Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Latest Episodes:

Screens, Kids & the Hijacked Brain: Dr Wayne Warburton on Beating Screen Addiction Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Is your child’s screen time spiralling—and every conversation about it ends in a fight? Professor Wayne Warburton, leading psychologist and researcher, reveals how apps and games are deliberately engineered to hook young brains. He explains the hidden neuroscience of addiction, what excessive screen use does to a child’s emotional regulation and attention, and how parents can reclaim calm without all-out war. If you’ve ever wondered why your tween melts down when you say “time’s up,” this episode is a must-listen.

KEY POINTS

Why modern apps use gambling-style tactics and AI to keep kids scrolling.
How heavy screen use weakens the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that manages focus, planning, and emotional control.
Simple, science-backed steps to reset family screen habits and return kids to the “driver’s seat.”
Practical advice for conversations that don’t turn into shouting matches.
Why social connection doesn’t have to mean social media.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“It’s not your child’s fault—or yours. These products are built to be addictive. The goal is to put your child back in the driver’s seat, not the screen.” — Dr Wayne Warburton

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Dr Wayne Warburton’s books Growing Up Fast and Furious and The Importance of Media Literacy
HappyFamilies.com.au for family screen-plan templates and parenting resources

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

Choose the right moment: Discuss screens only when everyone is calm and offline.
Externalise the problem: Frame it as “us versus the tech designers,” not parent versus child.
Co-create a plan: Involve kids in setting screen limits and consequences; write it down.
Build healthy replacements: Help kids identify offline ways to cope with boredom, anxiety, or stress.
Model balance: Show your own healthy screen habits—your example speaks louder than rules.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Screens, Teens, and the Limits They Secretly Want Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Do you really trust your teen to manage their phone—and the algorithm—alone? In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson tackle a Gold Coast mum’s burning question: should parents rely on filtering apps or on trust? Justin shares his eye-opening experiment pretending to be a teenage boy on Instagram (and what the algorithm served up), while Kylie explains why this isn’t just a “trust” issue—it’s a maturity issue. Together they reveal how to set limits that actually protect kids, build accountability, and still keep the relationship strong.

Key Points

Why filters aren’t foolproof—and why blind trust is even riskier
The hidden danger of “friendly” algorithms that quickly escalate to violent or explicit content
Justin’s experiment that turned his feed dark in just two weeks
The 3 E’s of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, Empower
How to create family tech agreements that work—and stick

Quote of the Episode
“We say we don’t like the restraints, but we actually need them. Just like a roller-coaster harness, limits keep our kids safe when life turns upside down.” – Justin Coulson

Resources Mentioned

Managing Screens at Home [Webinar] Included in the Happy Families membership.

Action Steps for Parents

Audit together: Sit with your teen and explore what their algorithms are serving them.
Set limits, not locks: Use filters as one layer, but focus on ongoing conversations.
Use the 3 E’s: Explore their perspective, Explain your concerns, Empower them to co-create safe screen habits.
Find your village: Connect with like-minded parents to make consistent boundaries easier.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Your Three Year Old Hits You and How to End It - Fast! Sep 14, 2025

Show notes

Your sweet preschooler just turned into a pint-sized whirlwind—kicking, screaming, and even hitting.
Before you panic or punish, listen in. Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack why three-year-olds lash out, why it’s actually developmentally normal, and the calm, practical steps that help them (and you) find peace.

Key Points

Why hitting at age three is common—and not a sign you’re raising a violent teen.
The real drivers: big emotions, low impulse control, limited language.
Three core responses: stay regulated, set clear limits, redirect with movement or creative outlets.
After the storm: empathic conversations and rehearsal for “next time.”
Prevention tips: check the HALTS (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, Stressed) and keep screen time low.

