What if the world’s biggest social media company discovered its platforms were harming mental health… and then buried the evidence? Today, Justin and Kylie unpack explosive court documents about Meta’s secret research, the upcoming social media age-limit legislation, and what really happens when we step away from the online world. Then, we dive into your powerful responses to our most controversial episode of the year — including raw truths from parents who feel exhausted, confused, and desperate for answers. This episode will make you think differently about screens, kids, “normality,” and what families actually need.

KEY POINTS

• Meta allegedly hid internal research showing users became less depressed after deleting Facebook.
• Why this matters ahead of Australia’s new social media minimum-age legislation.
• Justin’s own social media detox — and the surprising wellbeing shift.
• Why young teens are the most vulnerable to social platforms.
• The cultural shift toward labels, diagnoses, and pathologising behaviour.
• Parents respond to the Sammy Tamimi episode: gratitude, confusion, frustration, exhaustion.
• The power — and danger — of language when describing kids’ struggles.
• Why the environment (screens, sleep, school, structure) often matters more than labels.
• Reassurance: you can hold the nuance — be curious and compassionate without losing hope.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"When we change our language, we change our experience." — Justin

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Meta court case reporting (news.com.au)
• Searching for Normal by Dr. Sammy Tamimi
• Previous Happy Families episode featuring Dr. Sammy Tamimi
• Research on Facebook deactivation and mental health

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Audit your child’s digital environment — sleep, screens, stimulation, social pressure.
2. Create a family phone culture (including boundaries around late-night messaging).
3. Hold diagnoses lightly, not dismissively — take what helps, leave what harms.
4. Stay curious about what might be driving big emotions or behaviour.
5. Prioritise connection over correction when your child is struggling.
6. Remember progress > perfection — small steps make a big difference.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If Christmas usually feels more chaotic than joyful, this episode is the reset you need. Justin and Kylie unpack the research on what really makes Christmas happier—and what quietly steals the joy from it. You’ll hear the surprising predictors of Christmas wellbeing (hint: it’s not money, gifts, or how perfect your table looks) and why letting go of the pressure to “do it all” might be the best gift you give your family. A warm, funny, practical episode to help you create a Christmas that actually feels good.

KEY POINTS

• Family connection and meaningful traditions are the strongest predictors of Christmas happiness.
• A sense of purpose—not perfection—makes the season more joyful.
• Environmental mindfulness is linked with higher wellbeing (yes… even at Christmas!).
• Consuming less and enjoying nature more boosts Christmas satisfaction.
• Materialism and gift overload significantly reduce Christmas happiness.
• Relationship challenges or fractured family dynamics can dampen joy.
• Age brings more Christmas happiness as expectations shift and priorities mature.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Wrapping presents generally yields fewer rewards than spending time laughing, talking, and playing with the people you love.”

RESOURCES

• Kasser & Sheldon (2002) research on Christmas wellbeing
• Take Back Christmas [Article]
• How To Unspoil Your Kids This Christmas [Webinar]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Prioritise connection – plan at least one meaningful, shared activity.
• Scale back gifts – focus on presence, not presents.
• Add purpose – highlight generosity, gratitude, or spiritual meaning.
• Go outside – take a Christmas walk or enjoy nature together.
• Simplify – drop one “should” that only adds stress, not joy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling the Christmas chaos creeping in already? This episode hands you permission to rewrite the rules. Justin and Kylie share the three simple diagnostic questions that transform Christmas from exhausting and obligatory… to meaningful, memorable, and truly magical. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “do it all,” this is your reset button for a calmer, lighter, joy-filled holiday season.

KEY POINTS

• The three clarity questions that instantly simplify Christmas
• Why “What lights you up?” matters more than any tradition
• Identifying what drains you so you can let it go guilt-free
• The power of deciding “How do I want to feel on Christmas Day?”
• Helping kids create memories that actually matter
• How blended families, travel, and extended-family expectations fit into intentional planning
• Permission to do Christmas your way—without apology

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“If it doesn’t light you up, you don’t have to do it. Christmas works best when it works for your family.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Ask the three questions: What lights you up? What drains you? How do you want to feel on Christmas Day?
2. Hold a mini family meeting to hear everyone’s must-haves (and their “don’t worry about it” items).
3. Simplify: Cross out anything that doesn’t bring joy, connection or ease.
4. Protect your vision: Communicate clearly with extended family.
5. Choose one memory-maker to anchor your Christmas this year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

Christmas catch-ups can be joyful… and also incredibly tense when your kids start noticing that their cousins play by wildly different rules. No screen limits. Loose language. Even underage drinking.

In today’s tricky question, Justin and Kylie unpack how to protect your child’s wellbeing without blowing up family relationships — and how to help your kids navigate mixed values with confidence, clarity, and kindness.

