The Power of Slow Mornings and Showing Up for Our Kids EPISODE DESCRIPTION:In this heartwarming 'I'll Do Better Tomorrow' episode, Justin and Kylie share personal parenting wins and lessons from the week that was—featuring an inspiring story from Happy Families team member Mim. From the transformative power of early mornings to the deep connection built through presence, this episode is all about slowing down, showing up, and making time for what matters most. KEY POINTS: Mim shares how getting up early—after 18 years of waking when her kids wake—transformed her mornings, mental clarity, and ability to parent calmly. Kylie reflects on three powerful conversations she had with her daughters, all made possible by slowing down and being fully present. Justin recalls a moment of simple joy: the family naturally gathering in the kitchen, emphasising how unhurried time together creates connection. Time is the essential currency of love—our children need it, even when they don’t ask for it directly. Small changes in our routines can lead to big shifts in our family dynamics and overall wellbeing. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Connection, feeling seen, heard and valued is the currency of our relationships.” — Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED: Episode 1165: The Sleep Secret Nobody’s Talking About happyfamilies.com.au — Tools and resources for making your family happier ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Wake Up With Intention: Try waking up 30–60 minutes earlier than usual. Use this time to care for yourself before the chaos begins. Gift Presence: Notice the moments when your children might need you most—even when it’s inconvenient—and choose connection. Reach Out: Call or check in with a child you may not have spoken to deeply in a while. Your presence can shift their entire week. Slow It Down: Clear some weekend space for unhurried time together—visit a market, prepare food, enjoy simple rituals. Listen Closely: Don’t rush conversations. A single extra question can open up the emotional space your child needs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
15:41
#1242 - The Liking Gap
The Liking Gap: Why Your Kids Are More Likable Than They Think Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking you totally bombed it—only to find out later that the other person actually liked you? This “liking gap” is more common than you think, especially in kids. In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie explore fascinating new research about why we often underestimate how much others enjoy our company. They share insights from a large study on self-esteem, anxiety, and likability, and unpack what it all means for our children and their friendships. Plus, a personal story about Kylie’s first meeting with Justin’s mum that perfectly illustrates how wrong our first impressions can be. KEY POINTS: The liking gap is the psychological tendency to believe others like us less than they actually do. Low self-esteem and high social anxiety can amplify this gap, especially in children and teens. Real-world data shows most people are more accepted and liked than they realize. Kylie shares a vulnerable story about feeling disliked by Justin’s mum—which turned out to be the opposite of the truth. Kids need to feel safe, heard, and valued in their interactions to close the liking gap. Teaching children to focus on quality interaction over perceived popularity helps reduce relational anxiety. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Your child walks away from interactions feeling like they’ve bombed—when in reality, they’ve probably scored and they don’t even know it.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Study by Sugani, Sarah et al. at the University of Toronto on self-esteem, anxiety, and the liking gap Misconnection by Dr. Justin Coulson – insights from teenage girls on friendships Visit happyfamilies.com.au for additional resources ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Normalise the Liking Gap: Help your child understand that it's common to underestimate how much others like us. Boost Their Confidence: Support self-esteem by validating their feelings and encouraging their voice at home. Assume Positive Intent: Teach your kids to give others the benefit of the doubt rather than jumping to negative conclusions. Shift the Focus: Encourage your children to concentrate on meaningful interactions rather than worrying about how they're perceived. Model Vulnerability: Share your own stories of mistaken assumptions about being liked to show they're not alone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
15:33
#1241 - Dandelions & Orchids
Some kids thrive anywhere. Others need more care to flourish. In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson explore the powerful metaphor of “dandelion and orchid” children—an idea shared by clinical psychologist Dr. Jamie Northam. They discuss how different temperaments impact mental health, why parenting must be tailored, and how to know when your child might need additional support. KEY POINTS: Dandelions are resilient children who thrive in most environments; orchids are more sensitive and require specific conditions to grow well. Evidence-based parenting strategies should be adaptable—not one-size-fits-all. Be cautious of advice from social media; always ask: Is there evidence? Are there clear steps? Does this suit my child? The “Three D’s” of mental health concern: Distress, Dysfunction, and Deviation from developmental norms. Good parenting meets a child where they are—not where we wish they were. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all—what works for one child may fail completely with another.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Full interview with Dr. Jamie Northam (airing Saturday) happyfamilies.com.au for evidence-based parenting resources ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Reflect on your child’s temperament—are they a dandelion or an orchid? Before following parenting advice, check if it's evidence-based, clearly explained, and appropriate for your child. Watch for the “Three D’s”: distress, dysfunction, and deviation from expected development. Adapt your parenting approach based on each child’s needs—not just what worked in the past. If concerned, seek professional support early—mental health matters at every age. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
10:59
#1240 - Connection & Guidance For Your Adult Child
In this episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie tackle a tricky parenting dilemma: how to support your adult child without damaging the relationship. Responding to a listener's concern about her 20-year-old daughter's social media presence, they explore the importance of autonomy, the dangers of forceful guidance, and how parents can remain a supportive influence while respecting boundaries. KEY POINTS: Adult children crave autonomy; unsolicited advice often creates resistance. Connection, not correction, is the key to long-term influence. Dropping the parental agenda fosters openness and trust. Seek consent before offering advice to show respect and preserve the relationship. Employers do check social media – nearly 70% of them, according to the Harvard Business Review. When you share concerns respectfully, you plant seeds that may grow later. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Our kids, especially our young adults, want autonomy more than anything – it’s like oxygen to them.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Harvard Business Review statistic: ~70% of employers check candidates’ social media. Happy Families Podcast – Submit tricky questions via happyfamilies.com.au/podcast ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Let go of the agenda – Accept that your adult child will make their own choices. Prioritise connection – Build trust through presence, interest, and nonjudgmental conversation. Ask for permission – Before giving advice, say: “Would you be open to hearing a thought I have?” Share perspective, not prescriptions – Offer insights gently and leave space for reflection. Respect autonomy – Even when it’s hard, show you trust their ability to learn from experience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
12:51
#1239 - One Day You'll Miss This
In this heartfelt episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie take a nostalgic look back at the parenting moments that once felt overwhelming — but now feel deeply missed. From sleepless nights to endless toddler questions, they reflect on the beauty hidden in the chaos of raising young children, and why it’s so important to soak up the season you’re in. KEY POINTS: Parents often miss the toddler years despite how exhausting and chaotic they were. Moments that once drove us crazy — bedtime routines, 3am wakeups, tantrums — are now fond memories. The constant questions from curious toddlers were a sign of trust and connection. Parenting in the early years was hard, but it was also a time of deep attachment and presence. There’s a growing challenge in maintaining community and “the village” that helps raise a child. Slowing down and being present in the moment is easier said than done — but always worth it. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:"I wish I loved it more when I was in it, but I just didn’t have the perspective." RESOURCES MENTIONED: HappyFamilies.com.au – for more parenting resources. You can read all of the comments on that Facebook post here. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Take a moment today to pause and notice something beautiful in the chaos — even if it’s hard. Write down a memory from a tough stage of parenting that now makes you smile. Reach out to someone in your parenting village — connection makes the hard moments easier. Give yourself grace: you won’t always love every moment, but being present matters more than being perfect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
España