Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

A group of Victorian childcare centres recently conducted a "digital detox", removing screens, cameras, Spotify, YouTube, and other technology from classrooms. What happened next surprised even the educators involved.
In this episode, Justin talks with early childhood expert Anna Russell about the remarkable changes they observed: calmer classrooms, more engaged children, increased language development, stronger relationships, and even better sleep routines.
If you've ever wondered whether young children really need so much technology in their early years, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into what happens when educators return to the basics of connection, conversation, play, and presence.
KEY POINTS
Why one childcare organisation removed all classroom technology for two weeks
The surprising fears educators had before the experiment began
How children's behaviour, engagement, and communication changed
Why teachers reported feeling more fulfilled despite being more tired
The unexpected response from parents
What families can do if they want less technology in their child's early learning environment
Why relationships matter more than digital documentation
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"What I need from you is to send my child home happy, healthy, and knowing more than they did when they walked in this morning." — Anna Russell
RESOURCES MENTIONED
National Model Code for technology use in early childhood settings
Happy Families Membership
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Ask your childcare service how technology is used throughout the day.
Focus on your child's wellbeing and learning rather than receiving constant photos and updates.
Spend a few minutes connecting with educators at drop-off and pick-up.
Encourage more face-to-face interaction, storytelling, reading, and singing in your child's daily routine.
Advocate for connection-based learning experiences over screen-based activities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if just a few minutes a day could help your child build resilience, confidence, emotional awareness, and stronger relationships?
With children's mental health challenges rising earlier than ever, many parents feel unsure where to start. In this episode, Justin talks with Smiling Mind CEO Sarah La Roche about the simple, evidence-based habits that help children thrive—and the free app that millions of families are already using.
You'll discover why mental fitness matters long before a crisis emerges, how mindfulness can help kids manage big emotions, and practical ways to strengthen wellbeing at home every day.
KEY POINTS
Why mental wellbeing support should start before problems appear
The surprising age when mental health challenges often begin
How mindfulness helps children regulate emotions and stay present
Simple ways to build flexible thinking and resilience
Why friendships and connection are critical for wellbeing
The link between physical health, sleep, movement, and mental fitness
How the free Smiling Mind app helps families develop lifelong wellbeing skills
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"You don't have to wait until your child is struggling. Mental fitness is something families can build every day."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Smiling Mind app + sleep and mindfulness resources
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Introduce one mindful moment into your family's daily routine.
Try the "starfish breathing" exercise with your child.
Use the phrase "I can't do it... yet" to encourage flexible thinking.
Ask perspective-building questions such as, "What do you think they were feeling?"
Prioritise sleep, movement, and meaningful connection as part of your family's wellbeing habits.
Download the free Smiling Mind app and explore the resources together.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when someone your child should be able to trust leaves them feeling judged, misunderstood, and unloved?
In this heartfelt Q&A, we respond to a mother whose autistic and ADHD daughter was deeply hurt by a visit from her grandmother. Despite years of progress, one family visit triggered emotional setbacks, self-doubt, and the painful belief that "Nan doesn't love me because of who I am."
We explore how parents can help children recover from criticism, reframe damaging messages, rebuild confidence, and move forward when family members simply don't understand neurodivergence.
If you've ever struggled with relatives who undermine your parenting or your child's wellbeing, this conversation will give you practical guidance and hope.
KEY POINTS
Why criticism makes children feel unloved
The hidden damage caused by judgmental family members
How to help children reframe hurtful experiences
The question that protects kids from unfair criticism
Why empathy is the first step toward healing
How progress and competence rebuild confidence
Supporting neurodivergent children when others don't understand
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"Kids don't get better when you make them feel worse."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Speech Therapy
Submit a question for the podcast!
Happy Families website
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Validate your child's feelings before trying to solve the problem.
Help them separate another person's misunderstanding from their own self-worth.
Ask: "Would you seek advice from this person? If not, why listen to their criticism?"
Reframe the story from "They don't love me" to "They don't understand me."
Focus on progress by celebrating growth, strengths, and achievements.
Set meaningful goals that build confidence and competence over time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much is a night out really costing parents in 2026?
For many families, the answer is: far more than they can afford.
With babysitting costs soaring and the cost of living biting hard, more parents are finding themselves trapped at home, missing out on the relationship time they desperately need. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the surprising reality of modern babysitting costs, explore whether childcare work is undervalued, and share practical ways families are finding affordable time together without blowing the budget.
If you've ever looked at the babysitting quote and decided date night wasn't worth it, this conversation is for you.
KEY POINTS
The average cost of a babysitter in Australia today
Why some parents are paying hundreds of dollars for a night out
The debate over what babysitters should be paid
Creative alternatives to expensive babysitting
How babysitting swaps can save families money
The hidden value of grandparents and community support
Why investing in your relationship still matters, even when money is tight
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"The most expensive person at dinner isn't even there."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Happy Families Facebook community discussion on babysitting costs
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Explore a babysitting swap with trusted friends.
Reconsider whether grandparents or extended family can help.
Plan lower-cost date nights that don't require big spending.
Schedule regular couple time, even if it's at home after the kids are asleep.
Remember that investing in your relationship is an investment in your family.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's another Friday, where Justin and Kylie look back at the week that was with another 'I'll Do Better Tomorrow' episode.
This week, as Justin's new book Boys hit bestseller lists, a parent shared a confronting account of what they're seeing in schools: disrespect, entitlement, harmful behaviour, and a growing concern about the messages many boys are absorbing.
In this powerful episode, Justin and Kylie explore why positive masculinity matters more than ever, and why raising boys who make others feel safer, stronger, and valued isn't just important for families—it's essential for society.
They also share a heartwarming family story that proves one simple truth: traditions matter more than we realise.
KEY POINTS
The alarming behaviours some parents and schools are reporting among boys.
Why good boys need strong role models and clear guidance.
The simple definition of healthy masculinity every parent should know.
How family traditions build belonging, resilience, and connection.
Why showing up consistently matters more than perfection.
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"A healthy man helps the people around him feel safer and stronger."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Justin Coulson
Happy Families resources and podcast
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Create or protect one meaningful family tradition this week.
Talk with your sons about what healthy masculinity looks like in everyday life.
Highlight examples of men who show kindness, courage, integrity, and respect.
Focus on raising boys who contribute, not consume; who give, not take.
Make time for regular family connection, even when life gets busy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.