One-on-one time transforms parent-child relationships, but finding that time can seem impossible. Discover the revolutionary monthly date system that's helping parents create deeper connections with each child—and why being truly present matters more than what you actually do together.

Key Points:
Monthly one-on-one dates based on birth date
Importance of intentional planning vs spontaneous moments
Value of side-by-side conversations
Impact of being fully present vs autopilot parenting
How structured time leads to deeper conversations

Quote of the Episode: "The definition of love is bearing witness to one another's lives."

Key Insights:
Advance planning makes experiences more meaningful
Side-by-side activities encourage natural conversation
Removing distractions deepens connection
Multiple possible futures reduce anxiety about paths
Intentional time creates space for vulnerable conversations

Resources Mentioned:
Laura King's research on "best possible future self"
Monthly birthday date system concept
Broaden perspectives on career/life paths
Calendar blocking for intentional connection

Action Steps for Parents:
Schedule Monthly Dates:
Mark each child's birth date on calendar
Plan activities in advance
Make them non-negotiable appointments
Customise for each child's interests
Create Quality Experiences:
Remove distractions (phones, etc.)
Choose side-by-side activities
Allow natural conversation flow
Make it special but not elaborate
Be Fully Present:
Practice active listening
Avoid problem-solving mode
Focus on connection over correction
Create space for deeper sharing

One-on-one time transforms parent-child relationships, but finding that time can seem impossible. Discover the revolutionary monthly date system that's helping parents create deeper connections with each child&mdash;and why being truly present matters more than what you actually do together.
Key Points:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Monthly one-on-one dates based on birth date</li>
<li aria-level="1">Importance of intentional planning vs spontaneous moments</li>
<li aria-level="1">Value of side-by-side conversations</li>
<li aria-level="1">Impact of being fully present vs autopilot parenting</li>
<li aria-level="1">How structured time leads to deeper conversations</li>
</ul>
Quote of the Episode: "The definition of love is bearing witness to one another's lives."
Key Insights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Advance planning makes experiences more meaningful</li>
<li aria-level="1">Side-by-side activities encourage natural conversation</li>
<li aria-level="1">Removing distractions deepens connection</li>
<li aria-level="1">Multiple possible futures reduce anxiety about paths</li>
<li aria-level="1">Intentional time creates space for vulnerable conversations</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Laura King's research on "best possible future self"</li>
<li aria-level="1">Monthly birthday date system concept</li>
<li aria-level="1">Broaden perspectives on career/life paths</li>
<li aria-level="1">Calendar blocking for intentional connection</li>
</ul>
Action Steps for Parents:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Schedule Monthly Dates:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">Mark each child's birth date on calendar</li>
<li aria-level="2">Plan activities in advance</li>
<li aria-level="2">Make them non-negotiable appointments</li>
<li aria-level="2">Customise for each child's interests</li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Create Quality Experiences:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">Remove distractions (phones, etc.)</li>
<li aria-level="2">Choose side-by-side activities</li>
<li aria-level="2">Allow natural conversation flow</li>
<li aria-level="2">Make it special but not elaborate</li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Be Fully Present:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">Practice active listening</li>
<li aria-level="2">Avoid problem-solving mode</li>
<li aria-level="2">Focus on connection over correction</li>
<li aria-level="2">Create space for deeper sharing</li>
</ul>
</ol>

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

#1159 - The Monthly Date That Changes Everything

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/b90a7623-ef11-431f-b34d-b262001a243b/transcript

#1203 - Heartbroken: When Your Kid Says They’re Embarrassed by You

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/012a6d32-61a8-4e44-9e84-b29f0003d11b/transcript

Schools are failing our children when boys who make sexual threats remain in class with their victims. A toxic combination of pornography access, weak responses, and "boys will be boys" attitudes is forcing young girls out of education. 

