Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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: Starting School Activity Book The Big Debate: Should you Delay your Child’s Start in School? 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.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: 16 Gifts our Children Need For Christmas Minimising Materialism this Christmas Christmas Day and Divorced Families 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.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: How to Help when School Sucks #405 The Homeschool Parent - Deb #1038 - Managing Emotional Dysregulation 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.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Talk About Consent | consent.gov.au Normalised sexual violence Pornography Consent Laid Bare: Sex, Entitlement & the Distortion of Desire by Chanel Contos Educating parents & teachers Age-appropriate conversations Respect, boundaries & removing shame Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 13YARN Australia | For First Nation Australians - 13 92 76 Related Links: Sex, Consent & Staying Safe [Webinar] #217 The Age of Consent with Rebecca Sparrow 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.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we giving kids the equivalent of car keys to a digital world they're not prepared to navigate? In this episode, Dr. Justin Coulson and guest Matt Purcell dive into the complex issue of kids and social media. From the psychological toll it takes on young users to the uphill battle parents face in managing screen time, we explore practical solutions and innovative tools like 'Social Kung Fu' to empower families and to protect our children.  In this episode: Impact of social media on youth mental health Age restrictions for social media Balancing online independence & safety Forming alliances among families (The Heads Up Alliance, Unplug Childhood) Algorithms Holding social media accountable Social Kung Fu - equipping kids with verbal & cyber self-defence skills Code of conduct with devices Related Links: 5 Ways to Set Screen Time Limits With Your Children Unplugged Parenthood: Reducing Screen Time to Strengthen Family Connections The Screen Smart Series 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.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Emma Watkins is bringing something new to the table with an exclusive project every parent will want to hear about. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look into her inspiring journey! In this episode: The Wiggles Emma Memma Dr Emma Watkins' PhD Abstract Sign-language Self-care & goats Balancing dreams with realistic goals Endometriosis & fertility challenges A Dream for Every Night with Emma Watkins - Audible Book Related links: Self Care Strategies That Really Work 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.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever faced the uphill battle of convincing your kids to put down their devices, step into nature, and engage with life? I'll Do Better Tomorrow: Justin and Kylie chat about dealing with pushback when you know what's best for your kids, but they resist. In this episode: Tech-free teens Firm but loving encouragement to step outside comfort zones Modelling active engagement Motivating teenagers Wild Robots movie Making bids for connection Tough love 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.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into cutting-edge studies on parenting and child development, from income's role in behaviour to the debate over smacking's effects. Find out what the latest research says about the best ways to support our kids’ growth! In this episode: Impact of income on children's behaviour & development New study...better support would bring lifelong benefits | The Conversation Preschoolers: physical activity, screen time & sleep Study reveals most three and four-year-olds don’t get enough exercise or sleep, but too much screen time | The West Australian School mobile phone bans ‘Protecting a generation’: School phone bans pass the test | The Daily Telegraph  Smacking harms child development Negative effects of childhood spanking may be overstated, study claims | NY Post Study published in the Marriage & Family Review Data vs morality & philosophy The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson Related Links: Why It’s Not Ok To Smack Your Kids Unplug Childhood #1060 - No Hang-Ups With School Phone Bans  Screen Time Guidelines Updated for the Touchscreen Generation  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.

Raising a neurodivergent child can feel like an uphill battle, especially within a rigid school system. In this episode, Dr. Justin Coulson, along with Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow, share essential strategies for empowering neurodivergent children and offer hope to parents navigating this challenging path. In this episode: Out of the Box: A Guide to Navigating Neurodivergence by Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow Common struggles of ND kids Undiagnosed girls Masking & camouflaging Lack of training & resources in schools 3 basic psychological needs Parent-school partnerships Homeschooling Tips for ND kids starting a new school Related Links: Supporting Autistic Children [The Course]  Help For The ADHD Parent Championing Neurodiversity Webinar One-Minute Wellbeing: Fifty Quick Tips for Educators  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.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.