No One Talks About the Real Cost of Family Fun - Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

What kind of parent willingly gives up a peaceful beach day… for four hours of standing in theme park lines? In this episode, Justin shares the story of his most "Father of the Year" moment — and Kylie reveals how she did something even braver. If you’ve ever had to choose between comfort and connection, this one’s for you.

KEY POINTS:

Why showing up — even when it’s uncomfortable — creates lasting memories for our kids.The unexpected benefits of shared boredom (like standing in line together!).How doing things you hate can still bring joy — to both you and your kids.The value of modelling courage, humour, and presence (even on the Kansas Twister).Why it’s often the hard, inconvenient moments that matter most in family life.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:

“Do the hard things. The joy it brings your kids — seeing you squeal, be scared, and do it anyway — you can’t put a price on that.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

HappyFamilies.com.au — for more parenting inspiration and tools.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Say Yes to the Hard Thing – Whether it’s a dreaded ride, a messy game, or a long conversation, lean in.
2. Model Being Brave – Let your kids see you doing things outside your comfort zone.
3. Find Joy in the Chaos – Embrace the mess, the lines, and the noise as chances to connect.
4. Reflect and Celebrate – Share the story with your kids afterwards. Celebrate effort, not perfection.
5. Plan Your Own "Hard Thing" – Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do this week that puts my kids first, even if it’s uncomfortable?

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