Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

• The Psychology of Christmas Magic

  Why does Christmas feel so magical—and how can we bottle that feeling for our families? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the science behind Christmas joy and reveal the seven psychological drivers that make the season feel warm, connected, nostalgic, and full of wonder. From sensory anchors to collective effervescence, discover how small tweaks to your traditions can transform a stressful season into a slow, meaningful, joy-soaked one. This is your cheat-sheet to creating the kind of Christmas your kids will remember forever. KEY POINTS Relationships are the heart of Christmas—intentional togetherness boosts joy and belonging. Anticipated joy (hello Advent calendars) fuels dopamine and lifts mood weeks before the day arrives. Sensory anchoring—smells, sights, tastes—creates powerful nostalgia and emotional connection. Collective effervescence elevates community energy when everyone enters the same seasonal rhythm. Permission for wonder gives adults a rare chance to play, imagine, and embrace childlike magic. Savouring and gratitude turn small moments into the big memories our kids carry into adulthood. Applying these principles can fix a stressful or disappointing Christmas and make it joyful again. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Christmas is culturally sanctioned slowness—and if we savour it, the joy multiplies.” ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Prioritise connection over productivity—plan moments of slow, intentional togetherness. Create anticipation with rituals that build excitement (tree, lights, Advent, small traditions). Use sensory anchors—scents, recipes, music, decorations—to spark nostalgia and joy. Lean into wonder: play, imagine, and embrace the magic your kids already feel. Savour moments in real time—pause, breathe, and let the season be slow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  15:14

  --------

  15:14
• What Happens When You Stop Scrolling?

  What if the world’s biggest social media company discovered its platforms were harming mental health… and then buried the evidence? Today, Justin and Kylie unpack explosive court documents about Meta’s secret research, the upcoming social media age-limit legislation, and what really happens when we step away from the online world. Then, we dive into your powerful responses to our most controversial episode of the year — including raw truths from parents who feel exhausted, confused, and desperate for answers. This episode will make you think differently about screens, kids, “normality,” and what families actually need. KEY POINTS Meta allegedly hid internal research showing users became less depressed after deleting Facebook. Why this matters ahead of Australia’s new social media minimum-age legislation. Justin’s own social media detox — and the surprising wellbeing shift. Why young teens are the most vulnerable to social platforms. The cultural shift toward labels, diagnoses, and pathologising behaviour. Parents respond to the Sammy Tamimi episode: gratitude, confusion, frustration, exhaustion. The power — and danger — of language when describing kids’ struggles. Why the environment (screens, sleep, school, structure) often matters more than labels. Reassurance: you can hold the nuance — be curious and compassionate without losing hope. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "When we change our language, we change our experience." — Justin RESOURCES MENTIONED Meta court case reporting (news.com.au) Searching for Normal by Dr. Sammy Tamimi Previous Happy Families episode featuring Dr. Sammy Tamimi Research on Facebook deactivation and mental health ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Audit your child’s digital environment — sleep, screens, stimulation, social pressure. Create a family phone culture (including boundaries around late-night messaging). Hold diagnoses lightly, not dismissively — take what helps, leave what harms. Stay curious about what might be driving big emotions or behaviour. Prioritise connection over correction when your child is struggling. Remember progress > perfection — small steps make a big difference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  19:26

  --------

  19:26
• How to Have a Merry Christmas (Backed by Actual Research)

  If Christmas usually feels more chaotic than joyful, this episode is the reset you need. Justin and Kylie unpack the research on what really makes Christmas happier—and what quietly steals the joy from it. You’ll hear the surprising predictors of Christmas wellbeing (hint: it’s not money, gifts, or how perfect your table looks) and why letting go of the pressure to “do it all” might be the best gift you give your family. A warm, funny, practical episode to help you create a Christmas that actually feels good. KEY POINTS Family connection and meaningful traditions are the strongest predictors of Christmas happiness. A sense of purpose—not perfection—makes the season more joyful. Environmental mindfulness is linked with higher wellbeing (yes… even at Christmas!). Consuming less and enjoying nature more boosts Christmas satisfaction. Materialism and gift overload significantly reduce Christmas happiness. Relationship challenges or fractured family dynamics can dampen joy. Age brings more Christmas happiness as expectations shift and priorities mature. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Wrapping presents generally yields fewer rewards than spending time laughing, talking, and playing with the people you love.” RESOURCES Kasser & Sheldon (2002) research on Christmas wellbeing Take Back Christmas [Article] How To Unspoil Your Kids This Christmas [Webinar] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Prioritise connection – plan at least one meaningful, shared activity. Scale back gifts – focus on presence, not presents. Add purpose – highlight generosity, gratitude, or spiritual meaning. Go outside – take a Christmas walk or enjoy nature together. Simplify – drop one “should” that only adds stress, not joy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  15:31

  --------

  15:31
• The Secret to an Intentional, Joy-Filled Christmas

  Feeling the Christmas chaos creeping in already? This episode hands you permission to rewrite the rules. Justin and Kylie share the three simple diagnostic questions that transform Christmas from exhausting and obligatory… to meaningful, memorable, and truly magical. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “do it all,” this is your reset button for a calmer, lighter, joy-filled holiday season. KEY POINTS The three clarity questions that instantly simplify Christmas Why “What lights you up?” matters more than any tradition Identifying what drains you so you can let it go guilt-free The power of deciding “How do I want to feel on Christmas Day?” Helping kids create memories that actually matter How blended families, travel, and extended-family expectations fit into intentional planning Permission to do Christmas your way—without apology QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “If it doesn’t light you up, you don’t have to do it. Christmas works best when it works for your family.” ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask the three questions: What lights you up? What drains you? How do you want to feel on Christmas Day? Hold a mini family meeting to hear everyone’s must-haves (and their “don’t worry about it” items). Simplify: Cross out anything that doesn’t bring joy, connection or ease. Protect your vision: Communicate clearly with extended family. Choose one memory-maker to anchor your Christmas this year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  16:59

  --------

  16:59
• When Your Kids’ Cousins Have Very Different Rules

  Christmas catch-ups can be joyful… and also incredibly tense when your kids start noticing that their cousins play by wildly different rules. No screen limits. Loose language. Even underage drinking. In today’s tricky question, Justin and Kylie unpack how to protect your child’s wellbeing without blowing up family relationships — and how to help your kids navigate mixed values with confidence, clarity, and kindness. KEY POINTS Why “forbidden friendships” often backfire — and what to do instead. How to set boundaries without judging extended family. The one conversation to have before a big family catch-up. Why your influence matters more than the cousin’s environment. How to handle major non-negotiables (like alcohol) calmly and clearly. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Force creates resistance — but connection creates influence.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Submit your tricky question: happyfamilies.com.au Voice notes: [email protected] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Have a pre-arming conversation. Ask what your child has noticed and how it makes them feel. Clarify your family values without criticising others. Set non-negotiables (e.g., alcohol, screens) with warmth + firmness. Create positive shared experiences on your terms to keep relationships healthy. Model compassion — kids learn more from how we speak about others than from the rules we set. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  12:42

  --------

  12:42

More Kids & Family podcasts

Trending Kids & Family podcasts

About Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families: Podcasts in Family