If you are struggling to "keep the spark alive" with your loved one, you're not alone. Exhaustion, screen addiction, lack of time, resentment - all these issues (and more!) can lead to zero interest in nurturing intimacy. Today we share some surprising secrets to sustaining a strong sexual connection!
In this episode:

Reasons for having zero interest in intimacy 
Connection and friendship
Prioritising sex
Slowing things down
Female pleasure
Book recommendations 

Links:

Nurturing Intimacy: Secrets to Sustaining Strong Sexual Connection – Happy Families
Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski | The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life
She Comes First by Ian Kerner | The Thinking Man’s Guide to Pleasuring a Woman

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#981 Am I The Only One Not Interested in Intimacy?

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.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Kids & Family

Relationships

Parenting

Dr Justin’s 3 E’s (explore, explain, and empower) are the pillars of autonomy-supportive parenting. But there are times when they just do not work (we are all only flawed humans after all!). Today's tips will help you calmly and confidently navigate through the heat of these challenging moments.
In this episode:

The 3 Es of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, and Empower
Self-determination theory
Basic psychological needs of every human
Relatedness, competence, autonomy
Need-supportive parenting
High emotions = low intelligence
Being ok with our children's discomfort
Patience and practice
Fast is slow, and slow is fast
Neurodiversity
Turn towards your child in challenging times

Related links:

The Parenting Revolution, by Dr Justin Coulson
The Secret to Regulating Emotions - Happy Families
How to Fix a Problem Child - Happy Families
Little People, Big Feelings [The Free Webinar] - Happy Families

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#1003 When the 3 E's Don't Work

Connecting with your teenager on their terms gives you the opportunity to engage with their world in a meaningful way. Being on the same digital platforms as your child allows for greater understanding, better conversations, and stronger connections, keeping them safe along the way.
In this episode:

Connection - feeling seen, heard, and valued
The joy of Snapchat filters
Understanding our teenager's world
Doing housework with your child
Daddy-daughter dates

Related links:

Miss-Connection 7 Day Connection Challenge [Free Download] - Happy Families
Miss-Connection: Why Your Teenage Daughter “Hates” You, Expects the World, and Needs to Talk, by Dr Justin Coulson
You Did WHAT on Snapchat?! - Happy Families Article
Settle Down About Selfies - Happy Families Article

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#1002 Why Kylie Loves Snapchat

'Gentle Parenting' is a mindset with an emphasis on the child’s feelings. It may sound lovely and calm, but in reality, this "way of being" has a tendency to indulge emotions at the expense of effective family functioning, leaving parents feeling like they are hanging on for dear life—exhausted, incompetent, and emotionally drained!
Justin and Kylie share four essential steps for parenting gently in a way that ensures our children feel safe, secure, and loved. 
In this episode:

Defining "gentle parenting"
Parental Guidance Season 1
Different parenting styles
Gentle parenting the polar opposite of authoritarian

“The Rise of the Accidentally Permissive Parent 

Anne Pezalla – Gentle Parenting Can Be Really Hard On Parents | The Conversation
John Gottman - Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child
Emotion coaching gone wrong
Indulging emotions at the expense of all else
Autonomy-supportive parenting
Kind and present parents
Boundaries and limits

Related links:

Emotion Coaching | The Webinar - Happy Families
The Secret to Regulating Emotions - Happy Families
What’s Your Parenting Style? - Happy Families Quiz

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#1001 Gentle Parenting Under Fire

Reflecting on 1000 episodes of Australia’s leading parenting podcast, we cover the highs and the lows of family life, from farewells to celebrations and everything in-between.
Today’s episode is a celebration of Kylie's big heart, Justin's big brain, the best of some really bad jokes, and of course, you, our wonderful listeners—our Happy Families family!
(With a special appearance from Hamish Blake!)
 
Related links:


#282 Better Together
#562 The Pursuit of Happiness
#853 Developing Yourself or Finding Yourself?
10 Things Every Parent Needs To Know - Happy Families

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#1000 Reflecting on 1000 Episodes!

Anonymous asks, "My 3-year-old is asking questions about his absent father. How do I answer in a way that supports my young son's mental health and self-esteem?". Justin gives examples of a healthy and developmentally appropriate response to this difficult situation in a way that honours the father, supports the child, and also advocates for our anonymous listener.
Lisa, from Canada, is concerned that catching the school bus will potentially expose her 11-year-old daughter to explicit material. Justin shares some suggestions that will help every parent safely lead their child along the path to independence.
In this episode:

Single parent
Absent father
Mental health 
Answering sensitive questions age appropriately
Honesty and transparency
Children need to feel safe, secure, loved
Building independence, confidence & self-efficacy
Cocooning, pre-arming, deference
The Three E's (Explore, Explain, Empower)

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Related links:

How Do I Support My Daughter Now That I'm Divorcing? - Happy Families
Pornography Is The New Public Health Crisis - Happy Families
#898 Porn-Proofing Your Kids, with Kristen Jenson
Creating Confident Kids - Happy Families
Navigating Your Teen's Quest For Independence - Happy Families

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Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter
Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au
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#981 Am I The Only One Not Interested in Intimacy?

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