A conversation about what it means to be emotionally regulated or dysregulated, with five quick ideas for parents to help their children regulate well.

In this episode:
What are emotions?
Maladaptive responses
Etymology of 'emotion'

French: to excite
Latin: to move
Emotional regulation: The ability to control your emotional state. 
Emotional dysregulation: When your emotions are stronger than your ability to act with autonomy. 
Amygdala triggers survival/fight/flight mode
Spanish: Tengo hambre (I have hunger)
Developmental realities
Creating a safe and predictable environment
Brené Brown on emotions
#822 The Emotional Lives of Teenagers (Part 1)
Homeschooling 

.

Related links: 
The Secret to Regulating Emotions
Emotion Coaching [ Webinar - if you are a HF member you can find this in your video library]

.

Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership

NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT

Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

A conversation about what it means to be emotionally regulated or dysregulated, with five quick ideas for parents to help their children regulate well.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>What are emotions?</li>
<li>Maladaptive responses</li>
<li>Etymology of 'emotion'
<ul>
<li>French: to excite</li>
<li>Latin: to move</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Emotional regulation: The ability to control your emotional state. </li>
<li>Emotional dysregulation: When your emotions are stronger than your ability to act with autonomy. </li>
<li>Amygdala triggers survival/fight/flight mode</li>
<li>Spanish: Tengo hambre (I have hunger)</li>
<li>Developmental realities</li>
<li>Creating a safe and predictable environment</li>
<li>Brené Brown on emotions</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/822-the-emotional-lives-of-teenagers-part-1">#822 The Emotional Lives of Teenagers (Part 1)</a></li>
<li>Homeschooling </li>
</ul>
.
Related links: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/the-secret-to-regulating-emotions">The Secret to Regulating Emotions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/emotion-coaching">Emotion Coaching</a> [ Webinar - if you are a HF member you can find this in your video library]</li>
</ul>
.
Doors are now open to the <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/membership">Happy Families Membership</a> 
NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print &amp; Play’ subscription <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/felt-subscription">FELT</a>
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>

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?&nbsp;Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia&rsquo;s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

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

#1038 - Managing Emotional Dysregulation

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/da4a4ad3-ea4a-45fc-8a32-b1b000e36184/transcript

A student dies by suicide. Suddenly every parent is asking the same question: What do I say to my child?

Justin and Kylie tackle one of the toughest conversations a parent can face. They unpack the latest research, explain why children can be deeply affected even if they didn't know the student, and share practical ways to start the conversation without making things worse.

You'll hear what to say, what to avoid, the warning signs to watch for, and where to turn if your child needs extra support.

KEY POINTS
Why every child in a school community can be affected, even if they never met the student.
The age group most at risk after a school suicide.
Why asking about suicidal thoughts does not increase the risk.
What to say when your child asks why it happened.
How to handle social media, rumours and memorial pages.
The warning signs that tell you it's time to get extra support.
Services that can help children and parents.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"Walk towards conversations, not away from them. Ask the direct question, stay calm, and keep asking gently for as long as it takes."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Lifeline
Kids Helpline
Parentline
Suicide Call Back Service
13YARN
Headspace School Support
CHATSafe Guidelines
StandBy Support After Suicide
Your GP and a Mental Health Care Plan

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Ask what children at school are saying and listen without interrupting.
Correct rumours with calm, factual information.
Ask directly if your child has had thoughts of suicide if you're worried.
Stay with your child while they scroll through social media and talk about what they see.
Keep checking in over the weeks and months ahead.
Contact your GP or another mental health professional if you notice changes in mood, behaviour or sleep.

A student dies by suicide. Suddenly every parent is asking the same question: What do I say to my child?
Justin and Kylie tackle one of the toughest conversations a parent can face. They unpack the latest research, explain why children can be deeply affected even if they didn't know the student, and share practical ways to start the conversation without making things worse.
You'll hear what to say, what to avoid, the warning signs to watch for, and where to turn if your child needs extra support.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why every child in a school community can be affected, even if they never met the student.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The age group most at risk after a school suicide.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why asking about suicidal thoughts does not increase the risk.</li>
<li aria-level="1">What to say when your child asks why it happened.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to handle social media, rumours and memorial pages.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The warning signs that tell you it's time to get extra support.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Services that can help children and parents.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"Walk towards conversations, not away from them. Ask the direct question, stay calm, and keep asking gently for as long as it takes."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/">Kids Helpline</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.parentline.org.au/">Parentline</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/">Suicide Call Back Service</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.13yarn.org.au/">13YARN</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://headspace.org.au/professionals-and-educators/educators/programs/">Headspace School Support</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.orygen.org.au/chatsafe">CHATSafe Guidelines</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://standbysupport.com.au/">StandBy Support After Suicide</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Your GP and a Mental Health Care Plan</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ask what children at school are saying and listen without interrupting.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Correct rumours with calm, factual information.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask directly if your child has had thoughts of suicide if you're worried.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay with your child while they scroll through social media and talk about what they see.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep checking in over the weeks and months ahead.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Contact your GP or another mental health professional if you notice changes in mood, behaviour or sleep.</li>
</ul>

Listener Q&A — Suicide at Child's High School

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/81b04f03-3945-4df6-ad9f-b48300948c24/transcript

Six kids. One house. Endless noise, constant mess, and a level of logistics that would test anyone.

With Australia's birth rate at a record low, Justin and Kylie share the reality of raising a large family in 2026. They unpack the costs, the exhaustion, and the emotional load that rarely gets talked about. They also reveal why, despite every challenge, they wouldn't change a thing.

If you've ever wondered what family life really looks like behind the photos, this honest conversation is for you.

KEY POINTS
Why Australia's falling birth rate is changing the shape of families.
The biggest challenges of raising six children.
The financial reality of a large family.
The hidden emotional and physical load of parenting.
Why connection, belonging, and shared memories outweigh the chaos.
The simple story that perfectly captures the value of family life.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"It's not the nuggets that make you rich. It's the slow, steady accumulation of all those little flecks of gold."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Sydney Morning Herald article by Bronte Gosling on Australia's declining fertility rate.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Notice one ordinary family moment today that might become tomorrow's "fleck of gold."
Focus less on a perfect home and more on meaningful connection.
If family life feels overwhelming, remember that many of the richest moments are built slowly, one ordinary day at a time.

Six kids. One house. Endless noise, constant mess, and a level of logistics that would test anyone.
With Australia's birth rate at a record low, Justin and Kylie share the reality of raising a large family in 2026. They unpack the costs, the exhaustion, and the emotional load that rarely gets talked about. They also reveal why, despite every challenge, they wouldn't change a thing.
If you've ever wondered what family life really looks like behind the photos, this honest conversation is for you.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why Australia's falling birth rate is changing the shape of families.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The biggest challenges of raising six children.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The financial reality of a large family.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden emotional and physical load of parenting.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why connection, belonging, and shared memories outweigh the chaos.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The simple story that perfectly captures the value of family life.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"It's not the nuggets that make you rich. It's the slow, steady accumulation of all those little flecks of gold."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/what-it-s-really-like-to-have-a-big-family-today-20260423-p5zqib.html">Sydney Morning Herald article</a> by Bronte Gosling on Australia's declining fertility rate.</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Notice one ordinary family moment today that might become tomorrow's "fleck of gold."</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus less on a perfect home and more on meaningful connection.</li>
<li aria-level="1">If family life feels overwhelming, remember that many of the richest moments are built slowly, one ordinary day at a time.</li>
</ul>

What It's Really Like to Have a Big Family

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/c83eb3c1-de7d-40b5-ba99-b48300946756/transcript

What if the thing your family needs most… isn’t more time - but better conversations?

In this episode, we reveal the one habit that keeps us aligned, connected, and actually moving forward - despite the chaos of raising six kids.

It’s simple. It’s structured. And almost no one does it.

If your family feels reactive, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode… this might be the reset you didn’t know you needed.

KEY POINTS
Why most families drift (and how to stop it)
The “quarterly reset” that changes everything
How to plan your family life like a thriving business
The power of stepping away to reconnect properly
What to actually talk about (so it’s not just another chat)
Balancing deep conversations with fun so it actually works
Turning vague goals into real, actionable plans
Why weekly check-ins make the biggest difference long-term

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“If your family is the most important thing in your life… when was the last time you made a plan for it?”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Quarterly getaways / family planning sessions
Weekly couple check-ins
Goal setting (annual, quarterly, weekly rhythm)

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Block out time (a day or weekend) with your partner—no distractions
Start with a full “life map” (kids, health, finances, routines, relationships)
Choose 2–3 focus words for the season ahead
Break big goals into specific, practical actions
Schedule your next check-in before you finish
Commit to a simple weekly alignment conversation

What if the thing your family needs most&hellip; isn&rsquo;t more time - but better conversations?
In this episode, we reveal the one habit that keeps us aligned, connected, and actually moving forward - despite the chaos of raising six kids.
It&rsquo;s simple. It&rsquo;s structured. And almost no one does it.
If your family feels reactive, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode&hellip; this might be the reset you didn&rsquo;t know you needed.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why most families drift (and how to stop it)</li>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;quarterly reset&rdquo; that changes everything</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to plan your family life like a thriving business</li>
<li aria-level="1">The power of stepping away to reconnect properly</li>
<li aria-level="1">What to actually talk about (so it&rsquo;s not just another chat)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Balancing deep conversations with fun so it actually works</li>
<li aria-level="1">Turning vague goals into real, actionable plans</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why weekly check-ins make the biggest difference long-term</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;If your family is the most important thing in your life&hellip; when was the last time you made a plan for it?&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Quarterly getaways / family planning sessions</li>
<li aria-level="1">Weekly couple check-ins</li>
<li aria-level="1">Goal setting (annual, quarterly, weekly rhythm)</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Block out time (a day or weekend) with your partner&mdash;no distractions</li>
<li aria-level="1">Start with a full &ldquo;life map&rdquo; (kids, health, finances, routines, relationships)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Choose 2&ndash;3 focus words for the season ahead</li>
<li aria-level="1">Break big goals into specific, practical actions</li>
<li aria-level="1">Schedule your next check-in before you finish</li>
<li aria-level="1">Commit to a simple weekly alignment conversation</li>
</ul>

Why Most Families Feel Stuck and How to Fix It 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/44555c68-27e1-4a33-9c3b-b47b00b270af/transcript

#1038 - Managing Emotional Dysregulation

In 1 playlist(s)

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips