Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Epizody

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  Raising Kids Who Can Handle Hard Things [with Ant Williams] 29.09.2026 15min

  What if protecting our kids too much is actually holding them back? In this powerful conversation, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with extreme athlete, sports psychologist, and author Ant Williams to unpack why so many kids struggle with pressure, discomfort, and resilience — and what parents can do differently. From diving beneath Arctic ice to coaching elite athletes under extreme stress, Ant shares the mindset shifts that help people stay calm, capable, and courageous when life gets hard. Together, they explore the parenting habits that unintentionally weaken resilience, the fine line between support and overprotection, and why kids need opportunities to struggle, fail, and recover. If your child avoids hard things, melts down under pressure, or constantly says “I can’t”, this episode will change the way you respond. KEY POINTS Why resilience is built through challenge — not comfort The difference between being a safety net and a shield How parents accidentally reinforce anxiety and avoidance Why kids need evidence they can handle hard things The long-term risks of wrapping children in cotton wool How your reactions to stress become your child’s template The simple “fish hook” strategy for staying calm under pressure Why modelling courage matters more than preaching confidence QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Our reaction becomes their template.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Let It Be Tough by Ant Williams Resilience: Developing strength, calm, & kindness in our kids [a Happy Families Webinar] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Resist rescuing your child from every uncomfortable situation Encourage small, manageable challenges that build confidence Talk openly about your own fears and how you handle them Stay calm during stressful moments — your child is learning from your response Focus on supporting your child, not shielding them Help kids reflect after setbacks instead of immediately fixing things See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Hidden Cost of Fighting the Wrong Battles (a Q&A) 28.09.2026 14min

  You’re worried. They don’t care. And somehow, headphones have become the hill your relationship might die on. When one mum fears Bluetooth is harming her teen’s brain—and he flatly refuses to listen—this episode unpacks what’s really going on beneath the conflict. Because this isn’t just about radiation. It’s about teenage psychology, risk, independence… and knowing which battles are worth fighting. KEY POINTS Why “I don’t care, I’ll be fine” is peak teenage brain development The surprising truth about Bluetooth and radiation risk What actually is harming teens’ hearing (and why it matters more) Why logic and research rarely change teen behaviour How pushing too hard can quietly damage your relationship The mindset shift that instantly reduces conflict with teens A simple compromise that teens are far more likely to accept QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “‘I don’t care, I’ll be fine’ is the most accurate summary of a teenage boy’s brain.” RESOURCES MENTIONED World Health Organization (2023 review on wireless device exposure) BMJ Global Health study on youth hearing loss risk ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Let go of battles that don’t have strong evidence behind them Focus on connection before correction Shift the conversation from “danger” to “practical impact” Set boundaries where it matters most—and hold those consistently Talk about volume, not just device use Offer compromises your teen can realistically agree to Protect the relationship, even when you disagree See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why Your Kids Only Listen When There’s a Reward 27.09.2026 21min

  Your child can spend hours on screens without being asked… but getting them to empty the dishwasher feels impossible. So what’s really going on with motivation? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the psychology of motivation and reveal why rewards, punishments, nagging, and bribery often backfire. You’ll learn the “motivation continuum” — the simple framework that explains why some kids resist everything while others willingly pitch in, help out, and take responsibility. This conversation will completely change the way you think about chores, homework, screens, sibling conflict, and parenting cooperation. If you’re tired of constantly cracking the whip, this episode offers a better way. KEY POINTS Why rewards and punishments only work short-term The hidden downside of paying kids for chores The difference between external and internal motivation How children move from resistance to ownership Why “identified motivation” is the parenting sweet spot The powerful role values play in behaviour How motivation shifts depending on stress, sleep, and emotions Practical ways to help kids genuinely want to contribute QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “The question isn’t how motivated your child is. The question is how your child is motivated.” RESOURCES Boys by Dr Justin Coulson The “The 3 Es of Effective Discipline” framework  Episode #1093 When the 3 E's Don't Work Simple Tips for Parents to Boost Motivation in Kids [Article] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Stop relying on rewards as your first strategy Talk with your child about why certain behaviours matter Help children identify the value behind responsibilities Focus on contribution, teamwork, and belonging at home Remember that motivation is fluid — tired, stressed kids struggle more See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Lessons From Lion's Star Lachie Neale 24.09.2026 17min

  What happens when your child knows they did the wrong thing but immediately reaches for an excuse? The Lachie Neale tribunal story gives parents a surprisingly useful way into a bigger conversation about responsibility, consequences and healthy masculinity. Justin and Kylie unpack what happens when kids blame others, deny what happened or expect an exception because the circumstances feel unfair. They also explore the difference between standing up for someone and getting even, why anger can lead to poor choices, and how parents can support their kids through consequences without rescuing them from the discomfort. KEY POINTS Helping kids move from blame, excuse and denial to ownership, accountability and responsibility Why rules need to apply even when someone is talented, popular or important The difference between loyalty and retaliation Why parents often want to rescue kids from consequences How to support your child without taking responsibility for their choices What healthy masculinity looks like when things go wrong Why the way someone responds after a mistake tells us a lot about them QUOTE OF THE EPISODE“I'm not here to rescue you. I care, but I can't carry you.” RESOURCES MENTIONED The OAR framework: Ownership, Accountability and Responsibility ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTSAsk your kids: What would you do if you saw a friend getting shoved? Should the best player get different rules? What's the difference between sticking up for someone and getting even? When your child makes a mistake, resist the urge to fix the consequence. Help them own what happened, understand the impact and work out what they can do differently next time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Teaching Kids About Friendship 23.09.2026 16min

  Friendship drama is one of the biggest sources of stress for kids — and heartbreak for parents. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the six powerful habits that create strong, lasting friendships and explain how parents can help children build healthier relationships from the very beginning. From loyalty and inclusion to emotional support and trust, these simple but profound friendship skills can shape your child’s confidence, wellbeing, and sense of belonging for years to come. If your child is struggling socially, feeling left out, or constantly caught in friendship ups and downs, this conversation will help you guide them with clarity and compassion. KEY POINTS: The six friendship habits linked to stronger relationships Why loyalty matters more than popularity How gossip quietly destroys trust The difference between emotional support and “fixing” Why belonging at school impacts lifelong wellbeing How small acts of kindness deepen friendships What parents can teach kids about inclusion and empathy SIX ELEMENTS TO MAKE FRIENDSHIPS FLOURISH: Standing up for a friend in their absence Sharing important news Providing emotional support Trusting and confiding in each other Volunteering help when required Making an effort to make the other person happy QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Kids who understand that friendships require active care are far better equipped to keep them.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Research by Michael Argyle and Monika Henderson on friendship  Dr Kelly-Ann Allen’s work on school belonging ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Talk with your child about what loyalty looks like in friendship Encourage them to include others and notice who gets left out Teach them to pause before sharing hurtful information Model emotional support by listening without trying to fix everything Help them look for small ways to encourage and serve friends Remind them that good friendships need effort, kindness, and consistency See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Hidden Breathing Problem That Can Look Like ADHD 22.09.2026 12min

  Your child’s behaviour problems might start with the way they breathe. Dentist Dr Jason Leung joins Justin to explain why mouth breathing can affect sleep, concentration, emotional regulation and behaviour, and why some of the signs can look remarkably similar to ADHD. They unpack the clues parents often miss, including snoring, teeth grinding, waking tired and breathing through an open mouth. Jason also explains why jumping straight to mouth taping, expanders or other devices may not fix the underlying problem, and what parents should check first. KEY POINTS How mouth breathing can interfere with quality sleep Why poor sleep can show up as hyperactivity, poor concentration, grumpiness and meltdowns The possible connection between sleep-disordered breathing and ADHD-like behaviour Signs to watch for, including snoring and teeth grinding Why children need to be able to breathe freely through their nose before trying to change their breathing habits The role of the tongue, lips and diaphragm in healthy breathing Why mouth tape and airway devices aren't always the answer When Jason recommends having a child’s breathing and oral function assessed QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “If you don't have good sleep, what happens for a child? They're not concentrating. They're hyperactive. They're waking up tired.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr Jason Leung, Oral Myology Perth Breath by James Nestor ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Notice how your child breathes when they’re relaxed and asleep. Look for regular mouth breathing, snoring or teeth grinding. Pay attention to whether they wake tired, grumpy or poorly regulated despite getting enough hours in bed. Don’t use mouth tape if your child cannot comfortably breathe through their nose. If you’re concerned, seek professional assessment of their airway, breathing and oral function. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Raising Responsible Readers [a Q&A About Inappropriate Books] 21.09.2026 12min

