Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Episode

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  I Blew It With Our Daughter Then Asked One Question 13.08.2026 13mnt

  Sometimes the biggest parenting breakthroughs come right after we completely blow it. Justin admits he let protective-dad mode take over when he confronted his daughter about a boyfriend he didn’t trust. The conversation went badly. Hours later, he tried again with one simple question: “What don’t I know?” Her response changed the conversation. Justin and Kylie unpack what happens when parents stop assuming they have the full story, how to repair things after getting it wrong, and why listening can give teenagers the space to make thoughtful choices without shutting their parents out. Plus, Kylie’s crochet habit is taking over the house, and she prepares for a special overseas trip with three of their daughters as they head towards some big life changes. KEY POINTS Why telling a teen what to do can shut down the conversation The powerful question that helped Justin see the situation differently How curiosity can get you further than criticism Why apologising to your child doesn’t weaken your authority Helping teens make safe, healthy choices without trying to control them Why parenting mistakes matter less when we know how to repair them Celebrating older kids as they become more independent QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “What don’t I know?” RESOURCES MENTIONED Happy Families resources and parenting support Justin’s parenting workshops The family practice of using dinner-table conversations to notice bravery, consideration, healthy relationships and gratitude ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS When you feel yourself jumping to conclusions, ask: “What don’t I know?” If you handle a conversation badly, own it and apologise. Ask your child to explain what you’re missing before offering advice. Listen without preparing your rebuttal. Once you understand their perspective, talk together about choices that are considerate, wise, safe and healthy. Create small family rituals that celebrate your kids as they grow and become more independent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Simple Secret to Feeling Included 12.08.2026 15mnt

  Your child wants to join the game. You want to join the coffee group. Your teenager wants to be part of the weekend plans. So why does asking feel so impossible? New research reveals that most of us get one crucial social prediction completely wrong. We assume people don't want us there when the opposite is often true. In this episode, Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the surprising psychology behind "self invitation hesitation", why adults and kids both hold themselves back, and how one simple question can open the door to stronger friendships, greater confidence, and a deeper sense of belonging. KEY POINTS Why we assume we're not wanted, even when we usually are. The surprising research showing most people are happy to include us. How fear of rejection keeps adults and children isolated. Why young children ask to join in without hesitation and what changes as they grow. How to help kids handle rejection without taking it personally. Why parents should model asking to be included. Small ways to teach children that belonging starts with courage. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Most people are far more pleased that you asked than you ever imagine." RESOURCES MENTIONED Research on self invitation hesitation published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin by Givi and colleagues. Previous Happy Families conversations with Nicholas Epley on why people like us more than we think. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Encourage your child to ask, "Can I join?" instead of assuming the answer is no. Help them see rejection as one moment, not a verdict about who they are. Invite others into your own plans so inclusion becomes normal. Let your children see you ask to join social activities. Talk about the difference between being forgotten and being deliberately excluded. Celebrate courage, even when the answer isn't yes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Screen Mistake Parents Don't See Until It's Too Late [with Madonna King] 11.08.2026 18mnt

  You banned social media. You set the rules. You thought the biggest danger was over. It isn't. Award-winning journalist Madonna King has spent more than a year speaking with hundreds of children, parents, teachers, psychologists and researchers. What she uncovered will change the way you think about every screen in your home. This conversation goes far beyond social media. From AI doing our kids' thinking for them to the quiet loss of patience, creativity and resilience, Madonna explains why the biggest risks are often the ones no one is talking about. Most importantly, she shares practical ways to reset your family's relationship with technology without constant battles. If you've ever wondered whether screens are changing your child, this episode will leave you seeing them differently. KEY POINTS Why banning social media doesn't solve the bigger problem. The hidden risks inside gaming platforms and AI. How AI is teaching children to stop thinking for themselves. Why instant gratification is reshaping behaviour, resilience and learning. Simple ways to reset screen habits without creating daily conflict. The small family rituals that build patience, connection and confidence. Why your own screen habits matter more than you think. The shocking amount of data already collected about the average teenager. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Parents really want their children to grow up kind, curious and clever. Yet we're risking that by allowing strangers and algorithms to shape who they become." — Madonna King RESOURCES MENTIONED Screen Wise: Take Back Control of Screen Time for Toddlers to Teens by Madonna King Happy Families Screen Smart Series ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Look beyond social media and review every screen your child uses. Choose one family habit that teaches patience, like cooking together, waiting before buying something or playing board games. Create regular screen-free family time where everyone puts their phone away. Replace some screen time with creative hobbies that slow life down. Take an honest look at your own screen habits. Your child is watching. Start conversations about AI instead of assuming your child knows how to use it safely. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How to Stop Sibling Squabbles [a listener Q&A] 10.08.2026 13mnt

