Judgement & criticism, punishing, provoking, and trying to “fix” a child—none of these are a parent’s job. They only serve to drive a wedge in relationships. Our job is to love our children. To set limits and have expectations—yes!—but to do so kindly. 
 
In this episode:

Shifting the paradigm
Compassion and empathy
Emotions go up, intelligence goes down
The problem with judgement
Why kindness is the answer

Links:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R Covey
I don’t need Fixing! I need Guiding and Loving – Happy Families
Why Our Kids Need Us to Set Limits – Happy Families

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#982 Judgement & Criticism Are Out!

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

Kylie is away on a kid-free adventure with a friend...and loving it! Has Justin been surviving without her? Listen in to hear the challenges, the fun, and the lessons they are both experiencing during this extended time apart.
In this episode:

A girls week away
Friendships
Pressures of family life
Importance of stability and routine

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Related links:

Overwhelm [webinar]
18 Ways to Increase Your Happiness

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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
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1012 - A Mum's Break

This Week In Parenting: why Australian parents are more open to smacking children than other countries, and how we can reduce peer pressure for kids and for parents by joining forces and creating community.
In this episode:

Smacking and corporal punishment
Australian parents most open to smacking kids in international study | 9News
The Parenting Revolution
Can Australia make age verification work for social media? | The Guardian
Momentum is building!
36 Months - sign the petition
Let kids be kids - have a play-based childhood
Peer pressure for kids and for parents too
Unplug Childhood - join the village & take the pledge

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Related links:

#454 Online Safety with Julie Inman Grant from the e-Safety Commission
Why It's Not Ok To Smack Your Kids - a great list of resources for what to do instead

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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
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1011 - This Week in Parenting: Smacking & Socials

Journalist and author Susie O'Brien chats with Justin about the current situation in schools regarding student behaviour and classroom management, with a recent senate inquiry suggesting that it's time to go back to basics and teach children how to behave at school.
In this episode:

A Senate Inquiry is Calling For a New 'Behaviour Curriculum' to Tackle Classroom Disruptions | Monash University
Getting back to basics with classroom behaviour
Explicit Teaching Push in New Behaviour Curriculum | Education Review
What do teachers want?
Lack of support from principals and parents
Regressive or progressive? 

Related links:

The Calm Classroom [Webinar]
One-Minute Wellbeing: 50 Quick Tips for Educators [Free Download]
Boys, Girls, Brains, & Behaviour in the Classroom

Find us on Facebook or TikTok
Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter
Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1010 - The Behaviour Curriculum With Susie O'Brien

Three-year-olds are exhausting! Energetic, emotionally reactive, and uninhibited—all the things that can make a parent begin to question if their child has ADHD! Today, Dr Justin looks at the developmentally normal behaviours of a three-year-old and shares four things they need in order to learn, grow, and thrive.
Plus, three tips for neurodivergent parents trying to hold it all together while navigating the chaos of family life and struggling with their own ADHD.
In this episode:

ADHD, ODD, or just three?
Developmental Milestones - Preschoolers
Little People, Big Feelings (Webinar)
What Your Child Needs From You
Why saying "use your words" isn't helpful
Theory of mind
Diagnosing ADHD
What 3-year-olds need
Neurodivergent parents
Challenges of ADHD as an adult
Help For the ADHD Parent - from the Happy Families team

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Related links:

Parenting an ADHD Child
Women in Australia with ADHD - FB support group
ADHD Mums - Australian resource and podcast

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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
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#1009 ADHD in Adults & Toddlers

Are you overthinking family meals? Do you want a little more peace and a lot less chaos at the dinner table? How can a family dinner fit in amongst work commitments and extra-curricular activities? We take a look at the research behind what was once considered the norm - family dinners, and share some tips to ease the pressure.
In this episode: 

San Remo market research
Chaos of mealtimes
YOYO (You're On Your Own) night
Screens and mealtimes
Extra-curricular activities for kids AND parents are impacting family meals
5 tips to ease the pressure
Are we overthinking family meals? 5 realistic tips to ease the pressure | The Conversation 
Rituals of connection

Related links:

Eat Right Without a Fight - E-Book
How do I Get My Child to Eat Healthy Food Without the Power Struggles?
How to Banish Tech and Make Mealtimes Matter
Menu Planner [Free Download]

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Find us on Facebook or TikTok
Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter
Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#982 Judgement & Criticism Are Out!

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