Episodes
Content warning: violence, CSA + a spoiler alert for Bluey fans.
This week in parenting: how a family of dogs is teaching resilience, a sober warning to parents regarding children's online activity, and a fun look at celebrity parenting rules.
In this episode:
Bluey is back with a lesson about preparing kids for change - ABC News
Resilience
Guy Sebastian's bad parenting advice
Responding to Toddler Tantrums – Happy Families
Violent Online Groups Extort Minors to Self-Harm and Produce...
Published 04/17/24
Warning: sensitive content
Pregnancy and infant loss are such important yet rarely discussed topics. Author Lellie Lopter emphasises the importance of creating a safe environment for these conversations to take place, as well as the need to include children in the healing journey.
In this episode:
My Brother Born Sleeping by Lellie Lopter
Supporting families
Coping with different beliefs about infant loss
Curiosity from children and how to answer their questions
Pink Elephant...
Published 04/16/24
Following the tragic attack in Bondi, our children need help processing such difficult news. There are things you can do and say to ensure your child feels safe and secure as they come to terms with what has happened.
Also, a mum of three asks "What should we do when our kids don't show us the respect that we would like?"
In this episode:
Having hard conversations
Honesty
Limiting exposure to news
Age-appropriate information
Holding boundaries
Weekly family meetings
What To Do When Kids...
Published 04/15/24
Digital influences, demographic shifts, and information overload: we explore the evolution of parenting from GenX through to Millennial parents.
In this episode:
Digital infusion
Information overload
Parents under pressure
Changing dynamics of family life
Screen-based childhoods
Present and engaged parents
Find us on Facebook or TikTok
Email your questions and comments to
[email protected]
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website
See omnystudio.com/listener...
Published 04/14/24
The meltdown out of nowhere, an angry and aggressive child, the emotionally flooded teen - kids of all ages have BIG emotions, and experience emotional dysregulation!
Discover the tools and skills that will help you respond to your child with compassion and kindness - and build emotional awareness and regulation for you both.
Topics in this episode:
No Matter What
Emotion regulation
The magic of Nature
Moving forward, finding solutions
Responding with compassion and gentleness
Emotion...
Published 04/11/24
Is your child stressed out, apprehensive or just feeling like life is too hard? Does anxiety or perfectionism cause them to feel they are not enough?
All hope is not lost! Three ways you can BUILD HOPE in your child's life - helping them to do well and feel well as they experience the power of hope.
Research by Rick Snyder, Shane Lopez
Science of Hope TikTok video series by @insearchofbobcat
Failure, anxiety, resilience
Our children need to feel hopeful before they can feel they are...
Published 04/10/24
Part 2 of Justin speaking with author & associate Professor Katie Davis about her new book
Topics discussed in this episode -
Technology's Child by Katie Davis
Justin asks Katie some rapid fire questions about her own family life
Using technology to reinforce technology rules
Finding a balance
Video games aren't all bad
The impact of social media
Further reading/watching:
Screens And Our Boys - a Happy Families Article
5 Better Conversations To Have About Screens - a Happy Families...
Published 04/09/24
You CAN be a "good-enough" digital parent!
Two questions every parent needs to ask when choosing apps or games for their child PLUS learn how to guide your child's relationship with screens in the best direction - guilt free! (Replay)
Topics discussed in this episode -
Technology's Child: Digital Media’s Role in the Ages and Stages of Growing Up - by Katie Davis
What are the risks for children under 3?
Why are screens so compelling to kids?
Using screens as the default "fix"
Why screens...
Published 04/08/24
Friendships are oxygen for girls! When a friendship sours, the mean girls arrive, or your daughter just can't find her tribe, life can be really hard. We share some powerful ideas to help your child navigate friend troubles - giving them options and building resilience.
Topics included in this episode -
The difference between boy & girl play
Boys use their bodies, girls use their words
Optionality equals resilience
Autonomy, and feeling seen, heard and valued
When should the school...
Published 04/07/24
Part 2 of a conversation on perfectionism with Professor Thomas Curran from the London School of Economics.
Rather than expecting perfection from your child try modelling making mistakes - embrace failure and setbacks when they arise. This (not perfectionism) is what leads to success!
Topics in this episode:
Feeling that you are not enough
The rise of perfectionism – and the harm it’s doing us all | Mental health | The Guardian
Link between perfectionism and psychological...
Published 04/04/24
Professor Thomas Curran is (among many impressive titles) a 'perfectionist expert'. He unpacks the 'what, why, where, who, and how' of perfectionism in part 1 of this compelling discussion with Dr Justin Coulson. Part 2 of this conversation can be found here.
Today's conversation covers:
What is perfectionism?
The link between mental health challenges and perfectionism
Perfectionism in children - genetics or environmental?
The 3 types of perfectionism
Intergenerational transmission of...
Published 04/03/24
Raising teenagers can be hard even at the best of times. Trying to support our teens when they are struggling can feel like a dead-end street.
Dr Jo Prendergast shares the most important thing you can do that will make a difference for your teen when life just sucks.
Topics in this episode:
When Life Sucks - Jo's new book
Parents and self-regulation
Emotions are contagious
Deep breathing
Being self-aware of your own triggers
'Ghosts in the nursery'
Neurodiversity
When does life suck for...
Published 04/02/24
Navigating the complexities of tween and teen friendships can be challenging, especially in the age of social media. Here are some insights and tips to help your child run towards wonderful friendships rather than living in fear of exclusion.
Topics in this episode:
Sleepovers
Bulling and teasing
Snapchat and social media
Structured activities and finite time for teenage get-togethers
Miss Connection: Why your teenage daughter "hates" you, expects the world, and needs to talk by Dr Justin...
Published 04/01/24
Every young person needs to have a close, significant adult to talk to when they experience challenges in life. Sadly, new research has revealed that far too many adolescents do not feel listened to and aren’t speaking to anyone when they’re worried.
Dr Katrina Lines (CEO of Act for Kids, and registered psychologist) shares some simple ways to connect with your child that will encourage them to share their problems with you.
Topics in this episode:
Speaking to a professional
Act for Kids...
Published 03/31/24
Is it just me...or are sleepovers a really bad idea?
In this episode:
Pros and cons of sleepovers
Social development
Memories
Safety concerns
Peer pressure/exclusion
Screens
Prearming your kids
#926 Who Tops the List of Child Sexual Abusers? – Happy Families
Being on the Outer – Happy Families
Are Sleepovers OK? – Happy Families
Find us on Facebook or TikTok
Email your questions and comments to
[email protected]
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website
See...
Published 03/27/24
Dietician Meg McClintock on eating disorder prevention and the impact of poor body image on eating. Meg shares how parents can nurture positive relationship with food and body for your kids.
In this episode:
Meg McClintock from Choose Nutrition
Meg's Podcast Life's Too Short to Count Almonds
Eating disorders or disordered eating?
The dangers of diet culture and chronic dieting
Natural eating/intuitive eating
Being compassionate with yourself
Red flags to watch for in...
Published 03/26/24
Teenage tantrums, defiance, and selfish behaviour can lead to chaos in families. 3 ways parents can help their troubled boys to “man up” as they edge closer to adulthood.
In this episode:
Limits and authority
Step-parents
Discipline
Minimising tension
Inside the Brain of Your Teenage Boy – Happy Families
Autonomy
Doing the inner work
Explain, explore, empower
Education
Find us on Facebook or TikTok
Email your questions and comments to
[email protected]
Find out more about...
Published 03/25/24
Not sure how to entertain your child in the holidays? Helpful tips for tired parents just wanting to survive the school break.
In this episode:
Only children
Holiday boredom
Clear expectations
Creating engaging environments
#944 Raising Kids, Not Grass – Happy Families
Screen-based childhood
Playdates
936 weekends with our kids
Plans and predictability
ChatGPT
Find us on Facebook or TikTok
Email your questions and comments to
[email protected]
Find out more about joining...
Published 03/24/24
Parent behaviour at children's sporting events can directly impact the child's experience. Thankfully the majority of parents do seem to encourage having fun over putting the pressure on their child to be the best.
Journalist Shona Hendley unpacks why sports parents get a bad rap - but are in fact the angels of society.
Topics in this episode -
Competitive parents coaching from the side
Shona Hedley's article - Taking kids to sport all the time
Dedication - time, money, energy
Training,...
Published 03/21/24
Screens are crippling our kids; three things we need to do to stem the relentless push towards screens. Plus, how to help your child feel like they belong at school.
In this episode:
Screen Time and Parent-Child Talk When Children Are Aged 12 to 36 Months | Media and Youth | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network
Screens - impacting engagement, language, social interactions
Technoference
Screens as babysitters?
Adolescent School Belonging and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Adulthood: Findings...
Published 03/20/24
Is your child struggling to read? Sally Rippin shares ways parents can get their reluctant readers hooked on books!
In this episode:
Sally Rippin - Australia's Children's Laureate for 2024-25
“All kids can be readers”
Dyslexia, ADHD and other learning difficulties
Low competence = low motivation
Books open up worlds
Early intervention and support
Are you a book snob?
Giving children choice
‘Dating and mating pool’ data
Breaking down stereotypes
Boys and books
Find us...
Published 03/19/24
Your job is to guide your kids to make decisions that are safe and healthy. How do you respond to their requests to become creators of online content?
In this episode:
Embracing and encouraging our children's talents and interests
How Gen Z is living under the influence | The Australian
Social media - a toxic, dangerous place for children
A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men - The New York Times
Self-esteem, mental health and wellbeing
Seeking validation...
Published 03/18/24
Are G-strings and micro swimwear appropriate for a family-friendly theme park?
In this episode:
Your body, your choice?
Body positivity vs sexualisation
A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men | New York Times
Child protection
Health and safety concerns
Cultural differences
Social etiquette & context
Double standards
Join the conversation on Facebook
Find us on Facebook or TikTok
Email your questions and comments...
Published 03/17/24
Reaching the end of our parenting tether can lead to angry blow ups or painful criticism. We must watch what we say because our words create worlds – ours and our children’s.
In this episode:
Justin has a meltdown
Body image and self-talk
Watch Your Words – Happy Families
#615 You’re the (Inner) Voice – Happy Families
#207 Taming That Voice Inside Your Head – Happy Families
Find us on Facebook or TikTok
Email your questions and comments to
[email protected]
Find out...
Published 03/14/24