Christmas is a time where we can really lean into and celebrate family traditions! 

Christmas traditions:
Gifts, Santa. decorating
Spending time with loved ones
Advent, carols, the nativity
Christmas Eve, stockings, pyjamas, Jolabokaflod
Christmas ninjas - giving & serving others

Related Links:
Take Back Christmas
Family Traditions Help Kids Make Sense of Life

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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 a time where we can really lean into and celebrate family traditions!&nbsp;
Christmas traditions:
<ul>
<li>Gifts,&nbsp;Santa. decorating</li>
<li>Spending time with loved ones</li>
<li>Advent, carols, the nativity</li>
<li>Christmas Eve, stockings,&nbsp;pyjamas, Jolabokaflod</li>
<li>Christmas ninjas - giving &amp; serving others</li>
</ul>
Related Links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/take-back-christmas">Take Back Christmas</a><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/self-care-strategies-that-really-work"></a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/family-traditions-help-kids-make-sense-of-life">Family Traditions Help Kids Make Sense of Life</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&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>

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

#1144 - Our Favourite Christmas Traditions

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/3f2212e6-ec5c-4caf-b886-b24300bd6215/transcript

Smartphones feel inevitable… until you see what early access actually does to a child’s mental health, sleep, and happiness. In this episode, Dr Justin & Kylie Coulson break down new research from Pediatrics and share the family standard that finally ended the phone wars in their home (after one very big mistake).

KEY POINTS


New study: earlier smartphones = worse outcomes for kids.


The four real reasons parents give phones (and why they’re flawed).


Why “safety” doesn’t require a smartphone.


How to replace phones with smarter solutions (incl. dumb phones + watches).


The research consensus: delay improves outcomes.


The family rule that ends entitlement (“when you can afford it…”).


Boundaries if you already handed over a phone (it’s not too late).


The real question: approval now or wellbeing later?

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Kids don’t need smartphones — they need smart parents. And smart parents give their kids dumb phones.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED


Pediatrics research on smartphone age & outcomes (referenced in episode)


SpaceTalk Watch
G-Mee Phone


Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy


Lisa Damour — Adolescent Psychology Resources

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS


Define the real problem you’re solving (safety, logistics, social connection, or training).


Offer alternatives (dumb phone, landline, watch).


Create a family standard — e.g. “When you can pay for it, you can have it.”


If they already have a phone:


Bedrooms & bathrooms = no-phone zones


No phones at meals or short car rides


Time limits & age limits on social media


Review + scale back where possible

Smartphones feel inevitable&hellip; until you see what early access actually does to a child&rsquo;s mental health, sleep, and happiness. In this episode, Dr Justin &amp; Kylie Coulson break down new research from&nbsp;Pediatrics and share the family standard that finally ended the phone wars in their home (after one very big mistake).
KEY POINTS
<ul data-start="569" data-end="1064">
<li data-start="569" data-end="628">
New study: earlier smartphones = worse outcomes for kids.
</li>
<li data-start="629" data-end="698">
The four real reasons parents give phones (and why they&rsquo;re flawed).
</li>
<li data-start="699" data-end="743">
Why &ldquo;safety&rdquo; doesn&rsquo;t require a smartphone.
</li>
<li data-start="744" data-end="821">
How to replace phones with smarter solutions (incl. dumb phones + watches).
</li>
<li data-start="822" data-end="872">
The research consensus: delay improves outcomes.
</li>
<li data-start="873" data-end="941">
The family rule that ends entitlement (&ldquo;when you can afford it&hellip;&rdquo;).
</li>
<li data-start="942" data-end="1010">
Boundaries if you already handed over a phone (it&rsquo;s not too late).
</li>
<li data-start="1011" data-end="1064">
The real question: approval now or wellbeing later?
</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
<blockquote data-start="1099" data-end="1204">
&ldquo;Kids don&rsquo;t need smartphones &mdash; they need smart parents. And smart parents give their kids dumb phones.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-start="1238" data-end="1415">
<li data-start="1238" data-end="1314">
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/12/28/adolescent-brain-development-screen-time/">Pediatrics research</a> on smartphone age &amp; outcomes (referenced in episode)
</li>
<li data-start="1315" data-end="1332">
<a href="https://shop.spacetalk.co/products/spacetalk-loop-smartwatch-1">SpaceTalk Watch</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1315" data-end="1332"><a href="https://au.g-mee.com/shop/">G-Mee Phone</a></li>
<li data-start="1333" data-end="1367">
<a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/">Free Range Kids</a> by Lenore Skenazy
</li>
<li data-start="1368" data-end="1415">
Lisa Damour &mdash; <a href="https://drlisadamour.com/resources/">Adolescent Psychology Resources</a>
</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol data-start="1454" data-end="1901">
<li data-start="1454" data-end="1552">
Define the real problem you&rsquo;re solving (safety, logistics, social connection, or training).
</li>
<li data-start="1553" data-end="1609">
Offer alternatives (dumb phone, landline, watch).
</li>
<li data-start="1610" data-end="1692">
Create a family standard &mdash; e.g. &ldquo;When you can pay for it, you can have it.&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="1693" data-end="1901">
If they already have a phone:
<ul data-start="1733" data-end="1901">
<li data-start="1733" data-end="1772">
Bedrooms &amp; bathrooms = no-phone zones
</li>
<li data-start="1776" data-end="1815">
No phones at meals or short car rides
</li>
<li data-start="1819" data-end="1861">
Time limits &amp; age limits on social media
</li>
<li data-start="1865" data-end="1901">
Review + scale back where possible
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>

When Do You Give The Kids a Smart Phone?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/e9e11b94-1b20-4bbd-bb6f-b3cf000eb558/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

#1144 - Our Favourite Christmas Traditions

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