Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Can a little “selfishness” make you a better parent? Join Kylie and Justin as they share relatable parenting mishaps, with a reminder that taking care of yourself is a gift to everyone around you. Key Points: The value of a "do nothing" holiday Finding permission for personal time How parenting changes across different children The impact of slowing down Quote of the Episode: "We've been trained for so long to believe that taking time out for ourselves is selfish. And we've got to change the narrative." - Kylie Coulson Key Insights: Younger children often get different versions of their parents Taking time for yourself makes you better for everyone else Growth and maturity in parenting benefit all children differently Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what families need Action Steps: Give yourself permission for personal time Recognize different seasons of parenting Look for ways to connect with older children Create space for new family traditions Resources Mentioned: happyfamilies.com.au Emma McKeon interview (upcoming weekend content) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside Out 2 isn’t just a movie—it’s a parenting masterclass on navigating the beautiful chaos of adolescence! Justin and Kylie Coulson explore the profound parenting insights from Inside Out 2, discussing teen brain development, emotional complexity, and why this film offers valuable understanding for parents. Key Points: Teen brain development and the "construction zone" phase The role of anxiety in adolescent decision-making How emotions work together (or sometimes don't) Why perfect isn't possible or desirable The importance of embracing all experiences, both good and bad Quote of the Episode: "Life is supposed to be joyful. It's just that it can't stay that way all the time." - Justin Coulson Key Insights: Understanding teen brain development through visual metaphors How anxiety can both protect and hinder The exhaustion of trying to maintain constant positivity Why difficult experiences contribute to wholeness The complexity of managing multiple emotions Research Referenced: Dr. Lisa Damour's work on teen psychology Adolescent brain development research The role of the prefrontal cortex in teen decision-making Action Steps for Parents: Watch the film with your teens Discuss emotional complexity openly Acknowledge the challenge of growth Embrace imperfection Create space for all emotions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma McKeon, with 14 Olympic medals, knows what it takes to excel without burning out—and she credits her parents for getting the balance just right. In this episode, we dive into Emma’s upbringing to uncover strategies for encouraging kids to pursue their passions with joy and self-determination. From transforming performance anxiety into a secret weapon to helping children develop discipline on their own terms, this conversation offers invaluable insights for every parent. Tune in to learn how to support your child’s journey—whether they’re a budding athlete, artist, or simply exploring what they love.Key Points:- Finding the balance between encouragement and pressure- The role of self-determination in achievement- How to support children through performance anxiety- Why giving space for autonomy leads to better outcomes- The importance of maintaining joy in activities Personal Stories Shared:- Annie's piano journey from age 3 to 17- Kylie's telegraph pole experience and anxiety management- The statistical rarity of Olympic athletes (0.002%)Quote of the Episode:"Nerves are showing you that you're doing something brave and worthwhile." - Emma McKeonKey Insights for Parents:"Sometimes when our kids are in that tricky space, we often fill that space with unnecessary noise. We call it encouragement. But what they actually need is our quiet patience." - Kylie Coulson- Allow children to drive their own interests- Create quiet space for processing anxiety- Remember it's their life, not oursMaintaining Perspective:"It's important that we don't crush what brings them joy... The important thing is that they're doing things that bring them joy and light them up." - Kylie Coulson- Success looks different for every child- Focus on enjoyment over achievement- Allow space for changing interestsThe Bigger Picture:"There are loads and loads of fully functional, wonderful people who quit music or who quit sport and have still gone on to live good lives and even achieve and accomplish in other areas in their lives." - Justin Coulson- Achievement isn't limited to childhood pursuits- Life offers multiple paths to success- Early decisions don't determine lifetime outcomesResources Mentioned:- Dr. Lisa Damour's work on anxiety management- Emma McKeon's full interview (airing Saturday)- happyfamilies.com.auAction Steps for Listeners:1. Reflect on whether you're supporting or pushing2. Practice giving space during moments of anxiety3. Focus on enjoyment over achievement4. Allow children to set their own goals and pace5. Remember that quitting one thing doesn't mean failure in lifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever feel like you’re stuck in the loop of “How was your day?” and hearing “meh” in response? Justin and Kylie share research-backed strategies for having meaningful conversations with your children, including five core questions that build emotional intelligence and resilience. Learn why timing and technique matter more than the questions themselves, and discover how these conversations can significantly reduce anxiety and depression in children. Key Points:- The power of well-timed, meaningful conversations- How conversations build executive function and emotional regulation- The connection between parent-child discussions and mental health- Why traditional questions often fail to engage kids- The importance of timing and technique in family discussionsResearch Highlights:- Harvard's Center on the Developing Child: Back-and-forth conversations build executive function- Minnesota longitudinal study: Regular meaningful conversations improve emotional intelligence- Arizona State University: 48% lower rates of anxiety and depression in kids who have regular meaningful discussions with parentsQuote of the Episode:"Sometimes when we're having difficult conversations, we handle the conversations better if we're actually doing something side by side." - Kylie CoulsonThe Five Core Questions:1. What are some things you're most excited about for 2025?2. Is there anything you're nervous or worried about this year?3. What's something you'd love to learn or try this year?4. When do you feel most like you?5. What qualities do you admire in others and which ones would you like to develop in yourself?Key Techniques:- The WAIT Principle (Why Am I Talking?)- Using strategic silence- The power of "Tell me more"- Avoiding problem-solving unless asked- Side-by-side conversationsBest Times for Conversations:- During dinner- Bedtime- Walking together- Car rides- Over breakfastResources Mentioned:- Harvard's Center on the Developing Child research- Minnesota longitudinal study- Dr. Suniya Luther's research at Arizona State University- happyfamilies.com.auAction Steps for Parents:1. Choose the right timing for conversations2. Practice the WAIT principle3. Use side-by-side activities for difficult discussions4. Create regular conversation opportunities at dinner5. Focus on listening rather than problem-solvingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.