Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Latest Episodes:

#1115 - Q&A: Inappropriate Photos Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

*Listener discretion advised*

A concerned parent, Emily, has sent in a sensitive but increasingly relevant question. Emily’s seven-year-old son confided that his friend was suggesting inappropriate behaviours, including taking photos of private areas.

Listen in for guidance on handling difficult conversations, protecting children’s safety, and fostering trust.

In this episode:

Importance of a trusting parent-child relationship
Developmental appropriate behaviour
Girlfriend/boyfriend in primary school
Guidance on sensitive conversations
Steps for addressing friend's behaviour
Age-appropriate education on bodies, boundaries, consent
Empowering children
Ongoing vigilance and support

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#1114 - How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You? Nov 03, 2024

Show notes

Why do our kids seem like they're never listening, no matter how many times we repeat ourselves?

Today, we share nine practical strategies that can help you to communicate more effectively with your kids, reduce those frustrating moments, and strengthen family connections... without repeating yourself over and over (and over!) again.

In this episode:

Why repeating instructions doesn’t work
Common misunderstandings between parents and kids
How to improve communication

Related Links:

What To Do When Kids Won’t Listen
How to Get Your Kids to Really Listen [Ebook + AudioBook]

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#1113 - Connection is King Nov 03, 2024

Show notes

The secret ingredient every child craves for feeling loved and understood is their parent's undivided time and attention.

Discover why making small sacrifices in your busy schedule to connect with your kids can have a profound impact on your relationship with them.

In this episode:

Halloween
Fathers of Girls
QLD politics & corporal punishment
Kylie's riding, Justin's writing
Love is spelt T.I.M.E
Making time for the things that matter most
Intentional connection

Don't miss the final intake for our Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence

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#1112 - Help for Halloween Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Halloween can be an equal mix of excitement for the kids and chaos for parents, right? And finding a balance between our children's desire for independence (to have fun, to explore, and to eat ALL the sugar) whilst maintaining a sense of safety is a challenge.

We share some practical tips to help make Halloween meaningful for your family, from building community connections to teaching social skills, plus some fun twists on the classic trick-or-treat! 🎃👻

In this episode:

Balancing fun & safety for kids
Setting boundaries & rules
Alternative Halloween celebrations
Trunk-or-treat
Cultural differences (gore vs fun)
Community & family bonding
Teaching social skills and life lessons

Related Links:

Don't miss the final intake for our Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1111 - Home Schooling 101 With Brett Campbell of Euka Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Is homeschooling right for your family? A rising number of Australian parents are questioning if this alternative path could truly work for them and their children’s unique needs.

We delve into the realities of homeschooling with Brett Campbell, CEO of Australia’s largest homeschooling provider, Euka, as he shares insights, data, and tips that could transform the way you think about your child’s education.

In this episode:

Top reasons for homeschooling
Flexible schedule
Socialisation
Finding community
University Pathway – Grade 11 & 12 Options
Future Learners Podcast
Misconceptions about homeschooling

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#1110 - Is Birth Order Legit, or a Sham? Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Are the classic birth order stereotypes of the responsible eldest, the overlooked middle child, and the free-spirited youngest really grounded in science—or are we just buying into myths?

Join us as we unpack the surprising research behind these family labels and discover what truly shapes your child’s personality, beyond their place in the sibling lineup.

In this episode:

Birth order stereotypes
What your sibling birth order does—and doesn’t—explain | VOX
Birth Order Theory - Alfred Adler
Gender roles & family dynamics
Family size, age gaps, & unique circumstances
Confirmation bias
Personality traits & birth order
Avoiding rigid labels

Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence

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#1109 - This Week in Parenting: Sports Shift - From Footy to Yoga Oct 27, 2024

Show notes

Three news stories for 'This Week in Parenting':

Is your phone getting in the way of quality time with your kids? Research shows that when parents are glued to their devices, children are more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and attention issues!

A proposal to replace team sports with yoga and pilates in Victorian schools raises concerns about the balance between physical activity and academic focus.

Plus, why homeschooling is booming in QLD!

In this episode:

Parents Distracted By Smartphones Linked To Higher Anxiety In Kids | Forbes
Negative impact on child development
Being intentional with screen use
Feeling seen, heard & valued
Private schools ditch footy for yoga in APS shake-up | Herald Sun
Mindfulness
Team sports & competition
Sedentary learning
Home-schooling explosion in Qld fed by bullied children | The Courier Mail

Related Links:

#1107 - This Week in Parenting: Roblox Hell & Parental Health Hazards
Our Phones Are Wrecking Us
Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence

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#1108 - The Roblox War Oct 24, 2024

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:

Play dates & Roblox
14 reasons why....
Homeschooling
Need for connection
Hindenburg Research: Roblox
Roblox - a tool for sexual predators
The 3 Es of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, and Empower

Related Links:

Keeping kids safe on Roblox
Why Your Kids Need a Tribe
Supporting Autistic Children Course with Dr Justin Coulson & Dr Joey Lawrence

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#1107 - This Week in Parenting: Roblox Hell & Parental Health Hazards Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

This Week in Parenting:

Roblox is a ridiculously popular game—but not just with kids..and not always for gaming! We take a quick look at the dark side of this platform and how parents can keep children safe online.

While a recent report warns that parenting can harm mental health, Justin and Kylie suggest that parenting doesn't need to be stressful—we just need a little less pressure and a lot more fun.

Finally, Meta has shifted the responsibility of protecting kids online to parents, while failing to adequately safeguard children on their platforms.

In this episode:

Roblox: a paedophile hellscape
Roblox Inflated Data And Doesn’t Protect Underage Gamers | Forbes
Parental stress & isolation
Where is the village?
Parenting Is Hazardous to Your Health, the Surgeon General Warns | WSJ
Age-verification for social media
Meta wants app stores and Aussie parents to act as social media age limit 'gateway' | The Daily Telegrap
Parental Guidance Season 3 applications open
Supporting Autistic Children Course (early bird pricing ends soon!)

Related Links:

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#1106 - Love Your Guts With Karina Savage Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

Paediatric Dietician Karina Savage, founder of Nourishing Kids, chats with Justin about gut microbiome, sharing practical tips for parents on creating a healthy eating environment for children.

In this episode: