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 ...
The Silent Message Your Face Sends When your child walks into the room, what do they see? Drawing from Toni Morrison's profound insight and an Olympic coach's wisdom about competition, discover how subtle expressions shape our children's sense of worth and why measuring against our own progress matters more than beating others. Plus, learn why even well-intentioned critical looks might be sending the wrong message. Quote of the Episode: "When they walked in the room, I was glad to see them. It's just as small as that... That is how you learn what your value is." Key Insights: Children read facial expressions more than words. Good intentions can still show as criticism. Competition should focus on personal improvement. Our reactions shape children's sense of worth. Joy should be visible, not just felt. Even caring criticism can appear negative. Personal bests matter more than winning. Face-to-face interactions shape self-worth. Resources Mentioned: Frank Dick's coaching philosophy Toni Morrison on the Oprah Show Happy Families Action Steps for Parents: Notice your facial expression when children enter the room.. Focus on personal growth rather than competitive outcomes. Show joy intentionally in daily interactions Make delight visible when greeting children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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14:41
#1181 - When Mama Bear Strikes: A Deeper Look
A mum's classroom confrontation made headlines, but the full story reveals a more complex reality about school bullying. Learn why traditional approaches often fail, what evidence you need to collect, and when removing your child might be the best option. Plus, discover why building adult relationships could matter more than peer connections. Quote of the Episode: "Fundamentally our job is to keep our kids safe. When we can't control others' behaviour, sometimes removing our children is the only option." Key Insights: High emotions lead to poor decision-making. Evidence collection is crucial for intervention. Restorative practice isn't always effective. Working within the system brings better results. Adult mentoring may be more valuable than peer relationships. System escalation requires documented evidence. Physical and psychological safety must be priorities. Traditional age-based socialisation may need rethinking. Resources Mentioned: eSafety Commissioner website Department of Education Police reporting systems Happy Families Action Steps for Parents: Document Everything Keep interaction records Save digital evidence Track all school communications 2. Work Within the System Follow proper channels Escalate systematically Maintain evidence trails 3. Consider Safety Options Evaluate psychological safety Consider environment changes Build adult support networks See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#1180 - Do Helpful Husbands Get Lucky? The Research Says...
Does helping around the house lead to a better love life? In this preview of Saturday's interview with Professor Leah Ruppanner, we explore the surprising truth about mental load duplication in relationships and why keeping score might be missing the point. Plus, discover why men who share the mental load don't just get 'lucky' - they get better sleep, health, and life satisfaction too. Quote of the Episode: "The load hasn't shifted, it is still as heavy as it was, but now we're shouldering it together." Key Insights: Both partners often carry duplicate worries and mental load Men frequently carry heavy but unspoken burdens Task division isn't about transactions but teamwork Mental load reduction isn't about attraction but creating space for connection Daily vs episodic tasks affect how couples share responsibilities Working as a team matters more than keeping score Sharing mental load benefits both partners' wellbeing Open communication about burdens strengthens relationships Resources Mentioned: Professor Leah Ruppanner, University of Melbourne Research on mental load and marital satisfaction Happy Families Full interview airing Saturday Action Steps for Couples: Acknowledge both partners' mental burdens without score-keeping Share loads together rather than carrying them individually Focus on team approaches rather than transactional divisions Create space for connection by sharing mental and physical tasks See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#1179 - Why Your Three-Year-Old Seems Possessed (And What to Do)
When everything's a battle with your three-year-old, understanding the developmental realities can transform your approach. Learn why emotional regulation, theory of mind, and language development explain those challenging behaviours, and discover three practical solutions that actually work. Plus, find out why your child might be an angel at daycare but struggle at home - and why that's actually a good sign. Quote of the Episode: "We expect way too much of our children emotionally and not nearly enough of them physically." Key Insights: Emotional regulation begins developing at age 3-4 Theory of Mind develops around ages 4.5-5.5 Language limitations affect behaviour management Different contexts (home vs daycare) create different behaviours Connection matters more than correction Rushing and time pressure escalate emotions The importance of autonomy for toddler cooperation Fun can transform routine tasks Resources Mentioned: Little People, Big Feelings [webinar] The Parenting Revolution [book] Happy Families Action Steps for Parents: Slow Down Create margin in routines Reduce rushing Maintain calm Build Connection Focus on feeling seen, heard, and valued Prioritize emotional availability Engage in their activities Make it Fun Add playful elements to routine tasks Use music and movement Transform ordinary moments with simple games See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#1178 - Two People Who Can Change Your Child's School Life
When kids feel they belong at school, the benefits last up to 10 years into their future. Drawing from groundbreaking Monash University research, discover why school belonging trumps academic success for long-term wellbeing, and learn the two key relationships that can transform your child's school experience. Plus, get practical strategies to help your child build stronger school connections, even if they're struggling to fit in. Quote of the Episode: "Those children who felt a strong sense of belonging in high school experienced fewer mental health challenges in their 20s." Key Insights: School belonging impacts mental health well into the mid-20s Two key factors: one supportive adult and one friend at school Strong school belonging leads to better engagement and motivation Social connections act as a resource that helps accumulate more positive relationships Belonging increases resilience and ability to cope with stress Effects persist even when controlling for academic performance Parent involvement can significantly impact school belonging The impact goes beyond immediate happiness to long-term wellbeing Resources Mentioned: Monash University research study Associate Professor Kellyanne Allen's work US research on school belonging Happy Families Action Steps for Parents: Partner with the School Open communication with teachers Advocate through school counsellors Support school initiatives and volunteer when possible Nurture Connections at Home Provide emotional support Help develop social skills Create opportunities for friendship building Champion Their Interests Encourage exploration of passions Celebrate strengths Support age-appropriate autonomy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.
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