Ever feel like your kids walk straight past overflowing laundry baskets, open doors, or lights blazing—and simply don’t see it? You’re not imagining things. In this episode, Justin and Kylie share the hilarious (and slightly painful!) truth about raising kids who swear they’re “contributing”… while the adults quietly carry the load. This feel-good Friday wrap-up dives into family meetings, chore systems that actually work, and the emotional load parents carry as we crawl toward the end of the year. It’s honest, relatable, and packed with practical ideas to help your kids step up—no nagging required. KEY POINTS Why teens truly believe they’re contributing (and why parents disagree). The difference between helping when asked and true initiative. How a simple four-station chore system brought calm back to the household. The real reason parents burn out at the end of the year. Why “don’t give up” might be the most important parenting rule of all. How family meetings create clarity, connection, and accountability—even with adult kids. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Contribution is about initiative—eyes open, notice, and act.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Family meeting questions: What’s going well? What’s not? What do we want to focus on? eSafety Commissioner updates on minimum age for social media platforms Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Hold a quick family meeting—15 minutes max—with the three guiding questions. Introduce clusters instead of chores (laundry, floors, kitchen, bathrooms). Give kids longer rotations (weekly or monthly) to build mastery and responsibility. Reframe contribution as noticing—not waiting. Stay consistent: gentle reminders aren’t failure; they’re part of the process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
14:59
--------
14:59
Don't Buy Your Kid an E-Scooter/ Bike This Christmas
Kids are begging for e-scooters and e-bikes this Christmas—but the rise in catastrophic injuries tells a very different story. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson breaks down the shocking stats, the hidden dangers, and the conversations every parent must have before saying yes. This is the episode every parent needs to hear before heading to the checkout. KEY POINTS Emergency departments are seeing a surge in serious e-scooter injuries—many life-threatening. Speed, illegal modifications, and lack of helmets are driving the spike. Developmentally, most kids and young teens are not ready for the risks. Laws vary widely across Australia and haven’t caught up to the tech. Pros vs cons: independence vs genuinely dangerous speeds and environments. What parents can do: age limits, non-negotiable rules, and real-world consequences. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Right now we’re running a massive, uncontrolled experiment on our kids’ safety.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Local state road rules for e-bikes and e-scooters Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Delay the purchase—ideally until at least age 16. Start small: ensure your child can safely handle a standard bike/scooter first. Set iron-clad rules: helmets, no doubling, no night riding, no road riding, no phone use. Inspect regularly for illegal modifications or unsafe setups. Have the big conversation: talk openly about risks, responsibility, and real-world consequences. Use meaningful, consistent consequences when rules are broken.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
20:51
--------
20:51
The Hidden Cost of Labels and What Kids Really Need Instead [with Sami Timimi]
Are we turning ordinary childhood struggles into “disorders”? In this gripping conversation with child psychiatrist Dr Sami Timimi, we unpack the rise of ADHD, autism, anxiety — and the cultural story that’s quietly reshaping how parents see their kids. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child actually needs a diagnosis or just needs more connection, this episode will hit home. Dr Timimi challenges the medicalisation of childhood, explains how labels can limit hope, and offers four powerful principles for supporting kids without pathologising them. This one will stay with you. KEY POINTS Why “normal” is a moving target — and why that matters for parents. How subjective definitions in mental health fuel overdiagnosis. The risks of labels: internalised identity, lowered expectations, and unnecessary interventions. Four parent principles: Don’t try too hard — avoid the trap of hunting for problems. Don’t fear emotions — distress is part of growing up. Prioritise relationship over behaviour control. Beware concept creep — when clinical words invade everyday parenting. What’s driving the explosion in ADHD, autism, and neurodiversity narratives. Why today’s kids may be the most pathologised generation in history. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “When distress is medicalised, it steals our hope.” — Dr Sami Timimi RESOURCES MENTIONED Searching for Normal by Dr Sami Timimi Insane Medicine by Dr Sami Timimi Happy Families resources: happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Pause before pursuing a label — ask what your child might be expressing, not what disorder they “fit.” Create more emotional space — sit with their feelings instead of fixing them. Strengthen connection rituals — closeness buffers distress. Use everyday language — avoid clinical terms for normal childhood behaviours. Look at the environment first — school, stress, sleep, and relationships often explain what diagnoses can’t. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
22:06
--------
22:06
How to Talk About Babies Without Oversharing or Freezing
Kids have a magical way of asking the biggest questions at the most unexpected moments. In this episode, we walk you through exactly how to respond when your six-year-old suddenly wants to know how a baby gets into Mum’s tummy—without oversharing, freezing, or fumbling. You’ll learn the calm, clear, developmentally-appropriate way to keep curiosity open, connection strong, and panic levels low. KEY POINTS Why kids ask tricky questions earlier than we expect How to give truthful but minimal info that fits their age The “glass of water, not a fire hose” rule How to delay the conversation gracefully when you need time Why your response now decides if they’ll keep coming to you later Simple language you can use with a six-year-old Teaching kids that these chats belong at home—not the playground QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Answer the question your child is asking—no more, no less.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Where Do Babies Come From? by Michelle Mitchell A Girl’s Guide to Puberty – Michelle Mitchell A Guy’s Guide to Puberty – Michelle Mitchell ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Keep answers short, truthful, and developmentally-appropriate. Use correct anatomical terms without going into extra detail. If you’re unprepared, buy time: “That’s a great question—let’s talk with Mum/Dad together.” Set clear boundaries: these conversations happen at home, not with friends. Revisit the topic later as your child grows and becomes ready for more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
11:57
--------
11:57
Why Australia Needs Its Own Thanksgiving
What if the secret to calmer kids, stronger families, and better mental health was free—and we’re the only country ignoring it? In this episode, Justin and Kylie make a bold case for bringing Thanksgiving to Australia… minus the turkey. Discover the neuroscience of gratitude, why it’s a proven buffer against anxiety and depression, and how one simple family ritual can transform your year. KEY POINTS The surprising research: gratitude can reduce mortality by 9% and dramatically improve mental health. How gratitude rewires the brain—calming the amygdala and boosting emotional connection. Why Australians struggle with vulnerability, ritual, and expressed appreciation. How a simple gratitude practice can shift your home from reactive to relational. Easy, meaningful ways to host “Australian Thanksgiving” without any fuss. The power of modelling gratitude for kids (and why lectures never work). QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control where we place our attention—and gratitude changes everything.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Harvard gratitude research (2024) Neuroscience findings on the ACC, medial prefrontal cortex & amygdala Kylie’s gratitude journal practice and gratitude tree idea 6 Science-Backed Benefits of Gratitude [Article] How Gratitude Can Make Your Family Happier [Podcast Article] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Start a family ritual this week—one to three things you’re grateful for. Keep it kid-friendly: a gratitude tree, backyard dessert night, or paddle-pop party. Record your gratitude in a notebook or on your phone to revisit next year. Model vulnerability by sharing something meaningful, not just the generic stuff. Make it small, simple, and doable—the ritual matters more than the menu. 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.
Netherlands