Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

When your kids shut down or seem totally uninterested - whether it’s a conversation, a hobby, or music lessons - it can feel like you’re wasting your time (and money). But this week, Justin and Kylie share two powerful reminders that patience, play, and connection go further than pressure ever will.

From a heartwarming drum lesson breakthrough to a car trip conversation that turned a reluctant teen into a chatterbox, th...

Every October 31st, kids go wild - costumes, sugar, excitement - but what if that same energy is quietly shaping ADHD diagnoses? In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a fascinating new study showing a 14% spike in ADHD diagnoses on Halloween day. They explore what this says about subjectivity in diagnosis, the risks of overlabelling kids, and how our environments - not just our children - might need rethinkin...

What happens when our kids spend nine hours a day on screens? Dr Justin Coulson sits down with world-leading researcher Professor Jean Twenge (author of Ten Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World) to unpack the hidden costs of our always-online culture — and how parents can reclaim calm, connection and control. From brain changes to “go touch grass” moments, Jean shares the science behind tech overload and pr...

When your child has to come first—whether it’s up the stairs or at bedtime—it can drive the whole family mad. But there’s more behind that competitiveness than you might think. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack what’s really going on when kids can’t handle losing, and how to guide them toward healthy confidence instead of constant comparison.

KEY POINTS:

• Why competition and young kids...

A world-first law is about to change how Aussie kids use social media — forever.
From December 10, children 16 and under will be banned from holding social accounts. But what does that really mean for families?

In this special extended episode, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, about the new age-limit legislation — who it covers, how it will work, what fines appl...

Even parenting experts don’t always nail it. In this heartfelt “I’ll Do Better Tomorrow” episode, Justin and Kylie open up about those moments when good intentions go sideways — and what it really takes to repair connection with your kids. From tearful teenage meltdowns to awkward dinner-table confessions, this is an honest, hope-filled reminder that your love matters more than your mistakes.

KEY POINT...

A new study is making headlines — not because kids are on screens too much, but because many can’t stop. Dr Justin Coulson unpacks fresh research linking addictive screen use (not screen time itself) with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts in teens. Learn what “addiction” really means, why it’s not an official diagnosis, and how to protect your child without constant conflict.

KEY POINTS

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It starts as a joke — “Mummy needs wine!” — but for many parents, that glass at the end of the day becomes more than just a meme. In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Dr Justin Coulson talks with author and “Sober Awkward” podcast host Victoria Vanstone about her journey from party girl to sober mum — and how she broke free from the culture that told her alcohol was the answer. ...

Ever wish you could talk to your kids about the big stuff — without it feeling awkward or heavy? In this episode, Justin and Kylie show you how to make tricky conversations a normal (and even fun) part of family life. From friendship dramas to body safety, honesty, and screens, discover how to help your kids open up, think deeply, and learn to navigate life with confidence.

KEY POINTS:

• How to start hav...

Your child smashes a TV. Or floods the bathroom. Or writes off the car. What now?

In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack one of parenting’s trickiest questions: should our kids pay for the damage they cause? You’ll hear real family stories, a breakdown of natural vs logical consequences, and a powerful mindset shift that helps kids take ownership without shame — and keeps ...

What happens when you pour condensed milk instead of coconut milk into your family curry? Justin’s kitchen disaster could’ve ended in chaos—but instead, it became a story of laughter, grace, and doing better tomorrow.

In this heartwarming (and hilarious) episode, Justin and Kylie share their biggest parenting fails—from theme park terrors to dinner gone wrong—and reveal the secret ingredient that ...

If you ever feel like there’s never enough time — this episode is your deep breath. Justin and Kylie unpack the idea of “time abundance” — how to slow life down when the to-do list never ends. From the psychology of feeling rushed to practical ways to reclaim calm, this is your permission slip to stop racing and start living with more space, energy, and joy.

KEY POINT...

Teens are forming emotional bonds — not just online, but with AI companions. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson talks with Brown University psychologist Dr Jacqueline Nesi, author of Techno Sapiens, about the fast-growing world of AI “friendships” and what they mean for kids’ mental health. They also unpack Jackie’s latest research revealing how often teens check their phones — and how it&rs...