Childcare, ELC, or Home? Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Choosing the right care for your little one can feel like walking a tightrope — guilt on one side, exhaustion on the other. In this heartfelt Q&A, Justin and Kylie unpack the real differences between daycare, early learning centres, and family daycare — and what matters most when your child has big emotions or struggles with separation. Whether you’re expecting another baby or just trying to do what’s best, this episode helps you breathe easier and make a choice that feels right for your family. KEY POINTS The real difference between daycare and ELC (and why the labels don’t matter as much as you think). What to look for on your childcare tour: staff ratios, turnover, and outdoor play. Why sometimes not enrolling can be the best choice. How to support a deeply feeling child who struggles with separation. The “choose your hard” mindset — and how it changes everything. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Parenting is hard either way — we just have to choose the kind of hard we’re willing to live with.” RESOURCES MENTIONED What Your Child Needs From You by Dr Justin Coulson Episode #920 Minimising Daycare Drama ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Reflect on why you’re choosing care — not just whether to. When touring, focus less on the shiny buildings and more on the people. Prepare your child for separation with empathy, connection, and practice. Give yourself permission to pick the path that best supports your family’s season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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12:41
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12:41
When Every Night Is a Meltdown: How to End Bedtime Battles for Good
If every evening feels like emotional warfare, you’re not alone. Exhausted, desperate, and out of ideas? In this episode, Justin and Kylie share three powerful ways to turn chaotic, tear-filled nights into calm, connected moments — so bedtime stops being a battle and starts feeling peaceful again. KEY POINTS The three pillars for calmer nights: routine, environment, and presence Why predictability helps kids feel safe (and parents feel sane) The surprising power of dim lights, soft music, and storytime What your kids are really asking for when they “stall” bedtime Simple, loving ways to reconnect — even when you’re out of patience QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “They just want to feel safe and secure and know that they’re loved — that’s the game.” RESOURCES MENTIONED What Your Child Needs From You by Dr Justin Coulson More resources: happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Create a predictable nightly rhythm — same order, same cues. Ditch screens an hour before bed and dim the lights. Be present, not perfect — a calm hug goes further than any rule. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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14:31
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14:31
When Kids Don’t Want to Talk (and What Actually Works)
When your kids shut down or seem totally uninterested - whether it’s a conversation, a hobby, or music lessons - it can feel like you’re wasting your time (and money). But this week, Justin and Kylie share two powerful reminders that patience, play, and connection go further than pressure ever will. From a heartwarming drum lesson breakthrough to a car trip conversation that turned a reluctant teen into a chatterbox, this episode will make you rethink what “progress” really looks like in parenting. KEY POINTS Why letting kids explore without rigid outcomes can create lasting motivation. The surprising benefits of range - letting kids tinker, dabble, and find their spark. How to turn “silent car rides” into meaningful, laughter-filled conversations. Why structured lessons and “by the book” learning don’t always lead to love or creativity. The simple mindset shift that makes family connection feel natural again. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “It’s not about an outcome. It’s about giving your kids the space to explore - because you never know where it will lead.” — Kylie Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED Relationship Rules by Dr Justin Coulson Range by David Epstein ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Let them play. Focus less on outcomes, more on enjoyment and exploration. Ask better questions. Try open-ended conversation starters on long drives or walks. Be patient. Creativity and connection grow slowly—don’t rush the process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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12:14
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12:14
When Halloween “Hyper” Meets ADHD: What a New Study Reveals About Overdiagnosis
Every October 31st, kids go wild - costumes, sugar, excitement - but what if that same energy is quietly shaping ADHD diagnoses? In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a fascinating new study showing a 14% spike in ADHD diagnoses on Halloween day. They explore what this says about subjectivity in diagnosis, the risks of overlabelling kids, and how our environments - not just our children - might need rethinking. KEY POINTS: A new Harvard study found ADHD diagnoses rise 14% on Halloween compared to surrounding days. ADHD remains a subjective diagnosis — there’s no blood test or scan to confirm it. Why environment and maturity often explain behaviours mistaken for “disorder.” The real risks of misdiagnosis — medication, labelling, and self-perception. Why it’s time to look at what’s happening around kids, not just within them. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “There isn’t anything wrong with her — she just doesn’t fit the mould of what we consider normal.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Study: Halloween, ADHD, and Subjectivity in Medical Diagnosis (National Bureau of Economic Research) Searching for Normal by Sami Timimi The Parenting Revolution by Justin Coulson ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Before seeking a diagnosis, consider context — sleep, stress, diet, and school environment. Avoid rushing to label; focus on understanding and supporting your child’s unique needs. Ask questions — about treatment pathways, environment, and alternative perspectives. Create calmer spaces where kids can regulate, play, and thrive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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19:22
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19:22
Unplugging Childhood (Less Scrolling, More Living) — with Jean Twenge
What happens when our kids spend nine hours a day on screens? Dr Justin Coulson sits down with world-leading researcher Professor Jean Twenge (author of Ten Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World) to unpack the hidden costs of our always-online culture — and how parents can reclaim calm, connection and control. From brain changes to “go touch grass” moments, Jean shares the science behind tech overload and practical rules that actually work. KEY POINTS: Why social media under 16 is a terrible idea — and why government regulation matters The shocking truth about teens’ 9-hour daily screen time How smartphones reshape childhood: less sleep, less play, less joy The “basic phone” revolution — why dumb phones might just save your child’s brain How to set firm rules (without becoming the enemy) Real-world freedom: why outdoor play is safer than scrolling The single biggest rule every parent should enforce tonight QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “In ten years we’ll look back at giving kids smartphones at age eleven and think — what were we thinking?” — Professor Jean Twenge RESOURCES MENTIONED: Ten Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World — Professor Jean Twenge Heads Up Alliance (Australia) Beginner Phones for Tweens & Teens [Free PDF from Rebecca Sparrow] Wait Until 8th Movement The Light Phone Unplugged Parenthood ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: No phones in bedrooms. Ever. Delay social media until at least 16 — ideally later. Swap smartphones for basic phones to keep kids connected, not consumed. Model healthy tech habits — your kids are watching. Encourage real-world independence — let them walk, play, and explore offline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.
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