Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.