Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

• Keep Calm and Curry On — The Sweet Taste of Failure

  What happens when you pour condensed milk instead of coconut milk into your family curry? Justin’s kitchen disaster could’ve ended in chaos—but instead, it became a story of laughter, grace, and doing better tomorrow. In this heartwarming (and hilarious) episode, Justin and Kylie share their biggest parenting fails—from theme park terrors to dinner gone wrong—and reveal the secret ingredient that makes family life truly happy. KEY POINTS Why laughter is essential for a happy home How to turn small failures into powerful family memories The psychology of fear (and what a rollercoaster taught Kylie about courage) Justin’s sweet-but-sour curry disaster: a lesson in humility and humour The real reason “doing better tomorrow” matters more than getting it right today QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “If you want to have a happy family, you’ve got to laugh. Laughter makes family life happy.” — Dr Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED Happy Families Podcast: Why Exam Results Don’t Define Your Child — or Their Future Article: The Exam Pressure Trap: How to Help Your Teen Without Adding to Their Stress Justin Coulson’s Book: 10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Find the funny — When family life feels messy, look for a reason to laugh. Model grace — Mistakes are moments to connect, not criticise. Try again tomorrow — The best families aren’t perfect; they just keep showing up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• How to Feel Like You Have More Time (Even When You Don’t)

  If you ever feel like there’s never enough time — this episode is your deep breath. Justin and Kylie unpack the idea of “time abundance” — how to slow life down when the to-do list never ends. From the psychology of feeling rushed to practical ways to reclaim calm, this is your permission slip to stop racing and start living with more space, energy, and joy. KEY POINTS Most of us undervalue our time — we tick off easy tasks instead of what truly matters. Protecting your time doesn’t mean saying no to family; it means saying yes intentionally. Feeling time-rich comes from being mindful in the moment, not just managing the clock. Giving your time to others actually makes you feel like you have more time. Buy yourself back time when you can — small choices (like grocery delivery or help with chores) reduce pressure and create calm. Scrolling isn’t rest. True breaks come from presence, connection, and purpose. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “You don’t build a relationship watching the clock.” — Dr Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED Jackie Nesi’s Techno Sapiens Substack: Article on Time Abundance Happy Families Membership — for more ways to live lighter and connect deeper ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Block time out for what matters most — and guard it fiercely. Be mindful in your moments of rest; let your brain actually stop. Give time to others — kindness expands your sense of time. Buy back time where possible; trade dollars for breathing space. Ditch the doom scroll. Choose real rest over digital distraction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• The Secret Life of Screens: AI, Emotion, and the Teen Brain [With Dr Jacqueline Nesi]

  Teens are forming emotional bonds — not just online, but with AI companions. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson talks with Brown University psychologist Dr Jacqueline Nesi, author of Techno Sapiens, about the fast-growing world of AI “friendships” and what they mean for kids’ mental health. They also unpack Jackie’s latest research revealing how often teens check their phones — and how it’s shaping their moods. It’s a must-listen for parents navigating the blurred lines between connection, distraction, and dependence in the digital age. KEY POINTS 72% of teens have used an AI companion; over half use one regularly. AI chatbots are designed to keep kids engaged — often prioritising screen time over wellbeing. For some vulnerable kids, AI chats can feel like friendship or therapy — but they aren’t replacements for real connection. Australia’s new social-media age-limit laws may help, but implementation and design flaws remain. Teens check their phones an average of 112 times a day — once every 10 minutes! Frequent phone checking is linked with greater emotional ups and downs. Teens who are less mindful tend to reach for their phones more after bad days — using screens as emotional regulation tools. What matters most: how kids use technology and who they are, not just how much. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “The effects of smartphones on mood and wellbeing are complicated — it’s not that phones are simply bad, it’s about who’s using them and how.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Techno Sapiens – Dr Jacqueline Nesi’s Substack Tech Without Stress – Resources for parents Happy Families – More parenting resources ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask your kids how they use AI or chatbots — listen before you lecture. Check your family’s phone “pickups” using Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing. Practise mindfulness together — simple breathing, no-tech walks, or screen-free meals. Talk about emotional regulation — help kids notice when they’re using tech to cope. Model balance — show that your phone doesn’t rule you either. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Guiding Kids Through Sexual Curiosity

  It’s happening in classrooms everywhere — groups of 10- and 11-year-old girls suddenly identifying as lesbian or non-binary. Parents are confused, scared to say the wrong thing, and desperate to understand what’s driving it. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the growing trend of early identity labels, how sexualised content and peer influence shape confusion, and what parents can do to respond calmly, wisely, and with compassion. This conversation isn’t about labels — it’s about protecting childhood and keeping connection strong through one of the hardest parenting conversations of our time. KEY POINTS: Why clusters of identity declarations in tweens are often driven by social contagion, not self-discovery. How pornography, anime, and online content are confusing kids about sexuality. The crucial difference between a physiological response and actual orientation. Why automatic affirmation can harm — and what supportive curiosity looks like. Setting firm, loving screen boundaries to protect emotional and sexual development. Helping kids feel safe in uncertainty, without locking in an identity. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “Our kids don’t need labels at 11. They need parents who can hold space for curiosity without rushing to define them.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Happy Families Podcast – Submit a Question Miss-Connection by Dr Justin Coulson Australian Psychological Society guidelines on gender and identity ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Limit exposure – No unsupervised screens or smart devices for under-13s. Stay curious, not panicked – Ask open questions like “What made you start thinking that?” Teach body literacy – Help kids understand physiological responses vs orientation. Normalise uncertainty – Remind them it’s okay not to know who they are yet. Stay connected – Keep talking, keep listening, keep calm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Why Exam Results Don’t Define Your Child — or Their Future

  Exam season is here — and with it, a tidal wave of pressure, late nights, and panic. But what if we’ve got it all wrong? In this short, punchy episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson share six powerful reminders to help your teen (and you!) survive exam stress with perspective, calm, and even joy. From why your ATAR doesn’t define your worth to why sleep, exercise, and connection matter more than cramming — this is the reality check every parent needs right now. KEY POINTS: You are not your ATAR: Exams don’t measure intelligence, potential, or worth. Brains need breaks: Good sleep, nutrition, and exercise fuel real learning. Remembering requires forgetting: Relearning builds stronger memory. Connection over cramming: Fun, laughter, and time with loved ones reduce anxiety. Take a gap year: Exploration and “range” lead to deeper purpose and long-term success. Perspective is everything: In two years, none of this will matter as much as it feels now. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“You are not your ATAR. In two years, no one’s going to care — and you’ll be just fine.” — Dr Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED: Range by David Epstein Join the waitlist to hear all the news on Justin's new book "Boys" The Art of Manliness A HF conversation with Amy Dyer on gap years & the real path to success after school ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Keep routines steady — protect your teen’s sleep, meals, and downtime. Encourage short study bursts, spaced repetition, and daily movement. Talk about why effort matters more than marks. Model calm and perspective — your energy sets the tone. Start conversations about gap years, growth, and finding direction beyond exams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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