Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1249 - Supporting Autonomy Without Losing Authority


Listen Later

In this episode of I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share two powerful parenting wins from their week—one about holding firm with limits and another about letting go with trust. Together, they reflect on how boundaries, autonomy, and persistence are essential ingredients in helping children grow into capable, responsible decision-makers.

KEY POINTS:

  • Children need clear, consistent boundaries—especially when it comes to expectations and screen time.
  • Limits may be met with resistance, but they help children develop resilience and internal motivation.
  • Giving children autonomy over their food choices (within a supportive structure) can lead to lasting learning and healthier habits.
  • Parenting isn’t about eliminating struggle—it’s about guiding our kids through it, patiently and consistently.
  • Trust the long game: small wins add up over time.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Once you do the hard stuff, then you get to do the good stuff.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

  • Explore–Explain–Empower discipline framework
    happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

  1. Hold the boundary—even when it’s inconvenient. Kids learn what matters when we stay consistent.
  2. Allow space for autonomy—give kids opportunities to feel the natural outcomes of their choices.
  3. Celebrate the small wins—even when progress is slow, it still counts.
  4. Avoid the path of least resistance—growth often comes through struggle, not shortcuts.
  5. Trust the process—support, scaffold, and repeat. Your persistence will pay off.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy FamiliesBy Dr Justin Coulson

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

137 ratings


More shows like Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

View all
Mamamia Out Loud by Mamamia Podcasts

Mamamia Out Loud

590 Listeners

This Glorious Mess by Mamamia Podcasts

This Glorious Mess

38 Listeners

No Filter by Mamamia Podcasts

No Filter

595 Listeners

Ladies, We Need To Talk by ABC listen

Ladies, We Need To Talk

340 Listeners

Parental As Anything by ABC listen

Parental As Anything

41 Listeners

The Imperfects by Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg

The Imperfects

442 Listeners

Beyond the Bump by Sophie Pearce & Jayde Couldwell

Beyond the Bump

93 Listeners

Lise and Sarah by Those Two Girls

Lise and Sarah

49 Listeners

Something To Talk About by Stellar

Something To Talk About

106 Listeners

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show by LiSTNR

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show

95 Listeners

Pop Culture Parenting by Dr Billy Garvey, Nick McCormack

Pop Culture Parenting

74 Listeners

But Are You Happy? by Mamamia Podcasts

But Are You Happy?

48 Listeners

ADHD Mums by Jane McFadden

ADHD Mums

13 Listeners

The Good Enough Dad with Maggie Dent by Maggie Dent

The Good Enough Dad with Maggie Dent

8 Listeners

MID by Mamamia Podcasts

MID

90 Listeners