Ever faced the uphill battle of convincing your kids to put down their devices, step into nature, and engage with life? I'll Do Better Tomorrow: Justin and Kylie chat about dealing with pushback when you know what's best for your kids, but they resist. In this episode: Tech-free teens Firm but loving encouragement to step outside comfort zones Modelling active engagement Motivating teenagers Wild Robots movie Making bids for connection Tough love Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe...

Dive into cutting-edge studies on parenting and child development, from income's role in behaviour to the debate over smacking's effects. Find out what the latest research says about the best ways to support our kids’ growth! In this episode: Impact of income on children's behaviour & development New study...better support would bring lifelong benefits | The Conversation Preschoolers: physical activity, screen time & sleep Study reveals most three and four-year-olds don’t get...

Raising a neurodivergent child can feel like an uphill battle, especially within a rigid school system. In this episode, Dr. Justin Coulson, along with Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow, share essential strategies for empowering neurodivergent children and offer hope to parents navigating this challenging path. In this episode: Out of the Box: A Guide to Navigating Neurodivergence by Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow Common struggles of ND kids Undiagnosed girls Masking & camouflaging ...

At a recent Fathers of Girls conference, Kylie brought a room full of dads to tears as she spoke about the power of time and connection in parenting. Listen to her heartfelt message, reminding us that it is the time we spend with our children that truly matters. In this episode: Personal Progress Interviews Creating a safe space  Having your child's back no matter what Love is spelt T.I.M.E Fostering deep connections with your child Related Links: I Work Full-time. How do I Connect With...

Schoolies Week can be a thrilling time for teens, but it’s often a nerve-wracking experience for parents. In this episode, we share two essential strategies every parent needs to help their teens navigate Schoolies Week safely and responsibly. In this episode: Schoolies: a rite of passage? Open, honest communication (before and during Schoolies) Safety planning Creating strong support networks Boundaries Peer pressure Responsible drinking Consent "Strong and safe" Related Links: 5...

Every Friday we do "I'll Do Better Tomorrow", where Justin and Kylie reflect on the week that was, and how they can be better parents tomorrow. In this episode: Dads and straight up conversations Girls are layered Dadding vs Babysitting Not dropping your son-in-law in it. Don't sweat the small stuff Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener...

"Region Beta Paradox"is a phenomenon where minor annoyances that don't seem urgent can actually cause more stress over time if left unaddressed.  We apply this concept to parenting, showing how minor behaviours in children, like whining or sibling squabbles, can escalate if repeatedly ignored, affecting both the child's development and the parent's well-being. In this episode: The Region Beta Paradox Why small annoyances can harm us more than big disruptions  | PSYCHE Parenting...

Bullying can have a huge impact on our kids' lives. Recently, Dr Justin had a conversation with Rachel and Sarah on their podcast The Parenting Couch. Today's snippet from that covers definitions of bullying, how to open up conversations about it, and what steps to take when your child is involved. Find the link to the full conversation in our show notes.  In this episode: What is bullying? Verbal, physical, repeated, cyber-bullying Having conversations with your kids Emotions Feeling...

*Listener discretion advised* A concerned parent, Emily, has sent in a sensitive but increasingly relevant question. Emily’s seven-year-old son confided that his friend was suggesting inappropriate behaviours, including taking photos of private areas. Listen in for guidance on handling difficult conversations, protecting children’s safety, and fostering trust. In this episode: Importance of a trusting parent-child relationship Developmental appropriate behaviour Girlfriend/boyfriend in...

Why do our kids seem like they're never listening, no matter how many times we repeat ourselves?  Today, we share nine practical strategies that can help you to communicate more effectively with your kids, reduce those frustrating moments, and strengthen family connections... without repeating yourself over and over (and over!) again. In this episode: Why repeating instructions doesn’t work Common misunderstandings between parents and kids How to improve communication Related Links: ...

The secret ingredient every child craves for feeling loved and understood is their parent's undivided time and attention. Discover why making small sacrifices in your busy schedule to connect with your kids can have a profound impact on your relationship with them. In this episode: Halloween Fathers of Girls QLD politics & corporal punishment Kylie's riding, Justin's writing Love is spelt T.I.M.E Making time for the things that matter most Intentional connection ...

Halloween can be an equal mix of excitement for the kids and chaos for parents, right? And finding a balance between our children's desire for independence (to have fun, to explore, and to eat ALL the sugar) whilst maintaining a sense of safety is a challenge. We share some practical tips to help make Halloween meaningful for your family, from building community connections to teaching social skills, plus some fun twists on the classic trick-or-treat! 🎃👻 In this episode: Balancing fun...

Is homeschooling right for your family? A rising number of Australian parents are questioning if this alternative path could truly work for them and their children’s unique needs.  We delve into the realities of homeschooling with Brett Campbell, CEO of Australia’s largest homeschooling provider, Euka, as he shares insights, data, and tips that could transform the way you think about your child’s education. In this episode: Top reasons for homeschooling Flexible schedule Socialisation...

Are the classic birth order stereotypes of the responsible eldest, the overlooked middle child, and the free-spirited youngest really grounded in science—or are we just buying into myths? Join us as we unpack the surprising research behind these family labels and discover what truly shapes your child’s personality, beyond their place in the sibling lineup. In this episode: Birth order stereotypes What your sibling birth order does—and doesn’t—explain | VOX Birth Order Theory - Alfred...

Three news stories for 'This Week in Parenting': Is your phone getting in the way of quality time with your kids? Research shows that when parents are glued to their devices, children are more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and attention issues! A proposal to replace team sports with yoga and pilates in Victorian schools raises concerns about the balance between physical activity and academic focus. Plus, why homeschooling is booming in QLD! In this episode: Parents...

When a child is upset or angry, it’s easy to think their outburst is about the immediate problem. The real challenge for parents is identifying the deeper emotions driving these reactions. Kylie shares a conversation with her daughter that started as a fight over Roblox but ended with heartfelt tears over a completely different issue. By taking the time to talk with our kids, we can help them uncover the true reasons behind their strong feelings. In this episode: Play dates & Roblox ...

This Week in Parenting: Roblox is a ridiculously popular game—but not just with kids..and not always for gaming! We take a quick look at the dark side of this platform and how parents can keep children safe online. While a recent report warns that parenting can harm mental health, Justin and Kylie suggest that parenting doesn't need to be stressful—we just need a little less pressure and a lot more fun.  Finally, Meta has shifted the responsibility of protecting kids online to parents,...

Paediatric Dietician Karina Savage, founder of Nourishing Kids, chats with Justin about gut microbiome, sharing practical tips for parents on creating a healthy eating environment for children. In this episode: Good bugs, bad bugs - gut bacteria Symbiosis/dysbiosis & immunity Fussy eating Leaky gut Probiotics & prebiotics (fibre) Force creates resistance (or anxiety) Nourish With Karina The Easy Feed Podcast with Karina Savage (Paediatric Dietician) Related Links: How do I Get...

Neda's 3-year-old son enjoys rough play but struggles to dial it back with his younger sibling, sometimes leading to unintentional harm. Dr. Justin offers six strategies to help every parent manage this lack of regulation in little ones. Emma from Brisbane knows that picking your battles is a pro-parenting tip. But the challenge of knowing when to enforce clear and consistent boundaries and when to step back (without becoming "white noise" to your kids!) can be relentless. In this episode: ...

Has your child been hanging around with a friend that you don't approve of?  Does your kid's behaviour change when they spend time with certain friends?  Perhaps you've been thinking of stepping in and putting some control around who your kids are friends with. In this episode: Is it a good idea to control our children's friendships? Relationships are hard Relationships are two ways Whey stepping in may hinder learning and growth Related Links: Maternal Disapproval of Friends damages...

Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with parenting and in your home-work-life balance? You're not alone! For 'I'll Do Better Tomorrow' we discuss the importance of structure—the foundation of building competence—and how it provides the framework and tools for parents and children alike to feel effective. In this episode: “A compliment is not an insult to the other” Kylie is training for a triathlon Parental overwhelm Structure 3 basic psychological needs Homeschool Being a good...

Justin and Kylie dive into the latest research to help parents raise healthier, happier kids. With schoolies, summer BBQs, and end-of-year celebrations just around the corner, we look at data around the effects of alcohol on teens and the risks associated with parental supply. Plus, why digital switching leaves you feeling less satisfied and refreshed, and a simple "thank you" can lower parental stress and increase relationship satisfaction. In this episode: Think giving your teen alcohol...

Karina Savage, Paediatric Dietician and founder of Nourishing Kids, chats with Justin about some of the most common challenges parents have with feeding kids, and what parents can do to help create healthy eaters in a stress-free way. In this episode: Nourish With Karina The Easy Feed Podcast with Karina Savage (Paediatric Dietician) Fussy eating habits, sensory issues Healthy eating behaviours Lack of food standards / regulations in Australia Safe foods Recognising small wins ...

Today we have an anonymous question from a mum who's got a happy go lucky teenager, happy to coast through life, as well as a husband who is coasting through the chores with his earbuds in. Does she need to change either of these behaviours?  In this episode: Giving kids autonomy Force creates resistance Perspective Upside-Downside conversation Connection Boundaries, expectations, finding compromise Explore underlying dynamics Related Links: #754 Why Doing Their Best Might Not Be...