KEY POINTS

• Why “forbidden friendships” often backfire — and what to do instead.
• How to set boundaries without judging extended family.
• The one conversation to have before a big family catch-up.
• Why your influence matters more than the cousin’s environment.
• How to handle major non-negotiables (like alcohol) calmly and clearly.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Force creates resistance — but connection creates influence.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Submit your tricky question: happyfamilies.com.au
• Voice notes: [email protected]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Have a pre-arming conversation. Ask what your child has noticed and how it makes them feel.
2. Clarify your family values without criticising others.
3. Set non-negotiables (e.g., alcohol, screens) with warmth + firmness.
4. Create positive shared experiences on your terms to keep relationships healthy.
5. Model compassion — kids learn more from how we speak about others than from the rules we set.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas is magic… until it isn’t. Big feelings, tired kids, sugar highs, family drama, and festive chaos can turn the “most wonderful time of the year” into a meltdown marathon. In this episode, Justin and Kylie break down how to handle the full spectrum of Christmas emotions — without overreacting, over-parenting, or overcooking yourself into exhaustion. Real stories, practical tools, and realistic expectations… so your day stays joyful, not stressful.

KEY POINTS

• Why emotional regulation is harder for kids (and adults!) at Christmas
• The real takeaway from the Marshmallow Experiment
• The biggest mistake parents make: becoming “at-home therapists”
• Why letting emotions settle works better than talking them down
• The glitter-jar brain: a simple metaphor to help kids reset
• How to use fantasy (“Wouldn’t it be great if…”) to soothe disappointment
• Why low expectations equal high connection
• How to stop family tension — especially when alcohol is involved
• When to step in… and when to step back

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Big emotions on Christmas Day aren’t a failure — they’re developmentally normal. Give them time to settle, and most storms blow over in minutes.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Set kids up for success: Protect sleep, reduce overstimulation, keep routines light.
2. Stay calm: Emotions are contagious — yours sets the tone.
3. Pause, don’t fix: Give time for emotions to settle before intervening.
4. Use fantasy to empathise: “Wouldn’t it be amazing if…?”
5. Keep expectations low and flexibility high: Simplicity makes the day better.
6. Be mindful of adult emotions + alcohol: Redirect early, protect kids’ psychological safety.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever feel like your kids walk straight past overflowing laundry baskets, open doors, or lights blazing—and simply don’t see it? You’re not imagining things. In this episode, Justin and Kylie share the hilarious (and slightly painful!) truth about raising kids who swear they’re “contributing”… while the adults quietly carry the load.

This feel-good Friday wrap-up dives into family meetings, chore systems that actually work, and the emotional load parents carry as we crawl toward the end of the year. It’s honest, relatable, and packed with practical ideas to help your kids step up—no nagging required.

KEY POINTS

• Why teens truly believe they’re contributing (and why parents disagree).
• The difference between helping when asked and true initiative.
• How a simple four-station chore system brought calm back to the household.
• The real reason parents burn out at the end of the year.
• Why “don’t give up” might be the most important parenting rule of all.
• How family meetings create clarity, connection, and accountability—even with adult kids.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Contribution is about initiative—eyes open, notice, and act.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Family meeting questions: What’s going well? What’s not? What do we want to focus on?
• eSafety Commissioner updates on minimum age for social media platforms
• Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Hold a quick family meeting—15 minutes max—with the three guiding questions.
2. Introduce clusters instead of chores (laundry, floors, kitchen, bathrooms).
3. Give kids longer rotations (weekly or monthly) to build mastery and responsibility.
4. Reframe contribution as noticing—not waiting.
5. Stay consistent: gentle reminders aren’t failure; they’re part of the process.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids are begging for e-scooters and e-bikes this Christmas—but the rise in catastrophic injuries tells a very different story. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson breaks down the shocking stats, the hidden dangers, and the conversations every parent must have before saying yes. This is the episode every parent needs to hear before heading to the checkout.

KEY POINTS

• Emergency departments are seeing a surge in serious e-scooter injuries—many life-threatening.
• Speed, illegal modifications, and lack of helmets are driving the spike.
• Developmentally, most kids and young teens are not ready for the risks.
• Laws vary widely across Australia and haven’t caught up to the tech.
• Pros vs cons: independence vs genuinely dangerous speeds and environments.
• What parents can do: age limits, non-negotiable rules, and real-world consequences.
  
  

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Right now we’re running a massive, uncontrolled experiment on our kids’ safety.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Local state road rules for e-bikes and e-scooters
• Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Delay the purchase—ideally until at least age 16.
2. Start small: ensure your child can safely handle a standard bike/scooter first.
3. Set iron-clad rules: helmets, no doubling, no night riding, no road riding, no phone use.
4. Inspect regularly for illegal modifications or unsafe setups.
5. Have the big conversation: talk openly about risks, responsibility, and real-world consequences.

