We know that giving children access to social media and devices is not in their best interests. Our children deserve—and need—a play-based childhood. Join the village today and “Unplug Childhood” with us!​ 

In this episode:


"It was the damn phones" by Kori Jane | Instagram


The “Unplug Childhood” movement


The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt
Make some noise and get on board!
Why this matters
No social media before age 13
Give kids a play-based childhood
Make the pledge today

Related links:
Our Phones Are Wrecking Us
Kids Need Smart Parents Not Smart Phones

.

Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

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

We know that giving children access to social media and devices is not in their best interests. Our children deserve—and need—a play-based childhood. Join the village today and “Unplug Childhood” with us!​ 
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4JxDLYt21W/?igsh=MTVnZzVzZXEzaDEy">"It was the damn phones" by Kori Jane | Instagram</a>
</li>
<li>
The <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/unplugchildhood-org"></a><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/unplugchildhood-org">“Unplug Childhood”</a> movement
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/g10OQ2">The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt</a>
</li>
<li>Make some noise and get on board!</li>
<li>Why this matters</li>
<li>No social media before age 13</li>
<li>Give kids a play-based childhood</li>
<li>Make <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/unplugchildhood-org">the pledge </a>today</li>
</ul>
Related links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/our-phones-are-wrecking-us">Our Phones Are Wrecking Us</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/kids-need-smart-parents-not-smart-phones">Kids Need Smart Parents Not Smart Phones</a></li>
</ul>
.
Find us on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamilies.au/"> Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@happyfamiliesau">TikTok</a>
Subscribe to the Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.activehosted.com/f/40">newsletter</a>
Leave a <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast">voice memo here</a> or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/the-quest">our website</a>

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.

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.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1007 - Let's Unplug Childhood

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/b0e9e97c-3ce4-4924-808a-b18400cea1a3/transcript

Screens, school, and AI are about to collide—and families will feel it first. In this fast, punchy episode, Justin breaks down four major trends set to hit parents in 2026: hybrid schooling, AI chatbots, the messy social media ban, and the rise of screen-free childhood. If you want to understand what’s coming—and how it will impact your kids—start here.

KEY POINTS
Hybrid Education Exodus: homeschooling + online learning + co-ops = flexible mash-ups
AI Goes Critical: chatbots linked to self-harm, loneliness & regulatory crackdowns
Social Media Ban Backfires: VPNs, loopholes & vulnerable teens losing support
Screen-Free Childhood Surges: parents push for play, device reduction & analogue life

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“If you find ways every single day to genuinely connect with your kids, your relationship will flourish—this year, next year, and every year after.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Federal under-16 social media legislation
eSafety Commission actions & guidance
Alternative schooling, homeschooling & co-op models
AI chatbot research around teen mental health

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Watch for AI chatbots disguised as “companions” or “friends”
Review school tech policies + device expectations for K-6
Consider flexible learning pathways if school is breaking your child
Prioritise screen-free play for under-12s
Keep tech conversations calm, connected and ongoing—not punitive

Screens, school, and AI are about to collide&mdash;and families will feel it first. In this fast, punchy episode, Justin breaks down four major trends set to hit parents in 2026: hybrid schooling, AI chatbots, the messy social media ban, and the rise of screen-free childhood. If you want to understand what&rsquo;s coming&mdash;and how it will impact your kids&mdash;start here.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Hybrid Education Exodus: homeschooling + online learning + co-ops = flexible mash-ups</li>
<li aria-level="1">AI Goes Critical: chatbots linked to self-harm, loneliness &amp; regulatory crackdowns</li>
<li aria-level="1">Social Media Ban Backfires: VPNs, loopholes &amp; vulnerable teens losing support</li>
<li aria-level="1">Screen-Free Childhood Surges: parents push for play, device reduction &amp; analogue life</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;If you find ways every single day to genuinely connect with your kids, your relationship will flourish&mdash;this year, next year, and every year after.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Federal under-16 social media legislation</li>
<li aria-level="1">eSafety Commission actions &amp; guidance</li>
<li aria-level="1">Alternative schooling, homeschooling &amp; co-op models</li>
<li aria-level="1">AI chatbot research around teen mental health</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Watch for AI chatbots disguised as &ldquo;companions&rdquo; or &ldquo;friends&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Review school tech policies + device expectations for K-6</li>
<li aria-level="1">Consider flexible learning pathways if school is breaking your child</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prioritise screen-free play for under-12s</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep tech conversations calm, connected and ongoing&mdash;not punitive</li>
</ol>

