Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Latest Episodes:

#899 Social Media, Sleep Patterns, Toddlers & Tech Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

Problematic screen-use spans from toddlers through to teenagers (especially when love is in the air!) and can affect mental health, sleep, wellbeing and behaviour. There are some simple steps parents can take to ensure your child lives a healthy, balanced life - without having to confiscate the screen!

Topics from 'The Doctor's Desk':

The effects of screens on teenagers
Teens as consumers of content
Mental health and mental illness are two different things - see "dual continuum of mental wellbeing" diagram
Boredom
The importance of strong parent-child relationship
Toddlers and screens
Screen limits and being intentional
Love in the teenage years
Delaying romantic relationships
Study 1: How Parenting and Self-control Mediate the Link Between Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health
Study 2: Toddlers and Tablets: Being Purposeful About Your Child’s Technology Use
Study 3: Romantic relationships linked to disturbed sleep patterns in adolescents
Helping your child through their first big breakup - a Happy Families article
3 Simple Tips for Managing Screen Time for the Whole Family - a Happy Families article

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#898 Porn-Proofing Your Kids with Kristen Jenson Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Kristen Jenson (founder of Defend Young Minds) shares how, when and why to talk to your child about pornography. [Replay]

Topics in this episode:

Educating children to reject pornography
The ways that pornography harms children
3 basic steps to having this conversation: 1. Define 2. Warn 3. Plan
Advice for parents who have found their child viewing pornography
Love your child No Matter What
Good Pictures Bad Pictures | Books | Defend Young Minds™️
Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. | Books | Defend Young Minds™️
Defend Young Minds - free guide "How to Talk to Kids About Pornography"
Curriculum for children aged 8-12 - Brain Defense Digital Safety
Step-by-step SMART plan- "My Kid Saw Porn - Now What?"
Bringing Up Boys Summit - Happy Families

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#897 Being on the Outer Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

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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#896 And The Award Goes To... Not You Nov 26, 2023

Show notes

It's that time of year when school awards nights are in full swing, celebrating academic and sporting prowess.

But are awards nights actually helpful? And how can you help your child cope with the disappointment of missing out on recognition?

Some of the things discussed in this episode:

Awards by their nature are exclusive, so they can be a punishment for the majority.
Relationships between kids, parents and teachers being damaged.
Rewards and awards are ignoring reasons.
Is it OK to acknowledge excellence?
Should parents care more about grades or character?
Teaching your kids to sit with disappointment.
Reminding kids that everyone has different talents, and schools recognise only a few of those talents.
Status and recognition.

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#895 People Matter, Things Don't Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

Build stronger and lasting connections with those you love. Three game-changing ideas to help you focus on what really matters most in life.

Topics in this episode:

William Martin - 'The Wonders of an Ordinary Life'
Household chaos in a time of grief and upheaval
Expecting immediate compliance from children
Force creates resistance
Autonomy
The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson (currently 25% off + free course!)
People vs 'stuff'
Investing in extended family relationships
Black Friday Sales start today - Happy Families Mega Sale | Black Friday to Cyber Monday

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#894 Things Parents Need to Know About Schoolies Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Three conversations you really need to be having with your teens BEFORE they head off to Schoolies.

Topics in this episode:

Parents - it's ok to say no to Schoolies
Creative and healthier alternatives
Rite of passages
Peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, fights, unsafe/risky behaviour
Safe and healthy beats right and wrong
Understanding consent
Ensure your kids know you will always have their back
#886 Get Set for Schoolies with Paul Dillon - a Happy Families podcast

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#893 Sharing is Caring Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

Dive into the enchanting land of 'Mine!' and the intricate world of kiddie diplomacy. Justin and Kylie unpack the challenges of sharing, with some big ideas to unlock the magic of cooperation - one shared toy at a time!

Topics in today's episode:

Special toys
Sharing with siblings
Learning cooperation, negotiation, and fairness through sharing
Scarcity mentality vs abundance mentality
Three basic psychological needs
Self-determination / regulation
Theory of Mind
Power dynamics
Developmental Milestones - a Happy Families article

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#892 The Perfection Trap with Thomas Curran (Part 2) Nov 20, 2023

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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#891 The Perfection Trap with Thomas Curran (Part 1) Nov 19, 2023

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: