Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

What do you do when your child comes home from the other parent’s house completely dysregulated—tantrums, tears, and turmoil? In this episode, Justin and Kylie respond to a heartfelt question from a grandparent caring for her four-year-old grandson. Together, they explore why these transitions are so tough, what’s really going on beneath the surface, and how to create calm, connection, and consistency after a disr...

Pop star Chappell Roan recently claimed that all her friends with kids are “in hell” and have “no light in their eyes.” But is parenthood really as bleak as she makes it out to be? In this thought-provoking episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack this viral comment with equal parts data, personal reflection, and heartfelt perspective. Together, they explore the complex relationship between parenting and hap...

ADHD is now the most diagnosed condition among Australian children under 14, and anxiety tops the list for teens. In this important episode, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with clinical psychologist Dr Jaimie Northam about the rise in childhood mental health challenges, the role of early intervention, and how parents can meaningfully support their kids. From understan...

In this heartwarming 'I'll Do Better Tomorrow' episode, Justin and Kylie share personal parenting wins and lessons from the week that was—featuring an inspiring story from Happy Families team member Mim. From the transformative power of early mornings to the deep connection built through presence, this episode is all about slowing down, showing up, and making time for what matters most.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking you totally bombed it—only to find out later that the other person actually liked you? This “liking gap” is more common than you think, especially in kids. In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie explore fascinating new research about why we often underestimate how much others enjoy our company. They share insig...

Some kids thrive anywhere. Others need more care to flourish. In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson explore the powerful metaphor of “dandelion and orchid” children—an idea shared by clinical psychologist Dr. Jamie Northam. They discuss how different temperaments impact mental health, why parenting must be tailored, and how to know when you...

In this episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie tackle a tricky parenting dilemma: how to support your adult child without damaging the relationship. Responding to a listener's concern about her 20-year-old daughter's social media presence, they explore the importance of autonomy, the dangers of forceful guidance, and how parents can remain a supportive influence while respecting b...

In this heartfelt episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie take a nostalgic look back at the parenting moments that once felt overwhelming — but now feel deeply missed. From sleepless nights to endless toddler questions, they reflect on the beauty hidden in the chaos of raising young children, and why it’s so important to soak up the s...

We sit down with world-renowned author and speaker Alfie Kohn to explore why traditional discipline methods—punishments and rewards—don’t truly work. We unpack how control-based parenting backfires, what the research says about intrinsic motivation, and how parents can move from “doing things to children” to “working with children” to foster true moral dev...

Three powerful takeaways from our Easter holidays—lessons about mindset, risk, and meaningful connection. From a life-changing mindset shift at the Easter Show to a serious accident that reinforced the importance of risky play, plus a week without screens that revealed what kids really crave, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration for every parent.

Is it true that women speak far more than men—or is that just a stereotype? In this playful but thoughtful episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the latest research on gender and communication, challenge outdated myths, and explore what it means for raising connected, considerate kids. Plus, practical strategies for parents dealing with the infamous teenage grunt!

What if both punishments and rewards were doing more harm than good? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Justin and Kylie Coulson preview a powerful interview with renowned author and social critic Alfie Kohn, whose work challenges everything we thought we knew about behavior, discipline, and motivation. Discover why traditional approaches to parenting might be undermining your child’s mo...

What do you do when your teen pushes back on your tech boundaries—especially when they paid for the device themselves? In this episode, Dr. Justin and Kylie Coulson tackle two parent questions about teenage independence, screen use, and safety. They offer a practical, relationship-first strategy for navigating the tension between adolescent autonomy and parental responsibility, using their t...

Justin and Kylie reflect on a broken promise many families made during COVID — to never return to the rushed, overscheduled lives we previously lived. They explore the concept of "Hurried Child Syndrome," first introduced by Dr. David Elkind, and discuss the troubling impacts of pushing children to grow up too fast. With honesty and humor, they offer practical insights and three powerful str...

The mental load in families isn't just about remembering school events or planning meals - it's an invisible, boundaryless, and enduring form of labour that impacts relationships, careers, and wellbeing. Join Professor Leah Ruppanner from the University of Melbourne as she unpacks groundbreaking research on how mental load affects modern families, why it's not just about task-sharing, and what couples can do to create more balance.

From dinosaur cartilage to gluten-free unicorn tears, the wellness industry has gone off the rails. Drawing from viral content creator Caitlin Murray's (@BigTimeAdulting) hilarious take on modern health advice, we unpack why women's health has become so complicated and offer practical alternatives to the supplement-heavy, social-media-driven wellness culture.

Quote of the Episode: "The best health plan is the one that you can maint...

Why do our kids lose it over the smallest things—and how can we help them hold it together? In this insightful episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack what emotional regulation really means and share a simple 3-step framework to help kids (and parents!) handle big feelings more effectively. Whether it's tantrums, sibling fights, or homework meltdowns, these tools will help your family build...

Consent isn’t just a conversation for teens—it starts from birth and evolves with every stage of childhood. In this important episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack how to teach kids about consent from zero to adolescence. From tickle fights to tricky teen moments, this is your guide to raising respectful, confident kids who know their rights, understand boundaries, and feel empowere...

What happens when a high-achieving mum, running two businesses and parenting three kids, discovers that the chaos in her life isn’t just “normal”—it’s undiagnosed ADHD? In this powerful and relatable conversation, Justin chats with former psychologist and ADHD advocate Jane McFadden about her late diagnosis, parenting in a neurodiverse family, and why understanding is...