Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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**Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families**

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Latest Episodes:

#1145 - Merry Movie Marathon Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Some Christmas movies that will keep your children from getting underfoot while you get the gifts wrapped!

G-rated options:

The Polar Express
Klaus
Arthur Christmas
Elf
Home Alone
Santa Clause

Honourable (grown up) mentions:

Christmas Chronicles
Bad Santa
The Holiday

Nativity movies:

The Nativity Story (2006)
Chasing The Star (2017)
VeggieTales: The Little Drummer Boy (2011)
The Star (2017)
Journey to Bethlehem (a musical) (2023)
The First Christmas (1998)

Purchase Tis the Season to be Cranky or How to Unspoil your Kids this Christmas

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#1144 - Our Favourite Christmas Traditions Dec 15, 2024

Show notes

Christmas is a time where we can really lean into and celebrate family traditions!

Christmas traditions:

Gifts, Santa. decorating
Spending time with loved ones
Advent, carols, the nativity
Christmas Eve, stockings, pyjamas, Jolabokaflod
Christmas ninjas - giving & serving others

Related Links:

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#1143 - Getting Clear on What You Want Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

Feel like you're drowning in a sea of Christmas "shoulds" and "musts" as a parent? Or that you're constantly running on empty, with no energy left to enjoy moments with your kids?

This episode of I'll Do Better Tomorrow addresses the burnout that many parents experience during the holiday season and beyond.

Listen in to hear Justin and Kyle share their own struggles and insights, as well as some helpful tips on how to break free from the cycle of exhaustion and find joy in the simple things again.

In this episode:

Kylies in a flunk in the lead up to Christmas, feeling burnt out and stressed
Prioritising tasks
Introjection motivation
What is it that you want?
Taking time to reflect on what has worked in the past for mental, physical, and emotional well-being
Alfie Kohn
Do one thing well
Making time for loved ones

Related Links:

Self Care Strategies That Really Work
We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing [ Webinar ]
Burnt Out [ FREE webinar ]

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#1142 - Getting It Royally Wrong on Social Media Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

This episode unpacks Australia's groundbreaking social media ban for kids under 16, set to roll out by Christmas 2025. With tech giants stepping up enforcement, parents are relieved, while teens face digital detoxes.

Join the discussion as we explore Prince Harry’s surprising critique, parents’ joys and woes, and strategies for tackling this new era of tech parenting.

In this episode:

New legislation
Australia's incoming social media ban cannot be considered overreach | Sky News
Bullying over social media
Parental reactions
Prince Harry's comments
Why Harry has it royally wrong on social media dangers | Daily Telegraph
Implementation, digital IDs
Navigating conversations with kids
Acknowledging sadness and disappointment, FOMO
The flow-on effect of the ban
The 3 Es of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, Empower

Related Links:

Super Solutions for Technology Troubles [Webinar]
Unplug Childhood - join the village

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#1141 - The Best Christmas Story Ever Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

This episode takes a heartfelt turn as we delve into one of the most touching Christmas stories ever written—O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the tale or hearing it for the first time, its timeless message of love and sacrifice is sure to move you.

In this episode:

A reflection on Christmas storytelling
O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi
Sacrifice, love, and the spirit of giving

Related Links:

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#1140 - 5 Ways to Make Christmas Awesome Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

Christmas is almost here! In this festive episode, we share five simple yet impactful ways to elevate your holiday celebrations. Whether it’s through meaningful traditions, playful gift exchanges, or acts of kindness, we’re here to help you focus on what truly matters—time, connection, and joy.

In this episode:

Focus on time together
Fun with gifts
Christmas Eve traditions
Jolabokaflod - Icelandic book tradition
Acts of service
Neighbourhood connections

Related Links:

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#1139 - The Top 5 Episodes of 2024 Dec 08, 2024

Show notes

As the end of the year closes in us, we take a look back at 2024 and the top five episodes you listened to this year.

Click on the links to go back and listen to an episode.

Number 5 - #1041 Screens Suck
Number 4 - #1042 Work & Home School Life Balance
Number 3 - #1009 ADHD in Adults & Toddlers
Number 2 - #1038 Managing Emotional Dysregulation
Number 1 - #1055 Why The Kids Don't Listen

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#1138 - Do Better, Do Less Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

It's the weekly wrap up, where we look back at the week that was and figure out ways that we can improve in our parenting.

In this episode:

Despite being guaranteed downtime this year, Kylie is feeling more tired than ever.
If we want to do better, we need to do less.
Self awareness is a game changer.
Putting your whole self into whatever you are doing.

Related Links:

Leidy Klotz - Subtract

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#1137 - P's on Earth: The 4 P's You Need This Christmas Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

This Christmas, skip the shopping stress and focus on what really matters.

From creating a stress-free environment to embracing meaningful traditions, we explore how these intangible gifts—none of which require wrapping paper or a credit card—can bring joy and connection to your family.

In this episode:

Peace
Presence not presents
Playfulness
Purpose
Family traditions
Reject the pursuit of perfection
3 Levels of Christmas

Related Links:

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#1136 - Everything You Need to Know About eSafety, with Julie Inman-Grant Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

What happens when online bullying transcends the screen and starts shaping young lives in tragic ways?

With eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, we uncover the harsh realities of cyberbullying, sextortion, and the online traps facing today’s youth.

Learn about innovative tools and strategies available to parents, educators, and schools to protect children, as well as the importance of staying engaged in your kids’ digital lives.

In this episode:

The role of Australia's eSafety Commissioner
Cyberbullying & mental health
Emerging online threats (doxing, sextortion, violent language, isolating victims)
Contagion effect of self harm
Parental awareness & responsibility
Cooperation from platforms
Removing content
Tools and resources for parents and educators
Teaching kids to report bullying & collect evidence
Setting boundaries & modelling respectful communication at home
Strategies for managing kids' screen time