The Parenting Trends That Will Reshape 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/64d72f49-8591-4429-aa8f-b3cf000e90c1/transcript

The new year brings a reality check: what actually changed for parents last year - and what didn’t? In this high-energy episode, Justin and Kylie review last year’s big parenting predictions (AI, social media, homeschooling, boys, cost of living, and more), celebrate the surprising hits, admit the misses, and tee up what’s coming next. Fast, fun, insightful - and wildly relevant for every parent stepping into 2026.

KEY POINTS
Which predictions landed in 2025 (and why they mattered for families)
Where Justin was hilariously wrong (TikTok + travel = oops)
The AI-powered parenting revolution - now real, mainstream, and everywhere
Homeschooling’s massive surge and what’s driving it
The global social media crackdown led by Australia - and why the rollout is bumpy
Why boys still need more support - and the culture shift that hasn’t arrived yet
YouTube’s silent dominance and what it means for kids and screens
Cost of living, family strain, and the myth of intergenerational living

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“I was one hundred percent correct—AI has become a mainstream parenting assistant.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Skylight Calendar (meal planning + calendar tool)
8 Game-Changing Predictions for 2025 [Article]
Today Show segment on homeschooling statistics
Government announcements surrounding the under-16 social media ban

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Audit your family’s tech habits, screen time, and parental controls
Explore AI as a support tool (homework, routines, meal planning)
Stay informed on school and homeschooling trends - more families are switching
Watch for changes in social media regulations and platform age limits
Prioritise conversations about boys’ wellbeing - academic, emotional, social

The new year brings a reality check: what actually changed for parents last year - and what didn&rsquo;t? In this high-energy episode, Justin and Kylie review last year&rsquo;s big parenting predictions (AI, social media, homeschooling, boys, cost of living, and more), celebrate the surprising hits, admit the misses, and tee up what&rsquo;s coming next. Fast, fun, insightful - and wildly relevant for every parent stepping into 2026.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Which predictions landed in 2025 (and why they mattered for families)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Where Justin was hilariously wrong (TikTok + travel = oops)</li>
<li aria-level="1">The AI-powered parenting revolution - now real, mainstream, and everywhere</li>
<li aria-level="1">Homeschooling&rsquo;s massive surge and what&rsquo;s driving it</li>
<li aria-level="1">The global social media crackdown led by Australia - and why the rollout is bumpy</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why boys still need more support - and the culture shift that hasn&rsquo;t arrived yet</li>
<li aria-level="1">YouTube&rsquo;s silent dominance and what it means for kids and screens</li>
<li aria-level="1">Cost of living, family strain, and the myth of intergenerational living</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;I was one hundred percent correct&mdash;AI has become a mainstream parenting assistant.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Skylight Calendar (meal planning + calendar tool)</li>
<li aria-level="1">8 Game-Changing Predictions for 2025 [Article]</li>
<li aria-level="1">Today Show segment on homeschooling statistics</li>
<li aria-level="1">Government announcements surrounding the under-16 social media ban</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Audit your family&rsquo;s tech habits, screen time, and parental controls</li>
<li aria-level="1">Explore AI as a support tool (homework, routines, meal planning)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay informed on school and homeschooling trends - more families are switching</li>
<li aria-level="1">Watch for changes in social media regulations and platform age limits</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prioritise conversations about boys&rsquo; wellbeing - academic, emotional, social</li>
</ol>

A Year of Big Shifts, Big Lessons, and Big Surprises

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/651bee79-afcc-4a16-a29a-b3cf000e5c7e/transcript

If the idea of playing Barbies or dragons makes you groan… you’re not alone.

