Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Latest Episodes:

#1105- Q&A: Rough Play Headaches & Battle Scars Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

Neda's 3-year-old son enjoys rough play but struggles to dial it back with his younger sibling, sometimes leading to unintentional harm. Dr. Justin offers six strategies to help every parent manage this lack of regulation in little ones.

Emma from Brisbane knows that picking your battles is a pro-parenting tip. But the challenge of knowing when to enforce clear and consistent boundaries and when to step back (without becoming "white noise" to your kids!) can be relentless.

In this episode:

Cognitive development
Lack of regulation
Boys & rough play
Quality time
Risky, active play
Building sibling bonds
Family meetings: 3 questions
Asking kids for consent before sharing consent/correction
"But why?"

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#1104 - I Don't Like Your Friends Oct 20, 2024

Show notes

Has your child been hanging around with a friend that you don't approve of? Does your kid's behaviour change when they spend time with certain friends? Perhaps you've been thinking of stepping in and putting some control around who your kids are friends with.

In this episode:

Is it a good idea to control our children's friendships?
Relationships are hard
Relationships are two ways
Whey stepping in may hinder learning and growth

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#1103 - The Simple Things Matter Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with parenting and in your home-work-life balance? You're not alone! For 'I'll Do Better Tomorrow' we discuss the importance of structure—the foundation of building competence—and how it provides the framework and tools for parents and children alike to feel effective.

In this episode:

“A compliment is not an insult to the other”
Kylie is training for a triathlon
Parental overwhelm
Structure
3 basic psychological needs
Homeschool
Being a good friend
Bedtime routines

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#1102 - From the Doctor's Desk: The Bottle Shop of Mum & Dad Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

Justin and Kylie dive into the latest research to help parents raise healthier, happier kids.

With schoolies, summer BBQs, and end-of-year celebrations just around the corner, we look at data around the effects of alcohol on teens and the risks associated with parental supply. Plus, why digital switching leaves you feeling less satisfied and refreshed, and a simple "thank you" can lower parental stress and increase relationship satisfaction.

In this episode:

Think giving your teen alcohol is safe? Read this - Sarah Perillo| | Herald Sun
Parental supply of alcohol
Risks associated with teen drinking
Myth - The Mediterranean Effect
Fast-forward to boredom: How switching behavior on digital media makes people more bored | Journal of Experimental Psychology
Digital Switching
Boredom
‘Thank You’ really would be nice: Perceived gratitude in family relationships | The Journal of Positive Psychology
Feeling appreciated and valued
Family chaos
Expressing gratitude

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#1101 - Fussy to Healthy Eaters With Karina Savage Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

Karina Savage, Paediatric Dietician and founder of Nourishing Kids, chats with Justin about some of the most common challenges parents have with feeding kids, and what parents can do to help create healthy eaters in a stress-free way.

In this episode:

Nourish With Karina
The Easy Feed Podcast with Karina Savage (Paediatric Dietician)
Fussy eating habits, sensory issues
Healthy eating behaviours
Lack of food standards / regulations in Australia
Safe foods
Recognising small wins
Family meal times
'Feeding ecosystem' - getting the fundamentals right
Understanding the why behind fussy eating
Gut health

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#1100 - Happy Go Lucky Teen (and Husband) Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

Today we have an anonymous question from a mum who's got a happy go lucky teenager, happy to coast through life, as well as a husband who is coasting through the chores with his earbuds in.

Does she need to change either of these behaviours?

In this episode:

Giving kids autonomy
Force creates resistance
Perspective
Upside-Downside conversation
Connection
Boundaries, expectations, finding compromise
Explore underlying dynamics

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#1099 - Stress, Sweat, and Scores: The Exam Pressure Epidemic Oct 13, 2024

Show notes

The harmful message being pushed onto senior students—that individual academic success is the ultimate priority in their final years of school—sends Mrs. Happy Families on an angry rant!

You can help guide your senior student towards a healthy balance between academic achievement and the joy, connection, and recreation that are essential for their well-being.

In this episode:

Preparing for final year of school
Scarcity mentality & competition
Coping with stress/anxiety
Finding balance
Heavy focus on results & unhealthy elevation of university
Drop-out rates in first year university
Multiple pathways after school
The importance of self-control
3 E’s conversation with senior students: Explore, Explain, Empower
- What’s important to you educationally?
- What do you need and how can we support you?

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