  The constant bickering is exhausting. One child is breathing too loudly. Someone looked at someone the wrong way. Another toy has been touched. If you're breaking up the same tiny arguments every day, this episode will change the way you respond. Justin and Kylie explain why stepping in too quickly often makes sibling conflict worse, and share a simple strategy that helps children solve problems themselves. It's practical, realistic, and designed for the everyday squabbles that slowly wear parents down. KEY POINTS Why low level sibling conflict is completely normal. The hidden reason refereeing arguments often backfires. How parents accidentally train children to depend on them to solve every disagreement. Why family meetings work better than punishment and reward charts. The importance of teaching relationship skills when everyone is calm. Simple questions that help children find their own solutions. How celebrating small wins builds lasting family change. The surprising power of noticing and naming positive interactions between siblings. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Teach relationship skills in peacetime, not wartime." RESOURCES MENTIONED 10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know by Dr Justin Coulson happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Resist the urge to referee every small disagreement. Set aside a calm family meeting to talk about what's been happening. Ask your children how they want your family to feel. Help each child choose one practical action they will try this week. Meet again a week later to celebrate progress, reflect honestly, and make a new plan. Look for moments when siblings treat each other well and point them out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Help! My Child is Dating a Flirty AI Chatbot! 09.08.2026 16mnt

  Your child could be having deeply personal, romantic conversations tonight and not with another teenager. A new wave of AI companion apps is attracting young people by offering constant attention, endless validation and conversations that never end. They remember everything, say exactly what users want to hear and create the illusion of a real relationship. In this episode, Justin and Kylie explain why these chatbots are so appealing, why traditional parental controls don't stop them, and how to start the conversation without shame, panic or punishment. If your child has access to a smartphone, this is one conversation you can't afford to skip. KEY POINTS The three AI companion apps every parent should know about. Why AI relationships feel safer and easier than real friendships for many teens. How these apps use loneliness, curiosity and validation to keep young people engaged. Why confiscating devices often drives the behaviour underground. Practical conversation starters that build trust instead of fear. The simple reminder every child needs to hear: a bot is a what, not a who. Why strong real world relationships are still the best protection. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "A bot is not a who. A bot is a what." RESOURCES MENTIONED Happy Families Tweens, Teens and Screens presentation Happy Families website ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask your child what they already know about AI companion apps. Stay calm if they admit they've used one. Focus on listening before reacting. Talk about why these apps feel appealing instead of only discussing the risks. Create a clear family agreement around AI companions and device use. Keep phones and tablets out of bedrooms overnight. Help your child build stronger friendships and real life connections where they feel seen, valued and understood. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What Are They Teaching Our Kids? 06.08.2026 18mnt

  What if your child's sex education class wasn't teaching what you think it is? In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with teacher representative Ed Schuller to discuss claims about explicit sexual education materials being used in Australian schools. They unpack where the resources come from, why many parents never see them, and the questions every family should be asking. Whatever your views, this conversation is about one thing. Helping parents understand what their children are being taught and encouraging them to be active partners in their child's education. KEY POINTS Why many parents don't know what is included in some sex education programs. The role of third party organisations in delivering lessons. The difference between teaching puberty, consent, and more explicit content. Practical questions parents can ask their child's school. How to stay informed without creating conflict with teachers or principals. Why parent involvement matters when sensitive topics are taught. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "You cannot be passive. You need to know exactly what your child is being taught." RESOURCES MENTIONED Teacher's Professional Association of Queensland (TPAQ) Teachers Professional Association of Australia (TPAA) Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (SRHA) Happy Families Respectful Relationships education ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask your school who delivers sex education lessons. Request to see the teaching materials before lessons begin. Talk with your child about what they learned in class. Approach your child's principal with curiosity and specific questions. Stay involved in conversations about topics that matter to your family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Connection Every Child Needs [with Prof. Nicholas Epley] 05.08.2026 16mnt

  A heartbreaking family loss changed the way Professor Nicholas Epley understood his own research. In this episode, he shares how grief, adoption and decades of social science reveal a simple truth that can help every parent raise more connected, confident children. You'll also discover why crowded rooms can still feel lonely, how to create more meaningful conversations, and the simple daily habit that strengthens every relationship. KEY POINTS Why children don't have to wait for someone else to include them. How parents can model confident, genuine connection. Simple ways to create opportunities for friendships outside school. Why meaningful conversations matter more than small talk. How to recognise easy opportunities to connect every day. The surprising reason happiness depends on regular social habits. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Once you start looking for opportunities to connect, you realise how many you've been missing." RESOURCES MENTIONED A Little More Social by Professor Nicholas Epley ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Show your child how to start conversations instead of waiting to be invited. Create easy opportunities for friendships through playdates, neighbourhood activities or shared interests. Ask one deeper question instead of sticking to small talk. Look for one simple opportunity each day to reach out, encourage someone or reconnect with an old friend. Make connection part of your family's daily routine, not something that only happens when life slows down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Missing Ingredient in Childhood Friendships [with Prof. Nicholas Epley] 04.08.2026 17mnt

  Your child doesn't need better social skills. They need more chances to use them. University of Chicago behavioural scientist Professor Nicholas Epley explains why we're wired for connection but keep avoiding it. His research reveals one surprising mistake almost all of us make and how parents can help children build stronger friendships by changing one simple habit. This conversation will make you think differently about strangers, screens and the small moments that shape confident, connected kids. KEY POINTS Why we consistently underestimate how much people want to connect with us. The surprising experiment that changed Nicholas Epley's research career. What today's children are missing, despite being more digitally connected than ever. How parents accidentally teach children to avoid social interaction. One simple way to help children become more confident in social situations. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "If you're a parent who never reaches out to others, your kids won't either. If you do, they will." RESOURCES MENTIONED A Little More Social by Professor Nicholas Epley ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Start one conversation with someone you don't know this week. Let your child see it happen. Choose face-to-face conversations over messages whenever you can. Create regular opportunities for your children to spend time with other people without a screen between them. Talk with your children about how connection often feels awkward before it feels rewarding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  When Your Child is Left Out [a listener Q&A] 03.08.2026 12mnt

  Watching your child be ignored hurts. You want to step in, fix it and make it stop. Before you do, listen to this conversation. Justin and Kylie answer a question from a mum whose young sons are being shut out by older neighbourhood kids. They share practical ways to help children handle rejection, build confidence and develop friendships that last. KEY POINTS Why children grow when they're part of solving the problem. Questions that help kids think through social challenges. How changing the play environment can stop exclusion. Why big age gaps often lead to younger children being left out. Simple ways to build stronger relationships with neighbouring families. Why avoiding difficult situations can make them harder over time. How to help your child invest in the friendships that matter. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "The answer isn't always fixing the problem for our children. Sometimes it's helping them discover that they can help solve it themselves." RESOURCES MENTIONED Leave us a voice memo for the podcast! A Little More Social by Nicholas Epley. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask your child what they're experiencing before offering advice. Watch how the children interact instead of relying on second-hand accounts. Organise games that make it easy for every child to join in. Get to know the other families in your neighbourhood. Help your child build one or two strong friendships instead of chasing acceptance from the whole group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  7 Million School Days Lost in Victoria 02.08.2026 14mnt

  Seven million school days were missed in Victoria last year. Is this a sign of a growing problem, or are parents finally putting their families first? A new report has sparked fierce debate about school attendance. Should children ever miss school for a holiday, a family celebration or a mental health break? Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack what the numbers actually tell us, why so many families are choosing term-time travel, and whether chasing perfect attendance comes at a cost. They explore what children gain from school, what they gain from time with family, and why the best decision isn't always the obvious one. If you've ever wondered whether it's okay to pull your child out of school, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. KEY POINTS What the seven million missed school days really represent. Why more families are travelling during school term. The pressure schools place on perfect attendance. How COVID changed the way many parents think about school. What children can learn outside the classroom. When missing school can be the right choice. Why every family needs to weigh the trade-offs for themselves. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "If you need to have some time off, if you want to take the kids out of school, do it." RESOURCES MENTIONED Herald Sun report on Victorian school attendance. Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Make school attendance your starting point, not an unbreakable rule. Before taking your child out of school, ask what they'll gain from the experience. Talk with your child's teacher if they'll miss important learning. Don't let guilt make the decision for you. Consider your child's learning, your family's circumstances and what matters most. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Parenting Time You Think You Don't Have 30.07.2026 11mnt

  You finish the day exhausted. Work's done, dinner's over and the last thing you want is another thing to do. But the moments your kids remember rarely come from expensive holidays or perfectly planned activities. They happen on a walk around the block, over a board game or while you're side by side with no phones in sight. Justin and Kylie share how an after-dinner walk became the place where their daughters finally opened up. They explore why kids often talk more when they're moving, why screens get in the way, and how small choices can strengthen your relationship without adding more to your to-do list. If you've been feeling stretched too thin, this episode will help you find connection in the time you already have. KEY POINTS Why children often open up more when you're walking together. How one simple after-dinner walk became an hour of honest conversation. The hidden cost of reaching for a screen instead of each other. The difference between saying "I can't" and asking "What can I do?" Small habits that make children feel seen, heard and valued. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "When we push past the excuses and make the effort, it's almost always worth it." RESOURCES MENTIONED Happy Families memberships The Happy Families website ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Take one child for a walk this week. Leave your phones at home. Swap one night of scrolling for a board game or a chat. When you think, "I don't have time", ask yourself, "What can I do instead?" Turn everyday routines into one-on-one time, even if it's only 15 minutes. Watch what changes when you're beside your child instead of sitting across from them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Is The Social Media Ban Already Failing? 29.07.2026 15mnt

  Australia banned social media for under-16s. It hasn't stopped kids from using it. New research shows most young people are still logging on, creating fake accounts and finding easy ways around age checks. Dr Justin Coulson explains why the law isn't delivering what parents hoped for and why families still have the biggest influence on their children's online lives. Then the conversation turns to something far more hopeful. Dutch children are the happiest in the world. It's not because Dutch parents have all the answers. Their families spend more time together. Their children have more independence. Their communities are built around connection. Justin and Kylie unpack what Australian parents can borrow, even if we can't recreate the Dutch system. KEY POINTS What the first research on Australia's social media ban found. How children are getting around age verification. Why parents still need to lead screen time at home. The habits that help Dutch children report the highest levels of happiness. Why friendships, family time and independence matter more than expensive programs. Simple ways to create stronger community around your own family. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "The legislation can't do the parenting for us. We still have to do the job." RESOURCES MENTIONED Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson 10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know by Dr Justin Coulson Misconnection by Dr Justin Coulson Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au Research: Early Effects of Australia's Social Media Minimum Age Act on Adolescents' Social Media Use  ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Don't assume the social media ban is keeping your child off social media. Check in often. Talk about social media regularly instead of waiting until something goes wrong. Protect family time by working it into your weekly routine. Help your child build friendships through school, sport and local activities. Invite another family over, organise a neighbourhood catch-up or say yes to the next community event. Small connections build a stronger village. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Energy Game: Stop Running on Empty! [with Amantha Imber] 28.07.2026 17mnt

  You're not imagining it. Parenting really does feel harder when you're running on empty. If you've caught yourself wishing for just one day where nobody needs you, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar. Organisational psychologist and bestselling author Dr Amantha Imber joins Dr Justin Coulson to explain why so many parents feel exhausted and what actually helps. No impossible morning routines. No guilt. Just practical, science-backed strategies you can use in minutes. You'll learn why scrolling leaves you more tired, how to spot the type of fatigue you're dealing with, and the simple habits that can help you feel more like yourself again. KEY POINTS Why so many parents feel permanently exhausted. The burnout fantasy that more people have than you'd expect. The three types of energy that shape your day. Fast, science-backed ways to boost energy in under a minute. Why social media drains your brain instead of helping you recharge. How better boundaries protect your energy without letting people down. Small changes that leave you with more patience for your family. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "We don't just have one energy account. We have three. The key is working out which one needs your attention first." – Dr Amantha Imber RESOURCES MENTIONED The Energy Game by Dr Amantha Imber ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Work out whether your physical, mental or emotional energy is running lowest. Swap one social media break for real rest this week. Try a one-minute energy boost like peppermint or a splash of cold water. Start answering requests with "Yes, but…" so you can set clear limits. Write a "Never Again" list of commitments that leave you drained every time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Content That's Stealing Kids' Empathy [A Listener Q&A ] 27.07.2026 12mnt

  A fight video lands on your child's phone. They laugh. They watch it again. They send it to a friend. What do you do next? This week, Justin and Kylie answer a question from a mum whose 12-year-old daughter received violent footage that was spreading through local schools. They explain what repeated exposure to this content does to kids, why sharing a video makes them part of the harm, and how one conversation at home can change what happens next. If your child has a phone, this episode is worth hearing. KEY POINTS Why fight videos spread so quickly between kids. What repeated exposure to violent content does to young brains. Why children share videos they know are upsetting. How to build empathy instead of curiosity. Questions that help kids think before they hit send. The legal risks of sharing violent footage. How to help your child be the one who stops the chain. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Sharing is participation." RESOURCES MENTIONED eSafety Commissioner research on children's exposure to harmful online content. Albert Bandura's research on moral disengagement. Leave us a voice memo for the podcast! ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask your child if they've ever received a fight video or other upsetting content. Talk about the person in the video, not just the video itself. Explain that forwarding, commenting on or repeatedly watching these clips adds to the harm. Encourage your child to report violent content instead of sharing it. Keep the conversation going. One chat isn't enough. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How to Stop Wishing Parenting Away 26.07.2026 10mnt

  What if the moment you're desperate to get through today becomes the one you'd give anything to have back? Brushing tangled hair. Carrying a sleeping child inside. Sitting through one more song. These moments can feel frustrating when you're tired and running late. Then one day they stop happening, and you never realise the last time has already passed. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson shares a simple idea from philosophy called the "Last Time Meditation." It will change the way you see everyday parenting and help you notice the moments that matter before they're gone. KEY POINTS Why the everyday parenting jobs you dread can become your most treasured memories. How the "Last Time Meditation" helps you stay present. The psychology behind appreciating ordinary moments before they disappear. The personal experience that changed how Justin responds to his children. One simple habit that makes family life feel richer without changing your routine. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "There's something you did with your child today that ten years from now you'd trade almost anything to do again. You just don't know what that thing is." RESOURCES MENTIONED A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine William B. Irvine's "Last Time Meditation" Stoic philosophy Seneca Epictetus The Japanese concept Ichi-go Ichi-e Fred Bryant's research on savouring Tim Urban's "Tail End" concept Kurtz (2008), Psychological Science ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Pick one ordinary family moment this week and treat it like it won't happen again. The next time your child asks you to watch, listen or help, stop and give them your full attention. Put your phone away during one family ritual each day. Slow down long enough to notice the moments you'll miss one day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Secret to Getting Kids Off Screens 23.07.2026 15mnt

  A Disney movie about toys ended with a conversation about screens, sewing and what childhood is starting to lose. After watching Toy Story 5, Justin and Kylie found themselves talking less about the movie and more about what happens when tablets replace cubby houses, craft tables and backyard adventures. Kylie shares how teaching their 12-year-old daughter to sew sparked confidence, patience and a brand new business idea. They also unpack the message Toy Story 5 sends about technology, why it missed an important opportunity, and what parents can do instead. If screens have become the default in your house, this episode offers practical ideas that don't involve another argument. KEY POINTS What Toy Story 5 gets right about childhood. The screen time message the movie missed. Why sewing, baking, gardening and other "grandma hobbies" are making a comeback. How making something with your hands builds confidence. Why learning alongside your child strengthens your relationship. The family project that turned into a small business. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "The joy isn't making something. The joy is making it together." RESOURCES MENTIONED Toy Story 5 Happy Families resources on healthy screen habits ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Pick one hands-on hobby your child can learn this month. Sewing, baking, gardening, woodworking or knitting all work. Learn it together instead of handing them a YouTube tutorial. Watch Toy Story 5 and ask what they noticed about the kids using screens. Set aside one afternoon each week to make something you can hold, use or give away. Celebrate what your child creates, even when it's wonky. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  AI Chatbots & Social Isolation 22.07.2026 16mnt

  AI is becoming the friend people never argue with, never disappoint, and never switch off. New research suggests that's exactly the problem. A 12-month study of more than 2,000 adults found people who turned to AI chatbots for emotional support became more emotionally isolated over time. With more teens now sharing serious problems with AI instead of trusted adults, what does this mean for parents? Dr Justin Coulson explains why AI feels so comforting, why it can slowly replace real connection, and how parents can spot the warning signs before loneliness takes hold. KEY POINTS Why lonely people are more likely to turn to AI for emotional support. What a year-long study found about AI chatbots and loneliness. Why conversations with AI can start to feel easier than talking to real people. The growing number of teens taking serious problems to AI instead of trusted adults. The warning signs that AI is replacing healthy relationships. Four practical ways parents can respond without fear or blame. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "A chatbot can simulate a friend, but it can't be one." RESOURCES MENTIONED Psychological Science study on AI chatbots and loneliness (2026) Professor Elizabeth Dunn, University of British Columbia Common Sense Media survey on teens and AI companions ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask your child how they use AI before making assumptions. Find out whether AI is helping with schoolwork or replacing real conversations. Watch for fewer catch-ups with friends, more secrecy around AI, or distress when they can't access it. Build regular opportunities for real connection through family meals, sport, youth groups, part-time work, and time with friends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Stop Performing and Start Parenting [with Christian O'Connell] 21.07.2026 14mnt

  What if being a better parent had nothing to do with having the right answers? Beloved radio host and bestselling author Christian O'Connell joins Dr Justin Coulson for an honest conversation about anxiety, authenticity, and what it feels like when your children leave home. A forgotten ice-block wrapper tucked into the couch becomes a lesson in letting go. Christian also shares the simple approach that helped him stay connected with his daughters as they grew up. This episode is a reminder that your children don't need a perfect parent. They need you. KEY POINTS Why being present matters more than getting parenting right. What empty nest grief really feels like. How everyday moments become the memories that stay with us. Why children connect with parents who are genuine, not perfect. The habit that keeps kids talking through the teenage years. What living with anxiety taught Christian about parenting. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "The number one job as a parent is to keep them talking." RESOURCES MENTIONED Unscript by Christian O'Connell No One Listens to Your Dad's Show by Christian O'Connell ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Stop searching for the perfect response. Be fully present instead. Listen for longer before offering advice. When your child opens up, keep the conversation going instead of trying to fix the problem. Pay attention to the ordinary moments. They often become the ones you'll remember most. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Listener Q&A — Suicide at Child's High School 20.07.2026 16mnt

  A student dies by suicide. Suddenly every parent is asking the same question: What do I say to my child? Justin and Kylie tackle one of the toughest conversations a parent can face. They unpack the latest research, explain why children can be deeply affected even if they didn't know the student, and share practical ways to start the conversation without making things worse. You'll hear what to say, what to avoid, the warning signs to watch for, and where to turn if your child needs extra support. KEY POINTS Why every child in a school community can be affected, even if they never met the student. The age group most at risk after a school suicide. Why asking about suicidal thoughts does not increase the risk. What to say when your child asks why it happened. How to handle social media, rumours and memorial pages. The warning signs that tell you it's time to get extra support. Services that can help children and parents. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Walk towards conversations, not away from them. Ask the direct question, stay calm, and keep asking gently for as long as it takes." RESOURCES MENTIONED Lifeline Kids Helpline Parentline Suicide Call Back Service 13YARN Headspace School Support CHATSafe Guidelines StandBy Support After Suicide Your GP and a Mental Health Care Plan ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask what children at school are saying and listen without interrupting. Correct rumours with calm, factual information. Ask directly if your child has had thoughts of suicide if you're worried. Stay with your child while they scroll through social media and talk about what they see. Keep checking in over the weeks and months ahead. Contact your GP or another mental health professional if you notice changes in mood, behaviour or sleep. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What It's Really Like to Have a Big Family 19.07.2026 19mnt

  Six kids. One house. Endless noise, constant mess, and a level of logistics that would test anyone. With Australia's birth rate at a record low, Justin and Kylie share the reality of raising a large family in 2026. They unpack the costs, the exhaustion, and the emotional load that rarely gets talked about. They also reveal why, despite every challenge, they wouldn't change a thing. If you've ever wondered what family life really looks like behind the photos, this honest conversation is for you. KEY POINTS Why Australia's falling birth rate is changing the shape of families. The biggest challenges of raising six children. The financial reality of a large family. The hidden emotional and physical load of parenting. Why connection, belonging, and shared memories outweigh the chaos. The simple story that perfectly captures the value of family life. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "It's not the nuggets that make you rich. It's the slow, steady accumulation of all those little flecks of gold." RESOURCES MENTIONED Sydney Morning Herald article by Bronte Gosling on Australia's declining fertility rate. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Notice one ordinary family moment today that might become tomorrow's "fleck of gold." Focus less on a perfect home and more on meaningful connection. If family life feels overwhelming, remember that many of the richest moments are built slowly, one ordinary day at a time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.