Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Nine in 10 teens who get periods regularly experience pain, and around half report moderate to severe symptoms. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with paediatrician Dr Anthea Rhodes from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne about why so many girls are missing school, sport and social events because of period pain. They unpack the myths parents need to stop believing, how to recognise when pain needs attention, and practical ways to help teens feel supported. Plus, learn why boys need to understand periods too and how families can make these conversations less awkward.

KEY POINTS:

• Why period pain shouldn’t be something teens simply have to endure

• The signs that pain is interfering with everyday life

• Why boys and dads need to understand periods

• Practical ways to make period products and support accessible

• How to start conversations when teens feel embarrassed asking for help

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Just because something’s common doesn’t mean there aren’t things that you can do to actually make that better.” Dr Anthea Rhodes

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Teen Health Info and Kids Health Info fact sheets, plus resources from the Pelvic Pain Clinical Network.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

• Ask your teen how their period affects school, sport and friendships.

• Take pain seriously, especially when it stops them participating in everyday activities.

• Keep period products and suitable pain relief accessible at home and in the car.

• Make conversations about periods normal, not embarrassing.

• Speak with your GP if symptoms are persistent, severe or not improving.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can paracetamol during pregnancy increase the risk of autism or ADHD? Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack four provocative studies challenging what we think we know about pregnancy, relationships, gender differences and rising neurodevelopmental diagnoses. From a major study examining paracetamol use during pregnancy to the possible reasons autism and ADHD diagnoses are increasing, this episode separates research findings from assumptions and explores what the evidence actually tells us.

KEY POINTS

• What a large study found about paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism or ADHD risk.
• Why men and women may appear to multitask differently.
• How pessimism about relationships may affect young women's expectations for happiness.
• Whether broader diagnostic criteria help explain rising autism and ADHD diagnoses.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Science isn't about convenience.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Prenatal Acetaminophen or Paracetamol Use and the Risk of Autism and ADHD Among Sibling-Matched Cohorts, published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
• Research published in Psychological Research on gender differences in multitasking.
• Suzanne Venker's discussion of heteropessimism on the Modern Wisdom podcast with Chris Williamson.
• Institute for Family Studies article on heteropessimism and relationship outcomes.
• Changes in Genetic Contributions to ASD and ADHD by Year of Diagnosis, published in JAMA Psychiatry.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Look at the research behind controversial health claims before accepting or dismissing them.
• Discuss questions about medication during pregnancy with your healthcare professional.
• Focus on finding healthy relationships built on kindness, trust and mutual support.
• Remember that research findings are part of an evolving evidence base, especially when it comes to autism and ADHD.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When school leaves your child overwhelmed, anxious and struggling to learn, is pushing through really the best option? Justin and Kylie Coulson share their experience with homeschooling, the emotional toll of traditional schooling and how to decide what your child needs most. They explore social skills, independence, learning and the importance of helping children feel safe enough to thrive.

Key Points

• How to recognise when traditional schooling isn't working for your child
• Why emotional regulation matters for learning and friendships

• The social opportunities children can find outside traditional school

• The realities of homeschooling for parents, finances and work

• How time at home can help children rebuild confidence and return to school

Quote of the Episode

“How on earth is a child whose emotions are so highly strung in that moment going to learn anything?”

Resources Mentioned

• Happy Families: https://happyfamilies.com.au

Action Steps for Parents

• Listen to what your child’s behaviour may be telling you about their school experience.

• Look into local homeschooling groups and alternative learning options.

• Consider your child’s emotional wellbeing alongside their academic and social development.

• Build a supportive community where your child can develop friendships, independence and confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if all our talk about mental health is making it harder for kids to cope with life?

Dr Justin Coulson sits down with educational and developmental psychologist Claire Rowe to unpack the rise of therapy speak, the dangers of labelling normal emotions as mental health problems, and why constantly checking in on how our kids feel might not be helping them. Discover how to support children through difficult feelings without teaching them to fear every bump in the road.

Key Points

• How therapy speak on social media is changing the way we see ourselves and others

• Why labelling children as anxious or sensitive can shape their identity

• When mental health labels help and when they go too far

• Why taking action and helping others can be more useful than constantly focusing inward

• How to build resilience without dismissing children's feelings

Quote of the Episode

“You can do hard things.” Claire Rowe

Resources Mentioned

• Claire Rowe Psychologist on Instagram

• Rowe and Associates, Sydney

• Lucy Foulkes, psychologist and researcher

• Sami Timimi, psychiatrist

• Abigail Shrier, author

Action Steps for Parents

• Talk about feelings using everyday words like worried, sad or disappointed rather than turning every emotion into a label.

• Remind your child that difficult feelings are normal and that asking for help is okay.

• Encourage them to take small steps through challenging situations instead of automatically avoiding them.

• Help them connect with others through family, friendships, sport, hobbies and community.

• Let your child know you are there to support them, even when they have a hard day.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What matters most when you walk through your front door? Justin Coulson has spent years helping families build happier lives, and his work has now earned him a University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award. But the moment that mattered most wasn't the trophy. It was the reminder that strong families change lives, and the most important work we do often happens at home.

Justin and Kylie share the story behind the award, the sacrifices that shaped his career, a hilarious university confession, and the acceptance speech that left a room full of people in tears.

KEY POINTS

• Why strong family relationships shape happier, healthier lives

• The unexpected path from struggling dad to parenting expert

• The people and sacrifices behind Justin's achievement

• What research tells us about the lifelong impact of loving caregivers

• Why the most important work often happens at home

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The most important work many of us will ever do is not in the office. It's waiting for us when we walk back through our own front door.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Awards

• Happy Families books and resources at happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Make time for connection with your children, even on busy days.

• Think about the example you're setting through your relationships.

• Recognise the small, everyday things that help your family feel safe, loved and supported.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Worried your teenager is falling behind or has no idea what they want to do after school? You’re not alone, and their future is bigger than their grades.

Dr Justin Coulson chats with educator and careers expert Dr Jo Winchester about career pressure, gap years, alternative pathways and the changing world of work. They explore how to support neurodivergent kids, take the pressure off big decisions and help young people find a path that fits who they are.

KEY POINTS

• Why your child’s ATAR doesn’t define their potential

• When a gap year might be the right choice

• How to explore careers in a rapidly changing world

• Supporting neurodivergent kids without focusing on grades

• Helping teenagers make decisions without passing on your anxiety

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The thing that I want you to concentrate on more is, is your child happy? Are they being supported in a loving environment at that school?”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Dr Jo Winchester for career guidance and free resources

• Range by David Epstein

• Dark Horse by Todd Rose

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Take the pressure off choosing a lifelong career right now.

• Explore university open days by focusing on the environment and teaching staff, not rankings.

• Help your teenager identify their interests, strengths and skills.

• Set small, achievable goals if school is a struggle.

• Remind your child that their grades are not a measure of their intelligence or future success.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your five-year-old is hitting other children when they're angry, frustrated or feel something is unfair. You've talked about using words, encouraged them to burn off energy and tried everything you can think of. So what actually helps?

Justin and Kylie Coulson explain why young children lash out, how to practise emotional regulation at home and what to do when your child comes home after a difficult day at school. Learn how to set boundaries without shame, build better responses and help your child manage big feelings as their brain develops.

KEY POINTS

• Why five-year-olds struggle to control big emotions

• How to practise calming strategies before frustration takes over

• Why difficult conversations work better when everyone is calm

• Helping children find their own solutions to conflict

• Responding with compassion while still addressing hitting

• How classroom culture and maturity can influence behaviour

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“When emotions are hot or high, there's not a lot that soaks in or sinks in.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Happy Families: https://happyfamilies.com.au

• Send your tricky questions to [email protected]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Practise when things are calm. Rehearse taking deep breaths, walking away or asking an adult for help.

• Problem-solve together. Ask your child what they could do next time they feel angry or treated unfairly.

• Reconnect after school. Offer cuddles, space and understanding before discussing what went wrong.

• Keep the boundary clear. Acknowledge their feelings while making it clear that hitting isn't okay.

• Give them time to learn. Emotional regulation develops gradually, and children need repeated practice and support.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When your child is anxious, overwhelmed or afraid, should you step in or let them work it out? The answer could change how you parent.

Justin and Kylie Coulson share five research-backed ways to build resilience in children, from listening without rushing to fix things to letting kids tackle challenges, take safe risks and discover what they're capable of. Because raising resilient kids isn't about toughening them up. It's about giving them the support and confidence to face hard things.

KEY POINTS

• Why feeling cared for and listened to is the foundation of resilience

• How staying calm helps children manage big emotions

• When to support your child and when to resist the urge to rescue them

• How family identity and purpose help kids through difficult experiences

• Why independent activity and safe, risky play build confidence

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Resilience is built as much inside a child as it is built around a child.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Happy Families: https://happyfamilies.com.au

• Andrew Fuller, Australian psychologist and resilience researcher

• Steve Biddulph, parenting expert

• Anne Masten, resilience researcher

• Peter Gray, play researcher

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Put your phone down and give your child your full attention when they want to talk.

• Take a slow, audible breath before responding to your child's big emotions.

• Encourage your child to try something difficult before stepping in to rescue them.

• Find small ways for your child to contribute to your family and feel part of something bigger.

• Give your child age-appropriate opportunities to explore, play independently and take safe risks.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you give everything you have and still can’t finish? Justin shares the emotional reality of attempting a 50km charity walk with a 10kg vest, battling an injury and facing the decision to quit.

Justin and Kylie reflect on failure, resilience and the courage it takes to admit when you need help. They also share how their Lift the Load challenge raised almost $95,000 for Top Blokes, helping more young men access vital mentoring and support.

KEY POINTS

• Why admitting you need help can be harder than pushing through.
• The difference between resilience and ignoring your limits.
• How asking for help can change the outcome.
• Why we can support others without carrying everything for them.
• How one person's actions can inspire a whole community.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“It's wonderful when you feel strong and capable that you would offer to carry somebody else's load. But there comes a time where you have to recognise when that load is no longer bearable.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Top Blokes Foundation
• Lift the Load Challenge
• Happy Families

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Show your children that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
• Talk about the difference between giving up and recognising when something needs to change.
• Check in with the people around you. Ask how they're really going and listen to the answer.
• Remind your family that supporting someone doesn't mean carrying every burden for them.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your phone might be getting in the way of your child’s learning, confidence and connection with you.

Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack three research findings every parent should know, from the link between heavy AI use and lower school test scores to why early puberty may increase anxiety risk in girls. They also explore how being ignored while a parent scrolls can affect a teenager’s sense of security in the relationship.

Discover what the research tells us, where the limits of the evidence lie, and how to give your child more opportunities to feel supported, connected and confident.

KEY POINTS

• AI and learning: Students who frequently use AI chatbots for schoolwork scored lower in science and reading than those who rarely use them. How children use AI matters.
• Early puberty and anxiety: Research links earlier, faster puberty in girls with a higher risk of anxiety symptoms. Supportive relationships may help provide important protection.
• Phone distraction and attachment: Teenagers who feel ignored by a parent’s phone use are more likely to report insecure attachment to that caregiver.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“She needs protective factors in her life.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• PISA assessment findings on AI use and student performance, reported by Lucy Carroll in The Australian
• Danish National Birth Cohort analysis on pubertal development and anxiety, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders
• Research examining parental phone use, "phubbing" and adolescent attachment

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Encourage your child to use AI to explore ideas and learn, rather than letting it do their thinking or writing for them.
• If your daughter experiences early puberty, focus on supportive relationships, trusted role models and a safe home environment.
• Put your phone away when your child is trying to connect with you. Give them your attention, listen and show them they matter.
• Remember that research showing a link between two things does not automatically prove that one causes the other.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.