In this episode, Justin and Kylie tackle a parenting confession that many are afraid to admit: “I don’t like playing with my kids.” Drawing from emotional intelligence research and real-life experience, they unpack why play matters (even if it’s not your favourite), how to make it meaningful and manageable, and why it’s one of the simplest ways to build connection, confidence, and emotional regulation in your child.

KEY POINTS
Play is not a luxury—it’s essential.
Play builds emotional intelligence, connection, and social skills better than almost anything else.
It’s not about doing it ‘right’.
Play works best when it’s spontaneous, simple, and mutually enjoyable—not when it’s forced or scripted.
The emotional impact is profound.
Play regulates emotions, reduces tension, strengthens relationships, and helps kids feel seen, heard, and valued.
The secret is in the interaction.
What makes play powerful is the back-and-forth: the jokes, the giggles, the shared creativity—not the activity itself.
A little goes a long way.
Just 5–10 minutes of intentional play can fill your child’s emotional cup and help them play independently afterwards.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Play is not about perfection—it’s about connection and presence.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Happy Families Membership – parenting tools & webinars
happyfamilies.com.au – resources for raising emotionally intelligent kids
Shift by Ethan Kross

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Find a 5–10 minute window each day
You don’t need hours. Commit to short, fully present bursts of play—no phones, no multitasking.
Gamify the mundane
Turn routines into playful challenges: “Can you hop to the bathroom on one foot?” or “Let’s race to tidy up.”
Let your child lead
Ask: “How could we make this more fun?” Give them a sense of autonomy and watch their creativity bloom.
Prioritise connection over performance
You’re not there to entertain—you’re there to engage. Drop the pressure, enjoy the moment.
Repeat. Consistency is the win.
Over time, this builds emotional strength, stronger relationships, and memories that last.

If the idea of playing Barbies or dragons makes you groan&hellip; you&rsquo;re not alone.
In this episode, Justin and Kylie tackle a parenting confession that many are afraid to admit:&nbsp;&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t like playing with my kids.&rdquo; Drawing from emotional intelligence research and real-life experience, they unpack why play matters (even if it&rsquo;s not your favourite), how to make it meaningful and manageable, and why it&rsquo;s one of the simplest ways to build connection, confidence, and emotional regulation in your child.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Play is not a luxury&mdash;it&rsquo;s essential. Play builds emotional intelligence, connection, and social skills better than almost anything else.</li>
<li aria-level="1">It&rsquo;s not about doing it &lsquo;right&rsquo;. Play works best when it&rsquo;s spontaneous, simple, and mutually enjoyable&mdash;not when it&rsquo;s forced or scripted.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The emotional impact is profound. Play regulates emotions, reduces tension, strengthens relationships, and helps kids feel seen, heard, and valued.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The secret is in the interaction. What makes play powerful is the back-and-forth: the jokes, the giggles, the shared creativity&mdash;not the activity itself.</li>
<li aria-level="1">A little goes a long way. Just 5&ndash;10 minutes of intentional play can fill your child&rsquo;s emotional cup and help them play independently afterwards.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Play is not about perfection&mdash;it&rsquo;s about connection and presence.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/membership">Happy Families Membership</a> &ndash; parenting tools &amp; webinars</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au">happyfamilies.com.au</a> &ndash; resources for raising emotionally intelligent kids</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/shift-9781785044618">Shift</a> by Ethan Kross</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Find a 5&ndash;10 minute window each day You don&rsquo;t need hours. Commit to short, fully present bursts of play&mdash;no phones, no multitasking.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gamify the mundane Turn routines into playful challenges: &ldquo;Can you hop to the bathroom on one foot?&rdquo; or &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s race to tidy up.&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Let your child lead Ask: &ldquo;How could we make this more fun?&rdquo; Give them a sense of autonomy and watch their creativity bloom.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prioritise connection over performance You&rsquo;re not there to entertain&mdash;you&rsquo;re there to engage. Drop the pressure, enjoy the moment.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Repeat. Consistency is the win. Over time, this builds emotional strength, stronger relationships, and memories that last.</li>
</ol>

How Burnt-Out Parents Can Still Build Connection

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/91bd0ebd-160c-4b71-b671-b3b300adef4d/transcript

#1007 - Let's Unplug Childhood

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