Use meaningful, consistent consequences when rules are broken.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we turning ordinary childhood struggles into “disorders”? In this gripping conversation with child psychiatrist Dr Sami Timimi, we unpack the rise of ADHD, autism, anxiety — and the cultural story that’s quietly reshaping how parents see their kids. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child actually needs a diagnosis or just needs more connection, this episode will hit home.

Dr Timimi challenges the medicalisation of childhood, explains how labels can limit hope, and offers four powerful principles for supporting kids without pathologising them. This one will stay with you.

KEY POINTS

• Why “normal” is a moving target — and why that matters for parents.
• How subjective definitions in mental health fuel overdiagnosis.
• The risks of labels: internalised identity, lowered expectations, and unnecessary interventions.
• Four parent principles:
1. Don’t try too hard — avoid the trap of hunting for problems.
2. Don’t fear emotions — distress is part of growing up.
3. Prioritise relationship over behaviour control.
4. Beware concept creep — when clinical words invade everyday parenting.
• What’s driving the explosion in ADHD, autism, and neurodiversity narratives.
• Why today’s kids may be the most pathologised generation in history.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“When distress is medicalised, it steals our hope.” — Dr Sami Timimi

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Searching for Normal by Dr Sami Timimi
• Insane Medicine by Dr Sami Timimi
• Happy Families resources: happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Pause before pursuing a label — ask what your child might be expressing, not what disorder they “fit.”
2. Create more emotional space — sit with their feelings instead of fixing them.
3. Strengthen connection rituals — closeness buffers distress.
4. Use everyday language — avoid clinical terms for normal childhood behaviours.
5. Look at the environment first — school, stress, sleep, and relationships often explain what diagnoses can’t.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids have a magical way of asking the biggest questions at the most unexpected moments. In this episode, we walk you through exactly how to respond when your six-year-old suddenly wants to know how a baby gets into Mum’s tummy—without oversharing, freezing, or fumbling. You’ll learn the calm, clear, developmentally-appropriate way to keep curiosity open, connection strong, and panic levels low.

KEY POINTS

• Why kids ask tricky questions earlier than we expect
• How to give truthful but minimal info that fits their age
• The “glass of water, not a fire hose” rule
• How to delay the conversation gracefully when you need time
• Why your response now decides if they’ll keep coming to you later
• Simple language you can use with a six-year-old
• Teaching kids that these chats belong at home—not the playground

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Answer the question your child is asking—no more, no less.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Where Do Babies Come From? by Michelle Mitchell
• A Girl’s Guide to Puberty – Michelle Mitchell
• A Guy’s Guide to Puberty – Michelle Mitchell

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Keep answers short, truthful, and developmentally-appropriate.
2. Use correct anatomical terms without going into extra detail.
3. If you’re unprepared, buy time: “That’s a great question—let’s talk with Mum/Dad together.”
4. Set clear boundaries: these conversations happen at home, not with friends.
5. Revisit the topic later as your child grows and becomes ready for more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the secret to calmer kids, stronger families, and better mental health was free—and we’re the only country ignoring it? In this episode, Justin and Kylie make a bold case for bringing Thanksgiving to Australia… minus the turkey. Discover the neuroscience of gratitude, why it’s a proven buffer against anxiety and depression, and how one simple family ritual can transform your year.

KEY POINTS

• The surprising research: gratitude can reduce mortality by 9% and dramatically improve mental health.
• How gratitude rewires the brain—calming the amygdala and boosting emotional connection.
• Why Australians struggle with vulnerability, ritual, and expressed appreciation.
• How a simple gratitude practice can shift your home from reactive to relational.
• Easy, meaningful ways to host “Australian Thanksgiving” without any fuss.
• The power of modelling gratitude for kids (and why lectures never work).

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control where we place our attention—and gratitude changes everything.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Harvard gratitude research (2024)
• Neuroscience findings on the ACC, medial prefrontal cortex & amygdala
• Kylie’s gratitude journal practice and gratitude tree idea
• 6 Science-Backed Benefits of Gratitude [Article]
• How Gratitude Can Make Your Family Happier [Podcast Article] 

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Start a family ritual this week—one to three things you’re grateful for.
2. Keep it kid-friendly: a gratitude tree, backyard dessert night, or paddle-pop party.
3. Record your gratitude in a notebook or on your phone to revisit next year.
4. Model vulnerability by sharing something meaningful, not just the generic stuff.
5. Make it small, simple, and doable—the ritual matters more than the menu.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.