  Your child loves reading… but now the books feel too mature. Do you step in, or risk shutting it down altogether? This episode tackles the tricky middle ground between protecting your child and preserving their love of reading. Discover how to set boundaries without constant battles, why pushing back can backfire, and how to guide your child toward better choices—without losing connection.  Plus some great book recommendations below! KEY POINTS: Why boundary-pushing is a normal (and necessary) part of growing up The tension between encouraging reading and managing content The risk of shutting down a child’s love of reading How to guide without controlling—and reduce power struggles When to hold firm boundaries—and when to soften Shifting from protecting kids to preparing them QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “Get curious, not furious—because the moment you push, they pull away.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Keepers Trilogy by Leanne Tanner The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Clean romance suggestions for 10-12 and 12-14 year olds (from @thekidsbookshop) Two Hearts - Australian middle-grade romance series Romance Novels for Tweens - compiled by author A.L.Tait (@yourkidsnextread) Top 48 reads for kids aged 9-12 - free download from @bookswithbecandjane ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Protect your child’s love of reading—even when the content worries you Have regular, low-pressure conversations about what they’re reading Ask more questions instead of shutting things down Offer alternatives that align with their interests (not just “better” options) Set clear boundaries where it truly matters—and explain why Focus on teaching values so they can self-regulate over time See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Nobody Likes You When You're Like This 20.09.2026 12min

  When life gets overwhelming, even good people become hard to live with. In this deeply honest episode, Justin and Kylie open up about the pressure, stress, snapping, guilt, and emotional overload that can quietly take over family life — especially when the mental load becomes too heavy to carry well. From impossible deadlines and overflowing to-do lists to the simple reset strategies that actually help, this conversation is a powerful reminder that productivity means nothing if it costs you your relationships. If you’ve ever felt short-tempered, emotionally unavailable, constantly “on edge,” or like your family gets the worst version of you… this episode will hit close to home. KEY POINTS Why overwhelm makes us less patient, kind, and emotionally available The hidden cost of “pushing through” stress How emotional bandwidth affects family relationships Simple ways to reset when you’re close to breaking point Why movement, sleep, connection, breathing, and nutrition matter more than we think The surprising productivity boost that comes from slowing down QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Stop being a human doing and remember how it feels to be a human being.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson 4-7-8 breathing technique happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Pause for 5–10 minutes before pushing harder Go outside, move your body, or reconnect with someone you love Prioritise sleep, hydration, and proper meals during stressful seasons Notice when your overwhelm is spilling onto your family Replace “powering through” with small moments of regulation and connection See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Stop Pushing and Watch What Changes 17.09.2026 16min

  The harder we push, the more our kids can push back. Fresh from a free-diving trip in the Philippines, Justin shares an unexpected parenting lesson from 20 metres underwater: staying calm can get you further than forcing your way through. Kylie brings it back to the village around our kids and the power of adults who stop, listen and make a child feel like the most important person in the room. KEY POINTS Why force often creates resistance with kids What freediving taught Justin about staying calm under pressure How regulating ourselves can change a difficult parenting moment Why kids need trusted adults beyond their parents The impact of giving children your full attention How ordinary moments can help rebuild the village around our kids QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Force creates resistance.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Let It Be Tough by Ant Williams Happy Families ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS When tension rises, slow yourself down before responding. Notice when you’re trying to force an outcome and soften your approach. Give your child your full attention when they want to tell you something. Think about the good adults in your child’s life and create more opportunities for connection with them. Be that trusted adult for another child in your wider family or community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Do You Know That's Wrong? 16.09.2026 15min

  Location tracking. Checking a partner’s phone. Constantly asking where they are and who they’re with. For some teenagers, controlling behaviour is becoming so normal they may not even recognise it as a red flag. Justin and Kylie share three simple questions sparked by Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny’s conversation with her teenage son: Do you know that’s wrong? Do you know that’s a red flag? What do the girls think? They unpack consent, coercive control, rejection and the messages boys are absorbing about what it means to be a man. Most importantly, they explain why these conversations need to start long before our kids begin dating. KEY POINTS Why jealousy, phone checking and location tracking can be mistaken for love or devotion Three questions that help teenagers recognise controlling behaviour Why conversations about consent should start when children are young Teaching kids to trust the feeling that says, “I don’t like this” Helping boys understand that rejection should be met with grace How online culture and unhealthy models of masculinity can shape boys’ ideas about relationships Why healthy relationships should leave people feeling safer and stronger Keeping conversations open so kids come to you when something doesn’t feel right QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Healthy males help the people around them feel safer and stronger.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Boys: Building Strong Men From the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny’s comments about coercive control Happy Families school parent presentations ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask the three questions: When relationship behaviour comes up, ask, “Do you know that’s wrong?”, “Do you know that’s a red flag?” and “What does the other person think?” Start consent conversations early: Teach younger children that they can say no to unwanted affection, scary play or anything that makes them uncomfortable. Talk about what healthy masculinity looks like: Ask your child when they saw a boy or man help someone feel safer and stronger today. Talk about the opposite: Ask when they saw someone leave another person feeling smaller or weaker, then discuss what made the behaviour different. Keep talking: Make relationships, consent, pornography, online influences and red flags normal topics of conversation rather than one big awkward talkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Screens, Kids & the Hijacked Brain: Dr Wayne Warburton on Beating Screen Addiction 15.09.2026 15min

  Is your child’s screen time spiralling—and every conversation about it ends in a fight? Professor Wayne Warburton, leading psychologist and researcher, reveals how apps and games are deliberately engineered to hook young brains. He explains the hidden neuroscience of addiction, what excessive screen use does to a child’s emotional regulation and attention, and how parents can reclaim calm without all-out war. If you’ve ever wondered why your tween melts down when you say “time’s up,” this episode is a must-listen. KEY POINTS Why modern apps use gambling-style tactics and AI to keep kids scrolling. How heavy screen use weakens the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that manages focus, planning, and emotional control. Simple, science-backed steps to reset family screen habits and return kids to the “driver’s seat.” Practical advice for conversations that don’t turn into shouting matches. Why social connection doesn’t have to mean social media. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE“It’s not your child’s fault—or yours. These products are built to be addictive. The goal is to put your child back in the driver’s seat, not the screen.” — Dr Wayne Warburton RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr Wayne Warburton’s books Growing Up Fast and Furious and The Importance of Media Literacy HappyFamilies.com.au for family screen-plan templates and parenting resources ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Choose the right moment: Discuss screens only when everyone is calm and offline. Externalise the problem: Frame it as “us versus the tech designers,” not parent versus child. Co-create a plan: Involve kids in setting screen limits and consequences; write it down. Build healthy replacements: Help kids identify offline ways to cope with boredom, anxiety, or stress. Model balance: Show your own healthy screen habits—your example speaks louder than rules. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  When Your Child Hates the School You Chose [a Listener Q&A] 14.09.2026 13min

  You’ve chosen the school you believe is best for your child. There’s just one problem. They absolutely refuse to go. When an 11-year-old is threatening to cut up his uniform and stay home rather than attend the high school his parents have chosen, pushing harder is unlikely to help. Justin and Kylie explain why force creates resistance, what might really be underneath a child’s refusal, and how to have the conversation that could change everything. KEY POINTS Why trying to convince your child you’re right can make them dig in harder The three needs driving your child’s response: connection, competence and autonomy Why feeling heard needs to come before problem-solving How to listen without adding your own interpretation Why writing your child’s concerns down can take the heat out of the conversation How to explain your reasons once your child knows you understand theirs Using trial days and agreed expectations to move forward Why the school that looks best on paper may not be the school where your child thrives QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Force creates resistance. The harder you push, the harder your kids push back.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Self-Determination Theory Basic Psychological Need Theory Autonomy-supportive parenting ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Stop trying to win the argument. Shift the goal from convincing your child to understanding them. Ask what you’re missing. Give them space to explain every concern without correcting or defending. Write it down. Take their concerns seriously enough to make notes, then repeat them back without adding your interpretation. Wait for the “yes, you get it”. If they’re still correcting you, keep listening. Explain your why. Once they feel understood, share the two or three reasons behind your preferred school. Look for a workable next step. Consider an experience day, trial period or clear agreement about what giving the school a genuine chance will look like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  5 Things to Stop Saying to Your Kids 13.09.2026 16min

  Some of the most well-intentioned things we say to our kids can backfire. From “Good job, you’re so smart” to “You’ll be fine” and “Why can’t you be more like your sister?”, Justin and Kylie unpack five common phrases that can undermine confidence, shut down emotions and create distance between parents and kids. More importantly, they share what to say instead to help kids feel understood, capable and connected. KEY POINTS Why too much praise can make kids depend on external validation The hidden cost of saying “I’m disappointed in you” Why “You’ll be fine” can leave a struggling child feeling alone How comparing siblings can fuel conflict and self-doubt Why saying “I was never good at maths either” can create a limiting mindset Simple phrases that build connection without trying to fix everything QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “You need to know that we love you no matter what.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman Research by Wolf Meyer on praise and children’s perceptions of ability Research by Eddie Brummelman on inflated praise Research by Avi Assor and Guy Roth on conditional parental regard ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Swap automatic praise for curiosity: “What did you enjoy about that?” Replace disappointment with connection: “We love you no matter what. Let’s work through this.” Validate hard feelings before offering solutions: “This is really tough, isn’t it?” Stop comparing siblings, friends or abilities Replace “We’re just not good at that” with “Let’s work it out” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Greatest Legacy a Dad Can Leave 10.09.2026 15min

  The best Father’s Day had almost nothing to do with presents. Justin and Kylie share the unexpectedly beautiful family dinner that turned into stories, tears, terrible dancing and a powerful reminder of what children really take from their dads. As each daughter shared what she loved about Justin, one message kept coming through: the way a father loves his partner can shape what his children expect from love for years to come. KEY POINTS Why gifts and big expectations can make special days fall flat The simple dinner-table tradition that changed the whole night Why telling family members what you love about them matters How old family songs brought childhood memories flooding back The relationship lesson Justin and Kylie’s daughters have absorbed from watching their parents Why strong family bonds can add to our lives rather than restrict them QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “The greatest legacy you as their dad have given them already is the way you love me.” RESOURCES MENTIONED “Blue Hotel” by Chris Isaak “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman “We Will Rock You” by Queen ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Tell your partner and children something specific you love about them. Bring back a song, ritual or tradition your family has let slip. Create time together that isn’t centred around buying things. Consider what your children are learning about relationships by watching yours. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why Overthinking Decisions Makes Us Less Happy 09.09.2026 16min

  More choice should make us happier. Turns out, it often does the opposite. Whether it’s choosing a movie, buying a pair of jeans or helping your child pick school subjects, searching for the absolute best option can leave us anxious, regretful and less satisfied with what we eventually choose. Justin and Kylie unpack the psychology of maximising versus satisficing and what the research reveals about decision-making. They explore why “good enough” can sometimes make us happier, how too many choices affect kids, and how to know when a decision deserves serious thought and when it’s time to stop searching. KEY POINTS The difference between maximisers and satisficers Why finding the “best” option doesn’t always make us happier How too many choices can increase regret and dissatisfaction Why kids often benefit from fewer options How to decide what “good enough” looks like before you start searching Which decisions deserve more time and which ones don’t How parents can model confident decision-making QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “If you can decide what’s going to be good enough before you start the search, then once you find it, you can stop the search.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Herbert Simon’s concept of “satisficing” Research by Sheena Iyengar, Barry Schwartz and Jonathan Wells on maximising and decision-making ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Shrink the choice. Give children two or three options instead of an endless list. Set the standard first. Decide what “good enough” looks like before searching. Say it out loud. Let your kids hear you say, “This works. I’m happy with this choice.” Match the effort to the decision. University choices deserve more thought than what to eat for dinner. Notice decision avoidance. Ask whether you’re still searching for a better answer or because committing to one feels uncomfortable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Derek McCormack on Parental Stress and Burnout 08.09.2026 17min

  Parents have more advice, information and expert guidance than ever before. So why are so many feeling stressed, isolated and burnt out? More than 10,000 Australian parents took part in the Parenting Today study, revealing a worrying decline in wellbeing, self-compassion and connection. Justin speaks with Derek McCormick, Director of Raising Children Network, about what's putting parents under so much pressure and whether the constant stream of parenting advice is part of the problem. They unpack information overload, social media, AI, loneliness and the one simple shift that can help when parenting feels like too much. KEY POINTS What more than 10,000 Australian parents revealed about parenting today Why having more parenting information hasn't necessarily made parenting easier How social media and influencers can leave good parents feeling like they're getting it wrong Why trusted information matters, but information alone isn't enough The importance of real-world connection and peer support Why keeping communication open with your kids matters more than pushing them to talk How AI is changing where parents go for advice Why self-compassion is a practical tool for overwhelmed parents QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Do I talk to myself the way I would talk to a good friend?"Derek McCormick RESOURCES MENTIONED Raising Children Network Parenting Today study from the Parenting Research Centre MyTime peer support groups Happy Families Burnt Out webinar (included in the Happy Families membership) ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Audit where your parenting advice is coming from. Choose sources you genuinely trust. Notice which accounts, reels or advice leave you feeling inadequate. Give yourself permission to unfollow. Talk to yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a struggling friend. Reach out to someone you trust instead of carrying the hard parts of parenting alone. Focus on creating a relationship where your child feels safe bringing problems to you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why Restricting Party Treats Can Backfire [a Listener Q&A] 07.09.2026 14min

  Your child is standing in front of a party table loaded with cake, lollies and soft drink. Do you step in or let them go for it? Justin and Kylie’s answer might surprise you: let the party be the party. Research suggests that tightly restricting treats can make kids want them even more. Instead of policing every mouthful, this episode explores how parents can help kids build genuine self-control, trust around food and the ability to notice when their body has had enough. KEY POINTS Why restricting treats can make them more desirable The problem with policing what kids eat at parties Why healthy food habits are built at home, not beside the lolly table How trust helps kids develop their own self-control Why parents can decide what food is offered while kids decide whether and how much they eat How to help kids recognise their body's signals Why the best teaching moment may come after the party QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “The child who is calm around the lolly table got there by being trusted around food when it wasn't a big deal.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Fisher and Birch research on restricting children's access to palatable foods Walter Mischel's Marshmallow Experiment and the 2018 replication study Ellyn Satter's Division of Responsibility in Feeding ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Let parties be parties. One afternoon of cake and lollies isn't going to determine your child's health. Build everyday habits at home. Offer nutritious options without turning food into a constant battle. Take the drama out of treats. Avoid making sugary food forbidden, precious or unusually exciting. Give your child some control. Let them practise deciding how much they want to eat. Talk afterwards. If they come home feeling sick or uncomfortable, help them connect how they feel with what they ate rather than lecturing them at the party. Teach body awareness. Help them notice hunger, fullness and how different foods make them feel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What Your Child Is Being Taught About Gender at School [with Clare Rowe] 06.09.2026 23min

  Do you actually know what your child is being taught about gender and identity at school? Child and adolescent psychologist Clare Rowe says many parents have no idea what is being introduced in classrooms, particularly in the early primary years. She joins Justin to unpack what she believes is a growing gap between what children are being taught and what they are developmentally ready to understand. They discuss gender identity education, the role of schools versus parents, what Clare is seeing in her psychology practice, and why she believes parents need greater transparency about classroom content. Most importantly, Clare explains how parents can find out exactly what their school is teaching without starting a fight. KEY POINTS Why Clare believes some gender concepts are being introduced too early The difference between teaching inclusion and introducing complex ideas about identity Why young children can struggle with abstract concepts What Clare is seeing among children presenting with gender distress The concern around moving young people quickly towards medical interventions Why parents may not know what outside providers are teaching at school How to ask your school for lesson plans and curriculum information without becoming confrontational QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Get curious, not furious.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Clare Rowe and Rowe & Associates Child and Family Psychology The Rowe Report On the Couch with Clare Respectful Relationships programs Happy Families ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask your school what your child is being taught about sex, gender and identity. Request lesson plans, curriculum details and information about any third-party providers. Find out when this content will be taught so you can talk about it at home. Approach the school calmly and ask questions before drawing conclusions. Consider approaching the school with two or three other parents if you feel more comfortable doing it together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Millenial Dads (When Mum Goes Away) 03.09.2026 14min

  What if trying to create the perfect family moment is the very thing getting in the way? After a week away with three of their daughters, Kylie realised she’d arrived with a clear picture of how their time together should look. The reality was completely different. And it turned out to be better. Justin and Kylie unpack the pressure parents put on themselves to get the “recipe” right, why our kids need room to make their own choices, and how letting go of control can create more connection. Justin also shares what happened when Kylie left him juggling work and parenting, including one spectacular diary fail, and why simple, low-pressure time together can be some of the best parenting we do. KEY POINTS Why parenting doesn’t come with a guaranteed recipe for happy, successful kids How expectations can turn good family experiences into disappointments Why giving kids space can lead to more openness and connection The power of simple, unstructured time with your child Why presence, patience and understanding often matter more than elaborate plans - Justin’s lesson in juggling work and parenting when Kylie went away QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “It’s the simple stuff that makes our families work the best.” RESOURCES MENTIONED What Your Child Needs From You by Justin Coulson ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Notice where you’ve created a “recipe” for how family life should look. Leave room for your child to choose how they experience a moment. Swap one carefully planned activity for simple time together. Focus less on monitoring and more on creating a relationship where your child wants to talk to you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  AI Is Making Real Relationships Feel Harder 02.09.2026 11min

  AI never gets annoyed with you. It rarely pushes back. And it’s very good at telling you exactly what you want to hear. New research suggests that this constant validation may come with a cost. After just three weeks of interacting with sycophantic AI, people were more likely to seek personal advice from AI and reported feeling less satisfied with their real-world relationships. Many preferred the agreeable AI because it made them feel understood. Justin and Kylie unpack what this means for kids growing up with AI as a confidant, adviser and sounding board. Real relationships involve disagreement, compromise and uncomfortable conversations. If AI removes that friction, are our kids missing the chance to learn how to handle it? KEY POINTS Why AI is designed to feel validating, agreeable and supportive How constant affirmation can reinforce our existing point of view Why people may start preferring AI advice to conversations with family and friends The risk of using AI as a therapist during relationship conflict Why disagreement and friction are important relationship skills How parents can help kids use AI without outsourcing their thinking or relationships QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Sycophantic AI is making our human interactions harder and less satisfying.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Research paper: Sycophantic AI Makes Human Interaction Feel More Effortful and Less Satisfying Over Time ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Explain “sycophancy” to your kids and show them how AI can agree with and validate the person prompting it. Encourage kids to question AI responses rather than treating them as neutral advice. Be cautious about using AI to decide who is right during friendship or family conflict. Help kids practise disagreement, compromise and repair with real people. Model curiosity when challenged instead of immediately defending your position. Keep talking. A real conversation may be messier than AI, but learning to navigate that mess matters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.