Christmas is almost here! In this festive episode, we share five simple yet impactful ways to elevate your holiday celebrations. Whether it’s through meaningful traditions, playful gift exchanges, or acts of kindness, we’re here to help you focus on what truly matters—time, connection, and joy.

In this episode:
Focus on time together
Fun with gifts
Christmas Eve traditions
Jolabokaflod - Icelandic book tradition
Acts of service
Neighbourhood connections

Related Links:
Minimising Materialism this Christmas

10 Ways to ‘Unspoil’ the Children this Christmas

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Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

Christmas is almost here! In this festive episode, we share five simple yet impactful ways to elevate your holiday celebrations. Whether it’s through meaningful traditions, playful gift exchanges, or acts of kindness, we’re here to help you focus on what truly matters—time, connection, and joy.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>Focus on time together</li>
<li>Fun with gifts</li>
<li>Christmas Eve traditions</li>
<li>Jolabokaflod - Icelandic book tradition</li>
<li>Acts of service</li>
<li>Neighbourhood connections</li>
</ul>
Related Links:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/639-online-sextortion-with-detective-superintendent-jayne-crossling"></a><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/minimising-materialism-this-christmas">Minimising Materialism this Christmas</a> <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/639-online-sextortion-with-detective-superintendent-jayne-crossling"></a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/10-ways-to-unspoil-the-children-this-christmas">10 Ways to ‘Unspoil’ the Children this Christmas</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 <a href="mailto:podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au">podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au</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.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1140 - 5 Ways to Make Christmas Awesome

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/ecc31ecf-b315-4baf-bc1f-b24000da000e/transcript

Feel like you're drowning in a sea of Christmas "shoulds" and "musts" as a parent? Or that you're constantly running on empty, with no energy left to enjoy moments with your kids? 

This episode of I'll Do Better Tomorrow addresses the burnout that many parents experience during the holiday season and beyond. 

Listen in to hear Justin and Kyle share their own struggles and insights, as well as some helpful tips on how to break free from the cycle of exhaustion and find joy in the simple things again. 

In this episode:
Kylies in a flunk in the lead up to Christmas, feeling burnt out and stressed
Prioritising tasks
Introjection motivation
What is it that you want?
Taking time to reflect on what has worked in the past for mental, physical, and emotional well-being
Alfie Kohn
Do one thing well
Making time for loved ones

Related Links:
Self Care Strategies That Really Work
We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing [ Webinar ]
Burnt Out [ FREE webinar ]

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

Feel like you're drowning in a sea of Christmas "shoulds" and "musts" as a parent? Or that you're constantly running on empty, with no energy left to enjoy moments with your kids?&nbsp;
This episode of I'll Do Better Tomorrow addresses the burnout that many parents experience during the holiday season and beyond.&nbsp;
Listen in to hear Justin and Kyle share their own struggles and insights, as well as some helpful tips on how to break free from the cycle of exhaustion and find joy in the simple things again.&nbsp;
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>Kylies in a flunk in the lead up to Christmas, feeling burnt out and stressed</li>
<li>Prioritising tasks</li>
<li>Introjection motivation</li>
<li>What is it that you want?</li>
<li>Taking time to reflect on what has worked in the past for mental, physical, and emotional well-being</li>
<li>Alfie Kohn</li>
<li>Do one thing well</li>
<li>Making time for loved ones</li>
</ul>
Related Links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/self-care-strategies-that-really-work">Self Care Strategies That Really Work</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/we-need-to-talk-about-parent-wellbeing">We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing</a> [ Webinar ]</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/burnt-out">Burnt Out</a> [ FREE webinar ]</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&nbsp;<a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast">voice memo here</a> or email your questions/comments to <a href="mailto:podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au">podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au</a>

#1143 - Getting Clear on What You Want

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/35e86b77-63dd-4921-8f3c-b24300b1eb49/transcript

This episode unpacks Australia's groundbreaking social media ban for kids under 16, set to roll out by Christmas 2025. With tech giants stepping up enforcement, parents are relieved, while teens face digital detoxes.

Join the discussion as we explore Prince Harry’s surprising critique, parents’ joys and woes, and strategies for tackling this new era of tech parenting.

In this episode:
New legislation
Australia's incoming social media ban cannot be considered overreach | Sky News 
Bullying over social media
Parental reactions
Prince Harry's comments 
Why Harry has it royally wrong on social media dangers | Daily Telegraph
Implementation, digital IDs
Navigating conversations with kids
Acknowledging sadness and disappointment, FOMO
The flow-on effect of the ban
The 3 Es of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, Empower

Related Links:
Super Solutions for Technology Troubles [Webinar]
Unplug Childhood - join the village

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

This episode unpacks Australia's groundbreaking social media ban for kids under 16, set to roll out by Christmas 2025. With tech giants stepping up enforcement, parents are relieved, while teens face digital detoxes.
Join the discussion as we explore Prince Harry&rsquo;s surprising critique, parents&rsquo; joys and woes, and strategies for tackling this new era of tech parenting.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>New legislation</li>
<li><a href="https://apple.news/AdNe0yfgHTHKgSVvc9UQA8w">Australia's incoming social media ban cannot be considered overreach | Sky News</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Bullying over social media</li>
<li>Parental reactions</li>
<li>Prince Harry's comments&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/tim-blair-why-harry-has-it-royally-wrong-on-social-media-dangers/news-story/1fdde8f41d83a6c481ce65f1657ab5d3" data-ved="2ahUKEwiylbDB456KAxVxyDgGHfw4HCEQFnoECBgQAQ" data-sb="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/tim-blair-why-harry-has-it-royally-wrong-on-social-media-dangers/news-story/1fdde8f41d83a6c481ce65f1657ab5d3&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiylbDB456KAxVxyDgGHfw4HCEQFnoECBgQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw2NxwF8qnS6E2v1a3v92b8C">Why Harry has it royally wrong on social media dangers</a> | Daily Telegraph</li>
<li>Implementation, digital IDs</li>
<li>Navigating conversations with kids</li>
<li>Acknowledging sadness and disappointment, FOMO</li>
<li>The flow-on effect of the ban</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/parenting-made-easyer">The 3 Es of Effective Discipline</a>: Explore, Explain, Empower</li>
</ul>
Related Links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/super-solutions-for-technology-troubles">Super Solutions for Technology Troubles [Webinar]</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/unplugchildhood-org">Unplug Childhood</a> - join the village</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&nbsp;<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 <a href="mailto:podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au">podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au</a>

#1142 - Getting It Royally Wrong on Social Media

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/32b2743a-f533-410a-8949-b24100d3b131/transcript

This episode takes a heartfelt turn as we delve into one of the most touching Christmas stories ever written—O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the tale or hearing it for the first time, its timeless message of love and sacrifice is sure to move you.

In this episode:
A reflection on Christmas storytelling
O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi
Sacrifice, love, and the spirit of giving

Related Links:
10 Easy Traditions That Can Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family

Gifts our Children Need For Christmas

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

This episode takes a heartfelt turn as we delve into one of the most touching Christmas stories ever written—O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the tale or hearing it for the first time, its timeless message of love and sacrifice is sure to move you.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>A reflection on Christmas storytelling</li>
<li>O. Henry’s <a href="https://www.owleyes.org/text/gift-magi/read/the-gift-of-the-magi#root-218982-2">The Gift of the Magi</a></li>
<li>Sacrifice, love, and the spirit of giving</li>
</ul>
Related Links:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/639-online-sextortion-with-detective-superintendent-jayne-crossling"></a><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/10-easy-traditions-that-can-make-christmas-meaningful-for-your-family">10 Easy Traditions That Can Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family</a> <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/639-online-sextortion-with-detective-superintendent-jayne-crossling"></a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/16-gifts-our-children-need-for-christmas">Gifts our Children Need For Christmas</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 <a href="mailto:podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au">podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au</a>

#1141 - The Best Christmas Story Ever

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/84e80348-7491-4228-b12f-b24100c56823/transcript

#1140 - 5 Ways to Make Christmas Awesome

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