Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Latest Episodes:

#1135 - School Readiness With Zoe Wragg Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

As the holidays approach, many parents are preparing their children for the transition into school.

Zoe Wragg, a parent educator and former primary school teacher, shares practical advice on making this major change easier. From understanding what school readiness really means to offering tips for supporting reading development, Zoe will help ease your worries.

Plus—strategies for a smooth start to 2025 with simple, actionable tips that parents can apply during the holidays.

In this episode:

Transitioning children to school
School readiness
Overcoming overwhelm in preparing children for school
Reading skills and supporting beginning readers
Free school readiness checklist
Tips for parents navigating the holidays and preparing for school next year
www.edzocate.com.au

Related Links:

Starting School Activity Book [A free Happy Families resource!]
The Big Debate: Should you Delay your Child’s Start in School?
Facing First Day Fears [Webinar]

Find massive savings during the Happy Families Black Friday Sale

Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1134 - Australian Age-Based Social Media Bans Are Now Law [R] Dec 01, 2024

Show notes

A few months ago we spoke about the momentum that was building for age restrictions around social media for children under 16. On Friday those laws were passed in the Australian Parliament, so we thought this was the perfect opportunity to replay this episode, as it will help your family navigate the changes that are ahead.

In Australia, children below a certain age will be banned from social media as part of a national plan to counter its negative effects on youth. We discuss the government's commitments, the challenges this new legislation may face, and what parents can do now to protect their kids in a screen-saturated world.

In this episode:

'National Social Media Age Limit' | A Current Affair
Why 13+ is the current legal age
Collecting personal data
Politics and obstacles facing this legislation
The impact of social media on kids
Using screens well: with intentionality, self-regulation, limits
Play-based childhood vs screen-based childhood
Holding tech companies accountable
What parents can do while waiting for legislation to pass
Kids need smart parents not smartphones
Building community
Unplug Childhood - sign the pledge & join the village today!
The Screen Smart Series: 'Unplug Childhood' & 'Tweens, Teens & Screens' (included in membership).

Related Links:

#974 Roblox Rules
The Screen Smart Series [Webinars]
Smells Like Teen Spirit Summit (More nirvana. Less drama.)
Bad Influence of Influencers

Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1131 - Consent and Porn, with Dan Principe Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

How do we teach our boys about consent in a world filled with mixed messages and harmful influences? Daniel Principe shares his experience working with boys, schools, and families to address this challenge.

From tackling online influences to reshaping outdated notions of masculinity, Daniel paints a hopeful yet realistic picture of where we stand and what needs to improve. He explains why starting conversations early and normalising openness can make all the difference—and why no child is ever beyond hope.

Daniel Principe is a boys' advocate, speaker, Australian of the Year nominee, and Consent Can't Wait ambassador.

In this episode:

Consent & boys: what's working & what's not?
Exposure to harmful online content
Normalising open conversations about consent, porn & relationships
Building emotional literacy
Reshaping societal ideas about masculinity
How to protect your child from becoming victims or perpetrators of harmful behaviours
Removing punishment & shame
No Matter What
Building strong men of the future

Related Links:

Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1130 - Should Your Child Repeat a Year? Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

Is repeating a year of school really the best solution for struggling students?

Join us as we unpack the research, share personal stories, and discuss why alternatives like tailored teaching/differentiation, extra support, and starting school at the right age may yield better outcomes for your child.

Whether you’re grappling with this decision or curious about educational trends, this episode offers valuable insights to guide you.

In this episode:

Pros/cons of grade retention
Differences in learning (heterogeneity)
Delaying the start of formal education (redshirting)
Competency & self-esteem
Global trends in repeating a school year
Effectiveness of grade retention: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Social consequences
Alternatives to retention
Practical advice for parents with struggling students

Related Links:

Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1129 - Gentlemen, Your Presents Is Required Nov 24, 2024

Show notes

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time for men to step up and do some shopping! Don't let Mum be the only one without a present under the tree this year.

This episode explores why many far too mums feel left out during the festive season and just want to be thought of by their family. Tune in for practical tips, heartfelt conversations, and a reminder that the best gifts don't have to break the bank.

In this episode:

The cognitive load of gift-giving
Not enough men are buying the women in their lives Christmas presents
Money & budgets
Materialism
Unique gift ideas
Supporting local charities
Giving Machine | Light The World

Related Links:

Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1128 - You Find What You're Looking For Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

Parenting isn’t always smooth sailing, especially with a teenager in the house. In this reflective episode, Justin shares a wake-up call about his own negativity bias and how shifting his focus transformed a tricky relationship. Kylie brings balance with a reminder that kids spell love as T-I-M-E.

Whether you’re juggling the chaos of year-end or simply trying to connect better, this episode offers inspiration to help you do better tomorrow.

In this episode:

Parenting teenagers
Teens & screens
Relationship bucket
Focusing on the negative vs finding the positives in relationships
#148 Flecks of Gold
Intentional 1-1 time with each child
Kids spell love T.I.M.E

Related Links:

Building Strong Parent-Child Connections That Last
Miss-Connection Webinar (Why Your Teenage Daughter “Hates” You, Expects the World, and Needs to Talk)
Intentional vs. Unintentional Parenting

Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1127 - Home School Check In Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

Curious about homeschooling? After a year of diving into this countercultural approach to education, Justin and Kylie share the surprising benefits, the unexpected challenges, and the transformative impact it’s had on their family.

In this episode:

Highs & lows of homeschooling
Facebook post - join the conversation!
Emotional regulation
Neurodivergence
#1111 - Home Schooling 101 With Brett Campbell of Euka
Freedom, flexibility & tailored learning
Challenges - financial constraints, socialisation, expectations
De-schooling
Unrealistic expectations
Connection with friends

Related Links:

Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1126 - Why Consent Can't Wait with Chanel Contos Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

Consent, respect, and healthy relationships—how can parents prepare their children for these crucial aspects of life?

Chanel Contos, founder of the Teach Us Consent movement, joins Justin to discuss the challenges of addressing normalised sexual violence, the role parents play in creating open dialogues, and the crucial inclusion of boys in these conversations.

In this episode: