their 12-year-old daughter a say in the family holiday led to an experience that surprised everyone. From trying unfamiliar food to making new friends and exploring the Great Wall of China, this trip offered some unexpected lessons in parenting, independence and giving kids more control. Discover how to get reluctant kids excited about family holidays without letting them dictate every detail. Key Points: Why asking kids what they actually want from a holiday can change their attitude. How giving children a say builds autonomy and cooperation. Why a group tour can be a great option for travelling with kids. Preparing reluctant eaters for unfamiliar food and new experiences. How hands-on activities make holidays more engaging for children. Giving kids choices without handing over all the decisions. Recognising when children need downtime and when they're ready for a challenge. Quote of the Episode: "The biggest highlight for me was watching our 12-year-old. It was almost like she was growing up right before my eyes." Action Steps for Parents: Ask your child what they don't enjoy about family holidays. Give them a chance to suggest destinations or activities they'd love to experience. Find small ways to offer choices, even if they're too young to choose the destination. Look for hands-on experiences that let kids explore, create and learn. Talk about unfamiliar food and experiences before you travel. Allow room for rest and downtime rather than filling every moment. Consider a group tour if your children enjoy being around other kids. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Nov 5

    Why the Smallest Family Rituals Matter Most

    Your kids might roll their eyes at you today, but the little things you do as a family could become the memories they treasure for a lifetime. Justin and Kylie share why family traditions matter, how unexpected moments become lasting rituals, and why parenting doesn't always come with the answers. From teenagers who are embarrassed by their parents to a Christmas tradition that nearly got cancelled, this episode is a reminder that the small things often mean the most. KEY POINTS: Why parenting doesn't always go to plan, even when you're doing everything right. Learning to let teenagers grow up without taking their independence personally. Why family traditions create belonging, identity and lasting memories. How everyday routines like Sunday dinners can become the traditions children cherish. Simple ways to create meaningful family traditions without spending money. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "Traditions often just happen because of what you do with your family on a regular basis." ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Think about the little things your family does regularly. Could they already be traditions? Start a simple ritual, such as Sunday dinner, a family walk or dancing in the kitchen. Ask your children which family traditions matter most to them. Don't panic when parenting doesn't go to plan. Keep showing up and give your children room to grow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Nov 4

    Why Smacking Doesn't Work and What Parents Should Do Instead

    Is smacking really harmless if you grew up with it? A new Australian study reveals just how many parents still believe physical punishment is acceptable, even when it involves hitting a child with a wooden spoon or across the face. Justin and Kylie unpack the research behind smacking, challenge the familiar "I turned out fine" argument and explain why physical punishment doesn't teach children the lessons parents hope it will. More importantly, they share a better way to handle challenging behaviour without hurting your child. KEY POINTS What a new Australian study reveals about attitudes towards smacking. Why "I turned out fine" isn't proof that physical punishment is harmless. What six decades of research tell us about smacking and children's behaviour. The links between physical punishment, aggression and mental health struggles. Why smacking may achieve short-term compliance but doesn't create lasting change. How to use problem-solving conversations to teach better behaviour. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Discipline not as an opportunity to hurt our child, but an opportunity to help our child." RESOURCES MENTIONED The Fallacy of the 'I Turned Out Fine' Argument The New York Times article by Justin Coulson Parenting books, articles and free podcast resources at happyfamilies.com.au. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Notice when you're reaching for punishment out of frustration. Wait until everyone is calm before addressing challenging behaviour. Talk with your child about what went wrong and how to prevent it happening again. Give your child a chance to help create family rules and solutions. Focus on teaching the behaviour you want to see, rather than punishing the behaviour you don't. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Nov 2

    Bedtime Battles With Older Kids and How to Make Nights Easier [a Listener Q&A]

    Bedtime shouldn't end in arguments every night. Justin and Kylie share practical ways to help older kids wind down, stick to routines and take more responsibility for getting enough sleep. From screen time and dimming the lights to giving teens more control over bedtime, discover how to make evenings calmer and mornings less stressful. KEY POINTS Use the Three E's approach: Explore, Explain and Empower to work through bedtime struggles together. Set consistent evening routines for dinner, showers, homework and getting ready for bed. Reduce screen time in bedrooms and use dim lighting or music to help everyone wind down. Slow the evening down with family time and a shared tidy-up. Give older kids more independence by focusing on getting up on time and managing the consequences of late nights. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “You go to bed when you go to bed. So long as we don't have any problems in the morning, we're all good.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Happy Families: happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Set aside time this weekend to talk with your kids about what's making bedtime difficult. Agree on a realistic evening routine that everyone understands. Check whether screens are keeping your kids awake or making it harder to wind down. Try dimming the lights and slowing down the pace of the evening. Give older kids more say in their bedtime while setting clear expectations for getting up in the morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Nov 1

    The Secrets to a Long, Happy Relationship Revealed

    What keeps a relationship strong when life gets hard? Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack 24 years of Australian household data to explore what makes relationships thrive. From sharing the mental and physical load at home to surviving the stressful years of raising children, discover why relationship satisfaction can dip for decades before reaching its highest point yet. KEY POINTS Why sharing the load at home matters more than you might think How money, housework and parenting pressures affect relationship satisfaction Why relationships can feel harder during the years of raising children What changes as couples move into their 40s and 50s How communication, trust and teamwork help couples stay connected QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “When you trust one another, when you believe the other person is going to act in your best interests, and you see that on repeat because they do, that's when people feel high levels of relationship satisfaction.” RESOURCES MENTIONED HILDA Survey (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia) The Ape That Understood the Universe by Steve Stewart-Williams A Billion Years of Sex Differences by Steve Stewart-Williams ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Talk honestly about whether the workload at home feels fair to both of you. Ask your partner what has been feeling hard lately and listen without getting defensive. Look for small ways to show your partner they can rely on you. Remember that you are on the same team, even when you contribute in different ways. 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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