Starting 2024 with a shock announcement from Justin as he reveals the big parenting issue he has gotten wrong! 
Topics in today's episode:

holidays
homeschooling
the magic of Christmas
Santa
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien 
exciting changes to the podcast
our words for 2024, and some words from our listeners

Join the waitlist for The Quest
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#911 We're Back Bigger & Better for 2024!

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

Justin's singing turned complaints about dishes into a whole lot of fun, with sound levels hitting dangerous decibel levels!
Term 2 of homeschooling started off rather rocky for The Coulsons, but thinking outside the box created an opportunity for a reluctant writer to be creative and expressive in a new way!
 
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Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#992 Pillow Fights & Dishy Decibels

There's a brand new nicotine product out, so invisible you may not even be aware your child has it! Plus, the dangers of vaping, a nation-leading move by SA to protect our children from social media, and 118 reasons to be child-free. 
In this episode:

Bluey 'The Sign' - a missed opportunity?
Advocate pushes for vaping areas in schools as NSW holds inquiry into vape laws | news.com.au
Harm-reduction policy regarding vaping
#498 Children and Vaping, with Lisa Damour - Happy Families
Vaping is a 'young person' phenomenon in Australia | Pursuit, Uni of Melb
A new nicotine product that tastes and smells great - known as zyns, snus or little lip pillows
‘Invisible threat’: Nicotine pouches taking over schools | news.com.au
Should social media be banned for children?
How should you approach your children's and teenagers' social media use? | abc.net.au
Parents in defensive mode
Australian model Ellie Gonsalves shared 118 reasons to be childfree | ABC

Related links:

Pots, Pills, & Parenting: A Masterclass with Paul Dillon and Dr Justin Coulson - Happy Families
4 P’s to Prevent Peer Pressure in your Teens - Happy Families

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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.

#991 This Week in Parenting: Vape Zones, Baby Bans & Nicotine Pouches

Anne Hollonds was the opening speaker at the Breaking Point Digital Conference. On the podcast today you will hear an excerpt from Anne's presentation, discussing the mental health of young people around the country and what we can do to help them.
In this episode:

Anne Hollonds - National Children’s Commissioner.
Young people and mental health

Residual effects of Covid pandemic


Barriers to accessing mental health support for young people


Strong therapeutic alliance = better outcomes


Breaking Point Digital Conference: Unpacking the Crisis in Youth Mental Health 


Related links:

Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - Happy Families
We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing
Screen Time and Our Teens’ Mental Health Crisis - Happy Families

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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.

#990 Mental Health Challenges with Anne Hollonds

Today, Justin is answering two listeners' questions.
First up is Bridget from Victoria, a mum of two. Her question is about her five-year-old son, whose over-competitiveness and inability to handle losing are causing issues in the family and in his wider circle of friends.
Becky, a single mum from Melbourne, is looking for ways she can implement rules and boundaries that won't lead to anxiety-fuelled and explosive reactions from her son, who has autism and OCD.
Helpful links:

Winning Or Losing: How To Handle A Bad Sport – Happy Families
#78 Boundaries and the Three E’s – Happy Families
3 Pillars of Practically Perfect Parenting – Happy Families
Connection – Happy Families

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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.

#989 Winning at All Costs

Do you have a child who refuses to or is unable to go to school?
Sydney mum Alice joins Justin on the Happy Families podcast today to share the day-to-day pressure of trying to help a child get to school when emotions are high and nervous systems are in fight or flight mode. 
If you are deep in the trenches of ‘school can’t’, this is a not-to-be-missed conversation, with some beautiful advice and encouragement to parents who are feeling stressed, judged, and alone in their struggle to get a child to school.
In this episode:

Emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA)
Reasons for 'school can't'
School Can't Australia (Parent/Carer Peer Support) | Facebook
Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD)
Importance of friendships
Pressure on parents, judgement
Homeschooling
Mental health of parents
Moving schools
"Is it just me? Am I the only one who can't get their kid to go to school?"
School refusal and the Australian families gripped by blame, shame, and the fear of a lost education - ABC News

Related links:

School Refusal – Happy Families
#533 Emotion Based School Avoidance aka School Refusal – Happy Families
A Grown Up’s Guide to Worry Stacking – Happy Families
Resilience: Developing Strength, Calm, & Kindness in Our Kids – Happy Families
We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing – Happy Families
Moving? How to Help your Child Settle Into A New School – Happy Families

Find us on Facebook or TikTok
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.

#911 We're Back Bigger & Better for 2024!

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