Quote of the Episode
“Regulating emotions is harder than learning to walk or tie shoelaces. Your job is to stay the adult while your child learns.” – Dr Justin Coulson

Resources Mentioned

Little People, Big Feelings [Webinar] – practical tools for parents of toddlers and preschoolers.
Little People, Big Feelings [The Summit]

Action Steps for Parents

Stay calm—model the regulation you want your child to learn.
State the boundary—“We have gentle hands. Hitting hurts.”
Redirect energy—offer drawing, movement, or grounding games.
Debrief later—when calm, problem-solve and rehearse next time.
Check the basics—food, sleep, connection, and screen habits.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Crashed Cars to Father’s Day Joy: Why “People Matter, Things Don’t” Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

What will your kids remember most about you? It’s probably not what you think…

Ever felt Father’s Day pressure - the gifts, the expectations, the hope it all comes together? In this episode, Justin & Kylie open up about low expectations, the best Father’s Day prank ever, and the moments that mattered most. From frisbee at the beach to chaotic family games, to the one phrase Justin’s kids say defined their childhood, this conversation is raw, funny, and surprisingly moving.

KEY POINTS:

Why one Aussie school pushed back against iPads in primary years
Sabrina Carpenter’s new album NOT for children
The tie prank that left every dad at church matching
Why simple, spontaneous family time beats curated “perfect” events
“Push Dad off the Bed” - the family game still loved by teens and young adults
The phrase Justin’s kids treasure most: People matter. Things don’t.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Happy Families Website
Send us a voice memo: podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au
KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

Keep celebrations simple - the memories matter more than the details.
Find playful traditions (even silly ones) that bring everyone together.
When things go wrong, remind your kids: people matter, things don’t.
Give your children more of the one gift they’ll always want - your time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leave Not Approved - The Wild School Rule Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

When cookbook author and influencer Sarah’s holiday plans with her 6-year-old were suddenly stamped “unauthorised,” it lit up headlines — and sparked a question every parent asks: Is a week off school really that big a deal?

In this episode, Justin and Kylie dive into the tug-of-war between school rules and family priorities. Do term-time holidays harm learning, or can real-life experiences sometimes matter more? You’ll hear the research, the rules (state by state), and the reality for families just trying to make it work.

KEY POINTS

The viral story that sparked the debate: Sarah’s denied leave mid-flight.
Why rules vary wildly depending on your postcode (NSW vs. QLD vs. VIC).
What the research really says about missing school — even just a few days.
The cost factor: why many families can’t afford school-holiday travel.
When family connection, culture, and life experience outweigh the timetable.
Practical tips for working with schools to find a middle ground.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"The real question isn’t about holidays — it’s whether we trust parents to make wise, nuanced decisions for their kids." – Justin Coulson

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Happy Families Website
Connect with us on Instagram & Facebook

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

Check your state’s rules before booking — policies differ widely.
Communicate early and respectfully with your child’s school.
Choose timing wisely (avoid early weeks, assessment blocks, or transition times).
Weigh family priorities — cost, connection, cultural experiences — alongside school routines.
Remember the big picture: One week doesn’t define your child’s education.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School Avoidance: The Anxiety, The Struggles, The Solutions [with Megan Gilmour] Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

School refusal and absence are at crisis levels. More than 40% of students are missing at least 10% of school days — and it’s only getting worse. Behind every statistic is a child struggling with anxiety, chronic illness, or the weight of a system that doesn’t fit.

In this powerful conversation, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with Megan Gilmour, CEO of Missing School and 2025 ACT Australian of the Year. Megan’s own son battled a life-threatening illness that kept him from school for years, and her advocacy has since transformed the way we think about education, connection, and support for kids who can’t physically be in the classroom.

If you’re worried about your child’s school avoidance — whether from illness, anxiety, or overwhelm — this episode will give you both hope and practical direction.

KEY POINTS:

Why school absence has skyrocketed since COVID.
The hidden costs of missing school: academics, friendships, identity, and mental health.
How school avoidance affects the whole family.
What digital connection and flexible solutions can look like for struggling students.
Why the current school model isn’t fit for today’s kids — and what needs to change.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Wherever school absence starts — illness, anxiety, or overwhelm — the long-term impacts on a child’s wellbeing and future are profound. Connection is everything.” – Megan Gilmour

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Missing School
School Refusal [HF Article]
#533 Emotion Based School Avoidance [HF Podcast Episode]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

Notice the early signs of school avoidance — and take them seriously.
Keep the focus on connection, not just attendance.
Explore flexible options, including digital classroom access, where possible.
Seek support: schools can and must accommodate differences.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confident or Showing Off? How to Help Kids Stay Humble Without Crushing Their Spirit Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

What do you do when your child’s confidence starts to look like bragging? Today’s tricky parenting question comes from Joanna, whose 12-year-old daughter is bright, kind, and wonderfully self-assured—but sometimes her enthusiasm feels a little too much.

