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

    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.

  2. 2d ago

    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.

  3. 5d ago

    Stop Telling Girls to Put Up With Period Pain [with Anthea Rhodes]

    Nine in 10 teens who get periods regularly experience pain, and around half report moderate to severe symptoms. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with paediatrician Dr Anthea Rhodes from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne about why so many girls are missing school, sport and social events because of period pain. They unpack the myths parents need to stop believing, how to recognise when pain needs attention, and practical ways to help teens feel supported. Plus, learn why boys need to understand periods too and how families can make these conversations less awkward. KEY POINTS: Why period pain shouldn’t be something teens simply have to endure The signs that pain is interfering with everyday life Why boys and dads need to understand periods Practical ways to make period products and support accessible How to start conversations when teens feel embarrassed asking for help QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Just because something’s common doesn’t mean there aren’t things that you can do to actually make that better.” Dr Anthea Rhodes RESOURCES MENTIONED:Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Teen Health Info and Kids Health Info fact sheets, plus resources from the Pelvic Pain Clinical Network. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Ask your teen how their period affects school, sport and friendships. Take pain seriously, especially when it stops them participating in everyday activities. Keep period products and suitable pain relief accessible at home and in the car. Make conversations about periods normal, not embarrassing. Speak with your GP if symptoms are persistent, severe or not improving. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. 6d ago

    Paracetamol, Autism and ADHD: What the Latest Research Really Says

    Can paracetamol during pregnancy increase the risk of autism or ADHD? Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack four provocative studies challenging what we think we know about pregnancy, relationships, gender differences and rising neurodevelopmental diagnoses. From a major study examining paracetamol use during pregnancy to the possible reasons autism and ADHD diagnoses are increasing, this episode separates research findings from assumptions and explores what the evidence actually tells us. KEY POINTS • What a large study found about paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism or ADHD risk.• Why men and women may appear to multitask differently.• How pessimism about relationships may affect young women's expectations for happiness.• Whether broader diagnostic criteria help explain rising autism and ADHD diagnoses. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Science isn't about convenience.” RESOURCES MENTIONED • Prenatal Acetaminophen or Paracetamol Use and the Risk of Autism and ADHD Among Sibling-Matched Cohorts, published in JAMA Internal Medicine.• Research published in Psychological Research on gender differences in multitasking.• Suzanne Venker's discussion of heteropessimism on the Modern Wisdom podcast with Chris Williamson.• Institute for Family Studies article on heteropessimism and relationship outcomes.• Changes in Genetic Contributions to ASD and ADHD by Year of Diagnosis, published in JAMA Psychiatry. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS • Look at the research behind controversial health claims before accepting or dismissing them.• Discuss questions about medication during pregnancy with your healthcare professional.• Focus on finding healthy relationships built on kindness, trust and mutual support.• Remember that research findings are part of an evolving evidence base, especially when it comes to autism and ADHD. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Oct 26

    The Truth About Homeschooling and Social Skills [a Listener Q&A]

    When school leaves your child overwhelmed, anxious and struggling to learn, is pushing through really the best option? Justin and Kylie Coulson share their experience with homeschooling, the emotional toll of traditional schooling and how to decide what your child needs most. They explore social skills, independence, learning and the importance of helping children feel safe enough to thrive. Key Points How to recognise when traditional schooling isn't working for your child Why emotional regulation matters for learning and friendships The social opportunities children can find outside traditional school The realities of homeschooling for parents, finances and work How time at home can help children rebuild confidence and return to school Quote of the Episode “How on earth is a child whose emotions are so highly strung in that moment going to learn anything?” Resources Mentioned Happy Families: https://happyfamilies.com.au Action Steps for Parents Listen to what your child’s behaviour may be telling you about their school experience. Look into local homeschooling groups and alternative learning options. Consider your child’s emotional wellbeing alongside their academic and social development. Build a supportive community where your child can develop friendships, independence and confidence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Oct 25

    Clare Rowe on the Mental Health Industrial Complex

    What if all our talk about mental health is making it harder for kids to cope with life? Dr Justin Coulson sits down with educational and developmental psychologist Claire Rowe to unpack the rise of therapy speak, the dangers of labelling normal emotions as mental health problems, and why constantly checking in on how our kids feel might not be helping them. Discover how to support children through difficult feelings without teaching them to fear every bump in the road. Key Points How therapy speak on social media is changing the way we see ourselves and others Why labelling children as anxious or sensitive can shape their identity When mental health labels help and when they go too far Why taking action and helping others can be more useful than constantly focusing inward How to build resilience without dismissing children's feelings Quote of the Episode “You can do hard things.” Claire Rowe Resources Mentioned Claire Rowe Psychologist on Instagram Rowe and Associates, Sydney Lucy Foulkes, psychologist and researcher Sami Timimi, psychiatrist Abigail Shrier, author Action Steps for Parents Talk about feelings using everyday words like worried, sad or disappointed rather than turning every emotion into a label. Remind your child that difficult feelings are normal and that asking for help is okay. Encourage them to take small steps through challenging situations instead of automatically avoiding them. Help them connect with others through family, friendships, sport, hobbies and community. Let your child know you are there to support them, even when they have a hard day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Oct 22

    Justin Won an Award, But His Biggest Achievement Happened at Home

    What matters most when you walk through your front door? Justin Coulson has spent years helping families build happier lives, and his work has now earned him a University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award. But the moment that mattered most wasn't the trophy. It was the reminder that strong families change lives, and the most important work we do often happens at home. Justin and Kylie share the story behind the award, the sacrifices that shaped his career, a hilarious university confession, and the acceptance speech that left a room full of people in tears. KEY POINTS Why strong family relationships shape happier, healthier lives The unexpected path from struggling dad to parenting expert The people and sacrifices behind Justin's achievement What research tells us about the lifelong impact of loving caregivers Why the most important work often happens at home QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “The most important work many of us will ever do is not in the office. It's waiting for us when we walk back through our own front door.” RESOURCES MENTIONED University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Awards Happy Families books and resources at happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Make time for connection with your children, even on busy days. Think about the example you're setting through your relationships. Recognise the small, everyday things that help your family feel safe, loved and supported. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Oct 21

    Rethinking Success After High School

    Worried your teenager is falling behind or has no idea what they want to do after school? You’re not alone, and their future is bigger than their grades. Dr Justin Coulson chats with educator and careers expert Dr Jo Winchester about career pressure, gap years, alternative pathways and the changing world of work. They explore how to support neurodivergent kids, take the pressure off big decisions and help young people find a path that fits who they are. KEY POINTS Why your child’s ATAR doesn’t define their potential When a gap year might be the right choice How to explore careers in a rapidly changing world Supporting neurodivergent kids without focusing on grades Helping teenagers make decisions without passing on your anxiety QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “The thing that I want you to concentrate on more is, is your child happy? Are they being supported in a loving environment at that school?” RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr Jo Winchester for career guidance and free resources Range by David Epstein Dark Horse by Todd Rose ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Take the pressure off choosing a lifelong career right now. Explore university open days by focusing on the environment and teaching staff, not rankings. Help your teenager identify their interests, strengths and skills. Set small, achievable goals if school is a struggle. Remind your child that their grades are not a measure of their intelligence or future success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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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