Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

The stationery scramble matters… but not as much as your child’s heart. In this powerful back-to-school episode, Justin and Kylie share the real checklist that sets kids up for confidence, calm, friendships, and resilience—without over-engineering the morning routine or forcing a perfect bedtime.
Whether your child is starting school for the first time or changing schools for the fourth time, these strategies make Week 1 smoother and the whole year emotionally healthier.
KEY POINTS
The basic supplies are not what define success—keep them simple and stress-free.
Three non-negotiables before Day 1: emotional check-ins, “who’s got your back” planning, and relationship connection.
Why rehearsing the morning routine and enforcing strict early bedtimes are overrated.
The 4-Part Real Checklist that changes the entire school year:
How Can I Help? — support their goals instead of setting them.
Daily Check-In Questions that build resilience, kindness, and social insight.
Friendship Audit — understanding who they spend time with and how to support healthy social worlds.
Activity Opt-Out Audit — letting kids quit activities that drain them and choose ones that light them up.
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“When kids define success on their terms and know we’re in their corner, they’re amazing.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Personal Progress Interviews (PPI)
Daily Check-In Questions for connection
Friendship Audit steps
Family Meeting framework
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Hold a relaxed emotional check-in before school starts (in bed, at the beach, on a walk).
Clarify “who’s got your back” at school—teacher, counselor, friend, parent.
Ask one Daily Check-In Question at dinner or bedtime.
Run a Friendship Audit: learn names, build contact, create unstructured hangouts.
Run an Activity Opt-Out Audit: “If we weren’t already doing this, would you choose it today?”
Give permission to drop activities that feel like obligations, not joys.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smartphones feel inevitable… until you see what early access actually does to a child’s mental health, sleep, and happiness. In this episode, Dr Justin & Kylie Coulson break down new research from Pediatrics and share the family standard that finally ended the phone wars in their home (after one very big mistake).
KEY POINTS
New study: earlier smartphones = worse outcomes for kids.

The four real reasons parents give phones (and why they’re flawed).

Why “safety” doesn’t require a smartphone.

How to replace phones with smarter solutions (incl. dumb phones + watches).

The research consensus: delay improves outcomes.

The family rule that ends entitlement (“when you can afford it…”).

Boundaries if you already handed over a phone (it’s not too late).

The real question: approval now or wellbeing later?

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“Kids don’t need smartphones — they need smart parents. And smart parents give their kids dumb phones.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Pediatrics research on smartphone age & outcomes (referenced in episode)

SpaceTalk Watch

G-Mee Phone
Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy

Lisa Damour — Adolescent Psychology Resources

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Define the real problem you’re solving (safety, logistics, social connection, or training).

Offer alternatives (dumb phone, landline, watch).

Create a family standard — e.g. “When you can pay for it, you can have it.”

If they already have a phone:
Bedrooms & bathrooms = no-phone zones

No phones at meals or short car rides

Time limits & age limits on social media

Review + scale back where possible


See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Screens, school, and AI are about to collide—and families will feel it first. In this fast, punchy episode, Justin breaks down four major trends set to hit parents in 2026: hybrid schooling, AI chatbots, the messy social media ban, and the rise of screen-free childhood. If you want to understand what’s coming—and how it will impact your kids—start here.
KEY POINTS
Hybrid Education Exodus: homeschooling + online learning + co-ops = flexible mash-ups
AI Goes Critical: chatbots linked to self-harm, loneliness & regulatory crackdowns
Social Media Ban Backfires: VPNs, loopholes & vulnerable teens losing support
Screen-Free Childhood Surges: parents push for play, device reduction & analogue life
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“If you find ways every single day to genuinely connect with your kids, your relationship will flourish—this year, next year, and every year after.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Federal under-16 social media legislation
eSafety Commission actions & guidance
Alternative schooling, homeschooling & co-op models
AI chatbot research around teen mental health
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Watch for AI chatbots disguised as “companions” or “friends”
Review school tech policies + device expectations for K-6
Consider flexible learning pathways if school is breaking your child
Prioritise screen-free play for under-12s
Keep tech conversations calm, connected and ongoing—not punitive
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new year brings a reality check: what actually changed for parents last year - and what didn’t? In this high-energy episode, Justin and Kylie review last year’s big parenting predictions (AI, social media, homeschooling, boys, cost of living, and more), celebrate the surprising hits, admit the misses, and tee up what’s coming next. Fast, fun, insightful - and wildly relevant for every parent stepping into 2026.
KEY POINTS
Which predictions landed in 2025 (and why they mattered for families)
Where Justin was hilariously wrong (TikTok + travel = oops)
The AI-powered parenting revolution - now real, mainstream, and everywhere
Homeschooling’s massive surge and what’s driving it
The global social media crackdown led by Australia - and why the rollout is bumpy
Why boys still need more support - and the culture shift that hasn’t arrived yet
YouTube’s silent dominance and what it means for kids and screens
Cost of living, family strain, and the myth of intergenerational living
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“I was one hundred percent correct—AI has become a mainstream parenting assistant.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Skylight Calendar (meal planning + calendar tool)
8 Game-Changing Predictions for 2025 [Article]
Today Show segment on homeschooling statistics
Government announcements surrounding the under-16 social media ban
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Audit your family’s tech habits, screen time, and parental controls
Explore AI as a support tool (homework, routines, meal planning)
Stay informed on school and homeschooling trends - more families are switching
Watch for changes in social media regulations and platform age limits
Prioritise conversations about boys’ wellbeing - academic, emotional, social
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the idea of playing Barbies or dragons makes you groan… you’re not alone.
In this episode, Justin and Kylie tackle a parenting confession that many are afraid to admit: “I don’t like playing with my kids.” Drawing from emotional intelligence research and real-life experience, they unpack why play matters (even if it’s not your favourite), how to make it meaningful and manageable, and why it’s one of the simplest ways to build connection, confidence, and emotional regulation in your child.
KEY POINTS
Play is not a luxury—it’s essential.
Play builds emotional intelligence, connection, and social skills better than almost anything else.
It’s not about doing it ‘right’.
Play works best when it’s spontaneous, simple, and mutually enjoyable—not when it’s forced or scripted.
The emotional impact is profound.
Play regulates emotions, reduces tension, strengthens relationships, and helps kids feel seen, heard, and valued.
The secret is in the interaction.
What makes play powerful is the back-and-forth: the jokes, the giggles, the shared creativity—not the activity itself.
A little goes a long way.
Just 5–10 minutes of intentional play can fill your child’s emotional cup and help them play independently afterwards.
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“Play is not about perfection—it’s about connection and presence.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Happy Families Membership – parenting tools & webinars
happyfamilies.com.au – resources for raising emotionally intelligent kids
Shift by Ethan Kross
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Find a 5–10 minute window each day
You don’t need hours. Commit to short, fully present bursts of play—no phones, no multitasking.
Gamify the mundane
Turn routines into playful challenges: “Can you hop to the bathroom on one foot?” or “Let’s race to tidy up.”
Let your child lead
Ask: “How could we make this more fun?” Give them a sense of autonomy and watch their creativity bloom.
Prioritise connection over performance
You’re not there to entertain—you’re there to engage. Drop the pressure, enjoy the moment.
Repeat. Consistency is the win.
Over time, this builds emotional strength, stronger relationships, and memories that last.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.