Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Latest Episodes:

Gap Years, ATAR Myths & the Real Path to Success After School [with Amy Dyer] Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Exams, ATARs, scaling, university preferences—no wonder Year 12 feels overwhelming. But what if success doesn’t come down to one number? In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson is joined by careers counsellor Amy Dyer to unpack the myths around scaling, ATAR pressure, gap years, trades, and vocational pathways. If your teen feels lost—or if you’re a parent caught in the stress—this conversation will help you breathe easier and see the bigger picture.

KEY POINTS:

Scaling and ATARs: what really matters (and what doesn’t).
Achievement, capability, enjoyment - what is success?
Burnout in young people after school
Why a gap year can be the best choice for mental health and clarity.
The hidden value of vocational studies and trade careers.
How to help kids define success beyond exam scores.
Why parents should focus on fit, not prestige, when guiding school and career choices.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“You’re not supposed to know. You just try. Just be productive. Just do something.” — Dr Justin Coulson

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Amy Dyer
More parenting support: happyfamilies.com.au
Check out our "Failed at School, Successful at Life" podcast series [episodes #875-879]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

Start conversations about learning styles and interests - not just grades.
Normalise multiple pathways: university, TAFE, trades, or gap years.
Reduce pressure by reminding your teen that life doesn’t hinge on a single number.
Create safe spaces at home for career and study discussions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tween Phone Battle: Holding the Line Without Losing Connection Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

“Everyone else has one!” If you’ve ever heard this plea from your tween about getting a smartphone, you’re not alone. In today’s Q&A episode, Justin and Kylie unpack one dad’s dilemma: a 12-year-old desperate for a phone, parents holding out until Year 8, and the daily battles in between. You’ll hear why one big conversation won’t work, how to keep your child engaged without caving, and three practical strategies to hold the line without losing connection.

KEY POINTS

Why no single conversation will “solve” the phone debate
The 3 E’s of effective discipline (Explore, Explain, Empower)
How to use outside voices (content creators, school assignments) to make the case
Why it helps to talk with other parents — your child isn’t always “the only one”
The ongoing reality: even once they get a phone, the battles don’t stop

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“You don’t just get compliance when kids understand your decision — you get buy-in.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson
Content creators: Jonathan Haidt, Official Herd, Dr Brad Marshall (“The Unplugged Psychologist”), Freya India
[Study] Blocking mobile internet on smartphones improves sustained attention, mental health, and subjective well-being
The Heads Up Alliance - Australian families delaying social media and smartphones for children, together
Wait Until 8th
Rebecca Sparrow's FREE download "Beginner Phones for Tweens and Teens"

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

Keep the conversations ongoing — not one-and-done.
Use external voices and resources to reinforce your message.
Encourage your child to research and present arguments for and against screens.
Connect with other parents to reality-check the “everyone else has one” claim.
Focus on understanding and buy-in, not just rules.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helping Kids Manage Big Feelings Aug 31, 2025

Show notes

Why can’t kids just calm down? Here’s the truth: they’re not supposed to. Expecting children to manage their emotions alone is like expecting them to drive a car before they’ve learned to walk. In this episode, Justin and Kylie bust the biggest parenting myth about big feelings — and share 3 powerful, science-backed strategies you can use in the heat of the moment to help your child ride the emotional waves.

KEY POINTS

Kids’ brains are on “L-plates” when it comes to emotion regulation — it’s a developmental process.
Big feelings are normal, not a sign of “bad behaviour.”
Three strategies parents can use:

Distraction – helps reset the nervous system.
Co-regulation – lending your calm to your child.
Pause problem-solving – wait until emotions settle before teaching or fixing.

Parents often feel judged when meltdowns happen in public — but compassion (for ourselves and our kids) is the game-changer.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“No one can think clearly in a fire drill — and that’s exactly what trying to reason with a child mid-meltdown is like.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Happy Families resources for parenting strategies & support
Little People, Big Feelings Summit

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fighting the War Against Roblox Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

When a child is upset or angry, it’s easy to think their outburst is about the immediate problem. The real challenge for parents is identifying the deeper emotions driving these reactions. Kylie shares a conversation with her daughter that started as a fight over Roblox but ended with heartfelt tears over a completely different issue.

By taking the time to talk with our kids, we can help them uncover the true reasons behind their strong feelings.

In this episode: