Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

• #1276 - Mum’s Screen Time: What It’s Really Doing to Your Child’s Development

  Are your phone habits impacting your child’s growth? We all know kids and screens don’t mix well—but what about parents and screens? A compelling new study has uncovered a strong link between a mother’s screen time and her child’s developmental outcomes. In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the latest research on "technoference" and what happens to our children when our eyes are glued to our devices. The results may just change the way you use your phone—especially around your kids. KEY POINTS: Study Summary: Japanese research of ~4,000 mother-child pairs found that more than one hour of screen use by mums in front of their children correlates with lower language and social development. Two Hours or More: Greater than two hours was associated with lower global development outcomes. Technoference: The distraction of devices interrupts “serve and return” interactions—vital for healthy child development. Modelling Matters: Kids mimic their parents—mums who use screens more are more likely to have kids who use them too. TV vs. Devices: Passive screen time (TV) is less harmful than interactive, overstimulating device use—but still not ideal. Screen Time ≠ Quality Learning: Despite nostalgic memories of “learning” from Sesame Street, research shows TV is a poor teacher compared to real-world engagement. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "Screens are a hollow imitation of real life... real development happens in person-to-person, face-to-face interactions." RESOURCES MENTIONED: The study published in Nature Scientific Reports (March 2025) Previous podcast episodes on child screen use and brain development Happy Families website: happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Be Present: Put down your phone when you're with your child—especially in those early years. Set Boundaries: Limit both your own and your child’s screen time with simple routines (e.g., no phones at the table or during playtime). Model Mindful Use: Show kids what healthy tech habits look like—because they’re watching. Prioritise Engagement: Make time for face-to-face chats, shared play, and reading together—real-life interactions build real brains. Use Screens Intentionally: If you need a break, opt for TV over devices, and choose age-appropriate, narrative-driven content.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  14:17
• 1275 - How Tech Can Make Our Lives Better (Yes, Really!)

  We usually talk about tech as a problem — screens, addiction, distraction — but what if it could actually make family life better? In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson chats with two innovative parents, Matt and Brianna Donaldson, about how they're using smart technology to support routines, reduce stress, and create more quality time together. From bedtime battles to TV tantrums, discover how smart lights, switches, and routines can bring more peace and predictability to your home — no tech degree required! KEY POINTS: Around 80% of Millennial and Gen Z parents are now using smart home tech to manage home life. Smart devices (like lights, switches, and TVs) can automate routines to reduce friction — especially around bedtime. Tech can enhance a child’s autonomy and transitions (e.g. lights dimming, music playing) without constant parental prompting. Boundaries and structure are still essential — even in tech-forward homes. It’s not about more tech, but intentional tech that supports family connection and calm. You don’t have to spend thousands: starting with a $20 smart switch can begin transforming routines. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “It’s not Mum or Dad turning off the TV — it’s the house. The structure is doing the heavy lifting.” — Dr Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED: Samsung SmartThings App Smart Switches (available from retailers like JB Hi-Fi or Kmart) Bluey and the Tony Box (a screen-free audio player for kids) The Parenting Revolution – by Dr Justin Coulson happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Start small. Try one smart light or switch in a high-impact area like the bedroom. Automate transitions. Use tech cues (e.g. dim lights + calming music) to support routines like bedtime. Keep boundaries clear. Set firm, predictable limits around tech use — especially screens. Use tech to reclaim time. Automate cleaning (like smart vacuums) or other routines to free up family time. Let the “house be the boss.” Reduce conflict by letting routines and automation do the talking. Prioritise presence. Tech should serve family life, not steal from it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  16:31
• #1274 - What Should You Do If You Think Your Child Has ADHD?

  Is it ADHD… or something else entirely? This episode dives into one of the most debated topics in parenting and child psychology. Dr Justin Coulson answers a heartfelt question from a concerned parent: Should I pursue a formal ADHD diagnosis for my child — or are there better first steps to take? If you're feeling overwhelmed by symptoms, advice, and conflicting opinions, this conversation will help you slow down, zoom out, and see your child through a compassionate, research-informed lens. KEY POINTS: ADHD diagnosis rates are rising — but is it always the right label? Some children may be diagnosed for what is actually normal developmental variation or environmental mismatch. ADHD-like symptoms may be a child’s way of trying to meet three unmet psychological needs: Connection (relatedness) Capability (competence) Control (autonomy) Neuroinflammation is an emerging and overlooked factor in ADHD symptoms. Developmental readiness matters — an 8-year-old’s brain is still undergoing major executive function development. Rather than trying to eliminate stress, parents can help children build capacity to handle challenge (a growth mindset). Medication might help some, but it’s not the first (or only) answer. Diagnosis should be thoughtful, multi-faceted, and whole-child focused. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "Difference doesn't mean disorder. Development is not a race." – Dr Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson Happy Families – for more articles, podcast episodes, and parenting resources Self-Determination Theory & Growth Mindset research Parenting ADHD [The Course] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Delay formal diagnosis (unless impairment is severe) and give time for development. Audit the environment for connection, competence, and autonomy — is it need-thwarting or need-supportive? Support physical health: Prioritise sleep, unprocessed foods, and movement. Explore reducing neuroinflammation through lifestyle. Teach a growth mindset: Use the word “yet”, encourage effort, and model learning through challenges. Reframe behaviours: Daydreaming may signal creativity, not dysfunction. Risk-taking may show courage and capability-seeking. Task resistance may be about autonomy, not defiance. If pursuing assessment, choose a clinician who understands development, context, and the whole child — not just a checklist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  17:21
• #1273 - Do We Give In? What to Do When the Kids Push Too Hard

  When the kids are relentless, defiant, or just downright exhausting, do you give in? Do you clamp down? Or is there a better way? In this episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the three most common parenting responses to challenging behaviour — and make the case for a third, more effective path. You'll laugh, reflect, and come away with a powerful tool to help you parent with confidence, clarity, and calm. KEY POINTS: The 3 common parenting responses to tough behaviour: Giving In (Permissiveness) – short-term peace, long-term chaos. The “Hell No” (Authoritarian) – may bring instant compliance but can damage connection and growth. Working With (Collaborative Discipline) – more effort upfront, but creates better long-term outcomes. Why permissiveness backfires: it invites boundary-testing and weakens trust and safety. How harsh, top-down discipline can rupture relationships and discourage self-regulation. Introducing the 3 E’s of Effective Discipline: Explore your child’s perspective. Explain your concerns. Empower your child to problem-solve with you. Real-life example: how Justin and Kylie worked with their daughter around a tricky social situation. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Fast is slow and slow is fast. When you take the time to work with your kids, you build trust, wisdom, and lasting outcomes.” — Dr Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED: 📖 The Parenting Revolution – by Dr Justin Coulson ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Pause before you react. Ask: am I about to give in, come down hard, or work with? Use the 3 E’s next time your child makes a tough request or shows challenging behaviour. Revisit tricky issues over time — not every decision has to be made in the moment. Stay unified with your co-parent if possible — consistency and teamwork matter. Remember: boundaries show love. They help kids feel secure, even when they push against them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  15:06
• #1272 - Is The Mum I Hoped to Be Turning Up? With Victoria Vanstone

  She thought parenting would be homemade cookies, flouncy dresses, and humming while folding laundry… but instead, she’s throwing plastic cups at walls. In this hilarious, vulnerable, and unexpectedly heartwarming episode, Justin speaks with Victoria Vanstone—author, podcast host, and recovering party girl—about what happens when the perfect mum you imagined never actually shows up. From shouting matches and laptop guilt to near-death experiences and camping hacks, this conversation explores the wild reality of parenting and why just turning up—imperfectly—is more than enough. KEY POINTS Victoria’s journey from party girl to mum (and how giving up drinking gave her back her life) The power of writing to reflect on and process parenting Why self-awareness trumps perfection every time Near-death moments and learning to live with risk as a parent The guilt of being too attached to work—and what she did to fix it Why camping within 5 km of home (and sneaking home to sleep) might be the ultimate parenting hack What it really means to “mum” with heart, humour, and honesty QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Having children means creating risk. Love means risking loss. And that’s parenting in a nutshell—heartwarming and heartbreaking, all in the same breath." — Victoria Vanstone RESOURCES MENTIONED Mumming: A Year of Trying and Failing to Be a Better Parent by Victoria Vanstone A Thousand Wasted Sundays by Victoria Vanstone Sober Awkward podcast What Your Child Needs From You by Dr Justin Coulson ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Embrace imperfection. Stop waiting for the “ideal” parent to show up—just keep showing up, messy and real. Reflect and write. Whether you blog, journal, or just jot notes, self-awareness begins with reflection. Seek help when needed. Whether it’s therapy, support groups, or just a trusted friend—reach out. Put down the laptop. Create tech-free time zones at home where your child has your full attention. Find your own hacks. Whether it’s camping close to home or hiring help, do what works for your family—without guilt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  39:08

More Kids & Family podcasts

Trending Kids & Family podcasts

About Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families: Podcasts in Family