Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Latest Episodes:

#963 The Perfection Trap with Thomas Curran (Part 2) Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

Part 2 of a conversation on perfectionism with Professor Thomas Curran from the London School of Economics.

Rather than expecting perfection from your child try modelling making mistakes - embrace failure and setbacks when they arise. This (not perfectionism) is what leads to success!

Topics in this episode:

Feeling that you are not enough
The rise of perfectionism – and the harm it’s doing us all | Mental health | The Guardian
Link between perfectionism and psychological distress
Parental/societal expectations
Increased competition and excessive pressure
"Doing your best" - is this helpful?
Self-sabotage, procrastination and avoidance of failure
What is success?
The Perfection Trap Thomas Curran's new book

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#962 The Perfection Trap with Thomas Curran (Part 1) Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

Professor Thomas Curran is (among many impressive titles) a 'perfectionist expert'. He unpacks the 'what, why, where, who, and how' of perfectionism in part 1 of this compelling discussion with Dr Justin Coulson. Part 2 of this conversation can be found here.

Today's conversation covers:

What is perfectionism?
The link between mental health challenges and perfectionism
Perfectionism in children - genetics or environmental?
The 3 types of perfectionism
Intergenerational transmission of perfectionistic tendencies
The challenging cycle of self-defeat
The Perfection Trap Thomas Curran's new book
TEDMED - Our dangerous obsession with perfectionism is getting worse

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#961 Parenting Teens When Life Sucks Apr 02, 2024

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Raising teenagers can be hard even at the best of times. Trying to support our teens when they are struggling can feel like a dead-end street.

Dr Jo Prendergast shares the most important thing you can do that will make a difference for your teen when life just sucks.

Topics in this episode:

When Life Sucks - Jo's new book
Parents and self-regulation
Emotions are contagious
Deep breathing
Being self-aware of your own triggers
'Ghosts in the nursery'
Neurodiversity
When does life suck for teens?
'The Three Rs of Great Parenting'
Connected interactions

Learn more about The Teenage Brain in our FREE Happy Families Article.

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#960 Being on the Outer Apr 01, 2024

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Navigating the complexities of tween and teen friendships can be challenging, especially in the age of social media. Here are some insights and tips to help your child run towards wonderful friendships rather than living in fear of exclusion.

Topics in this episode:

Sleepovers
Bulling and teasing
Snapchat and social media
Structured activities and finite time for teenage get-togethers
Miss Connection: Why your teenage daughter "hates" you, expects the world, and needs to talk by Dr Justin Coulson
What teenage girls worry about most
Conversations to have with your child
BMX - Be More Exceptional

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#959 Someone to Talk To Mar 31, 2024

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Every young person needs to have a close, significant adult to talk to when they experience challenges in life. Sadly, new research has revealed that far too many adolescents do not feel listened to and aren’t speaking to anyone when they’re worried.

Dr Katrina Lines (CEO of Act for Kids, and registered psychologist) shares some simple ways to connect with your child that will encourage them to share their problems with you.

Topics in this episode:

Speaking to a professional
Act for Kids Campaign "Get Comfy Switching ON by Switching OFF" - all the research stats, tip sheets and an animation
Incidental conversation or "small talk"
Being present
Connection
Pressures of school, friendships, social media
3 basic psychological needs
Mental health issues - anxiety, depression, poor sleep
Fear of parental criticism or dismissal, or not being listened to

Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - a Happy Families article

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#958 Are You Over Sleepovers? Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

Is it just me...or are sleepovers a really bad idea?

In this episode:

Pros and cons of sleepovers
Social development
Memories
Safety concerns
Peer pressure/exclusion
Screens
Prearming your kids
#926 Who Tops the List of Child Sexual Abusers? – Happy Families
Being on the Outer – Happy Families
Are Sleepovers OK? – Happy Families

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#957 Diet-Free Families Mar 26, 2024

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Dietician Meg McClintock on eating disorder prevention and the impact of poor body image on eating. Meg shares how parents can nurture positive relationship with food and body for your kids.

In this episode:

Meg McClintock from Choose Nutrition
Meg's Podcast Life's Too Short to Count Almonds
Eating disorders or disordered eating?
The dangers of diet culture and chronic dieting
Natural eating/intuitive eating
Being compassionate with yourself
Red flags to watch for in children/teenagers
Body trust and hunger/fullness cues

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#956 Dysregulated & Dangerous Mar 25, 2024

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Teenage tantrums, defiance, and selfish behaviour can lead to chaos in families. 3 ways parents can help their troubled boys to “man up” as they edge closer to adulthood.

In this episode:

Limits and authority
Step-parents
Discipline
Minimising tension
Inside the Brain of Your Teenage Boy – Happy Families
Autonomy
Doing the inner work
Explain, explore, empower
Education

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#955 Holiday Hacks Mar 24, 2024

Show notes

Not sure how to entertain your child in the holidays? Helpful tips for tired parents just wanting to survive the school break.

In this episode:

Only children
Holiday boredom
Clear expectations
Creating engaging environments
#944 Raising Kids, Not Grass – Happy Families
Screen-based childhood
Playdates
936 weekends with our kids
Plans and predictability
ChatGPT

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#954 White Line Fever Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

Parent behaviour at children's sporting events can directly impact the child's experience. Thankfully the majority of parents do seem to encourage having fun over putting the pressure on their child to be the best.

Journalist Shona Hendley unpacks why sports parents get a bad rap - but are in fact the angels of society.

Topics in this episode -