In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack how to nurture confidence while gently guiding kids toward humility and social awareness. You’ll hear practical ways to help your child celebrate others, avoid “showing off,” and learn through natural experiences—without squashing their spirit.

KEY POINTS:

Why confidence in tweens is precious (and why most kids lose it)
The difference between being “interesting” vs. being “interested”
Teaching kids to be “people builders” instead of show-offs
The power of teachable moments over lectures
How unconditional love helps kids learn from their own mistakes

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Confidence is precious. We don’t want to dampen it—but we can guide kids to use it in ways that lift others up.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Submit your tricky question: happyfamilies.com.au/podcasts

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

Celebrate your child’s confidence—don’t squash it.
Encourage them to notice and cheer for others’ successes.
Use quiet, reflective conversations after social moments as teaching opportunities.
Frame discussions around being a good friend and including others.
Be the “soft place to land” when friendships hit bumps.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids Say They Want THIS More Than Screen Time — Are You Giving It to Them? Sep 07, 2025

Show notes

Childcare scandals. Social media bans. Kids spending nine hours a day glued to screens. As Child Protection Week shines a spotlight on children’s safety, parents are asking: How do I really protect my kids — both online and in real life?

Dr Justin Coulson speaks with Dr Katrina Lines, CEO of Act for Kids, about shocking new research and simple ways families can protect kids online and in real life.

KEY POINTS:

Why removing men from childcare is not the solution — and what really needs to change.
Surprising new research: kids actually prefer time with family over screens.
Why kids resist screen limits but thrive when they finally log off.
How to “meet in the middle” by joining kids in their online world.
Preparing your family for the upcoming social media age ban.
Simple daily strategies to create real-life connection, even in busy households.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“This is the important stuff — not the cooking, not the laundry — but listening and being present with our kids.” — Dr Katrina Lines

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Act for Kids: Let’s Connect IRL
Happy Families Resources

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

Create small daily “connection moments” — in the car, over dinner, or while cooking.
Join your child occasionally in their online world to build trust and safety.
Open conversations now about the upcoming social media age ban — listen, don’t dismiss.
Plan one weekly family activity that everyone can look forward to.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roblox on Trial, K-Pop Demon Hunters & The Real Battle for Our Kids’ Hearts Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

From Father’s Day feels to Taylor Swift’s big news, Roblox lawsuits, and the surprising lessons hidden in K-Pop Demon Hunters—this Friday episode is packed. Plus, in I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, we get raw about surrender, parenting guilt, and why kids really do spell love T-I-M-E.

KEY POINTS:

Father’s Day joy (and the best gift dads actually want)
Taylor Swift’s engagement & what it’s sparking worldwide
Roblox under fire: lawsuits, safety concerns & why parents should care
K-Pop Demon Hunters craze—what kids love & what families can learn
“I’ll Do Better Tomorrow”: surrendering control, parenting while overworked, and finding peace in presence

RESOURCES:

Free Father's Day Download: 'Me & My Dad' Activity Book

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

Celebrate Father’s Day with connection, not things—walks, hugs, shared meals.
Stay alert to Roblox news; check your child’s settings and talk about online safety.
If your kids are into K-Pop Demon Hunters, watch it with them—ask what they love and listen.
Reflect: where can you let go of control and lean into connection this week?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Doctor's Desk: Peanut Allergies, & ASD Touch Reactions Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

From the Doctor's Desk today we unpack three studies relevant to parents and families.

First, an intervention that could decrease the likelihood of developing a peanut allergy by 71% (N.B. we are not sharing medical advice!). The second study - another intervention involving a 2-week screen-free media reduction for participants, with fantastic results! And the third, a study looking at differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent responses to touch, and some helpful tips for parents of neurodivergent children when it comes to understanding and navigating these responses.

In this episode: