Are we giving kids the equivalent of car keys to a digital world they're not prepared to navigate?

In this episode, Dr. Justin Coulson and guest Matt Purcell dive into the complex issue of kids and social media. From the psychological toll it takes on young users to the uphill battle parents face in managing screen time, we explore practical solutions and innovative tools like 'Social Kung Fu' to empower families and to protect our children. 

In this episode:

• Impact of social media on youth mental health
• Age restrictions for social media
• Balancing online independence & safety
• Forming alliances among families (The Heads Up Alliance, Unplug Childhood)
• Algorithms
• Holding social media accountable
• Social Kung Fu - equipping kids with verbal & cyber self-defence skills
• Code of conduct with devices

Related Links:

• 5 Ways to Set Screen Time Limits With Your Children
• Unplugged Parenthood: Reducing Screen Time to Strengthen Family Connections
• The Screen Smart Series

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Dr Emma Watkins is bringing something new to the table with an exclusive project every parent will want to hear about. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look into her inspiring journey!

In this episode:

• The Wiggles
• Emma Memma
• Dr Emma Watkins' PhD Abstract
• Sign-language
• Self-care & goats
• Balancing dreams with realistic goals
• Endometriosis & fertility challenges
• A Dream for Every Night with Emma Watkins - Audible Book

Related links:

• Self Care Strategies That Really Work

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Ever faced the uphill battle of convincing your kids to put down their devices, step into nature, and engage with life?

I'll Do Better Tomorrow: Justin and Kylie chat about dealing with pushback when you know what's best for your kids, but they resist.

In this episode:

• Tech-free teens
• Firm but loving encouragement to step outside comfort zones
• Modelling active engagement
• Motivating teenagers
• Wild Robots movie
• Making bids for connection
• Tough love

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Dive into cutting-edge studies on parenting and child development, from income's role in behaviour to the debate over smacking's effects. Find out what the latest research says about the best ways to support our kids’ growth!

In this episode:

• Impact of income on children's behaviour & development
• New study...better support would bring lifelong benefits | The Conversation
• Preschoolers: physical activity, screen time & sleep
• Study reveals most three and four-year-olds don’t get enough exercise or sleep, but too much screen time | The West Australian
• School mobile phone bans
• ‘Protecting a generation’: School phone bans pass the test | The Daily Telegraph 
• Smacking harms child development

• Negative effects of childhood spanking may be overstated, study claims | NY Post

• Study published in the Marriage & Family Review

• Data vs morality & philosophy

• The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson

Related Links:

• Why It’s Not Ok To Smack Your Kids
• Unplug Childhood
• #1060 - No Hang-Ups With School Phone Bans 
• Screen Time Guidelines Updated for the Touchscreen Generation 

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Raising a neurodivergent child can feel like an uphill battle, especially within a rigid school system. In this episode, Dr. Justin Coulson, along with Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow, share essential strategies for empowering neurodivergent children and offer hope to parents navigating this challenging path.

In this episode:

• Out of the Box: A Guide to Navigating Neurodivergence by Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow
• Common struggles of ND kids
• Undiagnosed girls
• Masking & camouflaging

• Lack of training & resources in schools

• 3 basic psychological needs

• Parent-school partnerships

• Homeschooling
• Tips for ND kids starting a new school

Related Links:

• Supporting Autistic Children [The Course] 
• Help For The ADHD Parent
• Championing Neurodiversity Webinar
• One-Minute Wellbeing: Fifty Quick Tips for Educators 

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At a recent Fathers of Girls conference, Kylie brought a room full of dads to tears as she spoke about the power of time and connection in parenting. Listen to her heartfelt message, reminding us that it is the time we spend with our children that truly matters.

In this episode:

• Personal Progress Interviews
• Creating a safe space 
• Having your child's back no matter what
• Love is spelt T.I.M.E
• Fostering deep connections with your child

Related Links:

• I Work Full-time. How do I Connect With my Kids?
• Building Strong Parent-Child Connections That Last
• Miss-Connection | 7 Day Connection Challenge

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Schoolies Week can be a thrilling time for teens, but it’s often a nerve-wracking experience for parents. In this episode, we share two essential strategies every parent needs to help their teens navigate Schoolies Week safely and responsibly.

In this episode:

• Schoolies: a rite of passage?
• Open, honest communication (before and during Schoolies)
• Safety planning
• Creating strong support networks
• Boundaries
• Peer pressure
• Responsible drinking
• Consent
• "Strong and safe"

Related Links:

• 5 Essential Conversations to Have with Your Teen Before Schoolies
• #886 Get Set for Schoolies With Paul Dillon

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Every Friday we do "I'll Do Better Tomorrow", where Justin and Kylie reflect on the week that was, and how they can be better parents tomorrow.

In this episode:

• Dads and straight up conversations
• Girls are layered
• Dadding vs Babysitting
• Not dropping your son-in-law in it.
• Don't sweat the small stuff

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"Region Beta Paradox"is a phenomenon where minor annoyances that don't seem urgent can actually cause more stress over time if left unaddressed. 

We apply this concept to parenting, showing how minor behaviours in children, like whining or sibling squabbles, can escalate if repeatedly ignored, affecting both the child's development and the parent's well-being.

In this episode:

• The Region Beta Paradox
• Why small annoyances can harm us more than big disruptions  | PSYCHE
• Parenting implications of ignoring minor behaviours
• Psychological toll on parents

• Importance of empathy and emotional regulation in responding to children

• Solutions for parents

• Self-care and setting boundaries
• Avoiding screens

Related Links: 

• How to Respond When Triggered by Your Child
• Self-Care Strategies That Really Work
• Overwhelm: Self-care Strategies for When Everything is Too Much [Webinar]
• Why Our Kids Need Us to Set Limits
• Unplugged Parenthood: Reducing Screen Time to Strengthen Family Connections
• Developmental Milestones: What to Expect From Birth to Adulthood

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Bullying can have a huge impact on our kids' lives.

Recently, Dr Justin had a conversation with Rachel and Sarah on their podcast The Parenting Couch. Today's snippet from that covers definitions of bullying, how to open up conversations about it, and what steps to take when your child is involved. Find the link to the full conversation in our show notes. 

In this episode:

• What is bullying? Verbal, physical, repeated, cyber-bullying
• Having conversations with your kids
• Emotions
• Feeling seen, heard, valued
• Encouraging empathy and "upstanding" behaviour 
• What to do when bullying happens
• When to involve other parents

Related Links: 

• Stop the Bully: Proven Strategies to Empower Your Child, with Dr Justin Coulson | The Parenting Couch Podcast 

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