Quote of the Episode:

"When schools allow boys who make sexual threats to remain in class with their victims, they're making a value judgment. They're saying a boy's uninterrupted education matters more than a girl's right to learn without fear." - Justin Coulson

Key Points:
Sexual harassment via school laptops is happening as early as Grade 7 (age 12)
Schools often respond inadequately to sexual threats, prioritising perpetrators' education over victims' safety
Easy access to pornography is fuelling inappropriate sexual behaviour among young boys
Parents must make noise and demand accountability when their children are victims

If your child is a perpetrator, taking responsibility and ensuring consequences is essential
Parental monitoring of screen use is the number one protective factor against digital harm
The e-Safety Commissioner should be contacted in cases of online harassment
Media attention and public pressure can force educational institutions to take appropriate action
Both victims and perpetrators need support systems focused on responsibility and empathy

Resources Mentioned:
E-Safety Commissioner (for reporting online harassment)
Happy Families
"Know My Name" by Chanel Miller (book about sexual assault)
Dan Principe
Melinda Tankard Reist
Collective Shout

Action Steps for Parents:
If your child is a victim, make noise—report to school authorities, police, the e-Safety Commissioner, and escalate to education departments if necessary.
Monitor and supervise all screen time—know what your children are viewing, typing, and who they're communicating with.
Have open conversations with your children about online harassment, showing them real examples and developing response strategies.
Teach children to block harassers and not engage, as responses often fuel further harassment.
If your child is a perpetrator, hold them accountable rather than minimising their behaviour.

Schools are failing our children when boys who make sexual threats remain in class with their victims. A toxic combination of pornography access, weak responses, and "boys will be boys" attitudes is forcing young girls out of education.&nbsp;
Quote of the Episode:
"When schools allow boys who make sexual threats to remain in class with their victims, they're making a value judgment. They're saying a boy's uninterrupted education matters more than a girl's right to learn without fear." - Justin Coulson
Key Points:
<ul>
<li>Sexual harassment via school laptops is happening as early as Grade 7 (age 12)</li>
<li>Schools often respond inadequately to sexual threats, prioritising perpetrators' education over victims' safety</li>
<li>Easy access to pornography is fuelling inappropriate sexual behaviour among young boys</li>
<li>Parents must make noise and demand accountability when their children are victims</li>
</ul>
If your child is a perpetrator, taking responsibility and ensuring consequences is essential
<ul>
<li>Parental monitoring of screen use is the number one protective factor against digital harm</li>
<li>The e-Safety Commissioner should be contacted in cases of online harassment</li>
<li>Media attention and public pressure can force educational institutions to take appropriate action</li>
<li>Both victims and perpetrators need support systems focused on responsibility and empathy</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.esafety.gov.au/">E-Safety Commissioner</a> (for reporting online harassment)</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families</a></li>
<li>"<a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/know-my-name-9780241428290">Know My Name</a>" by Chanel Miller (book about sexual assault)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.danielprincipe.com.au">Dan Principe</a></li>
<li><a href="https://melindatankardreist.com">Melinda Tankard Reist</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.collectiveshout.org">Collective Shout</a></li>
</ul>
Action Steps for Parents:
<ol>
<li>If your child is a victim, make noise&mdash;report to school authorities, police, the e-Safety Commissioner, and escalate to education departments if necessary.</li>
<li>Monitor and supervise all screen time&mdash;know what your children are viewing, typing, and who they're communicating with.</li>
<li>Have open conversations with your children about online harassment, showing them real examples and developing response strategies.</li>
<li>Teach children to block harassers and not engage, as responses often fuel further harassment.</li>
<li>If your child is a perpetrator, hold them accountable rather than minimising their behaviour.</li>
</ol>

#1202 - Boys Will Be Boys? The Disturbing Reality of Sexual Threats in Schools

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/9d4a0a68-bc1a-43e6-9f16-b29f00038ded/transcript

Are we protecting our kids or holding them back? In this episode, Justin talks with Lenore Skenazy about the unintended consequences of overprotection and why kids need to experience risk to build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. From eliminating stairs in homes to constant parental surveillance, we examine how fear-based parenting is shaping modern childhood—and what we can do to change it.

KEY POINTS:


The growing trend of designing homes for maximum parental surveillance and risk elimination.


Why removing all risks from a child’s life can have long-term negative effects on their mental health and independence.


The difference between reasonable safety precautions (e.g., seat belts, helmets) and excessive protection that stifles growth.


How parental fear contributes to anxiety, depression, and dependence in kids.


Practical ways to introduce independence and calculated risk into children’s lives.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
"Fear doesn’t prevent death, but it prevents life."

KEY INSIGHTS FOR PARENTS:


Removing every possible risk doesn't make kids safer—it makes them less capable.


Letting children navigate small risks (like climbing stairs, using a knife, or walking to school) helps them build real-world skills.


Worrying can feel like an action, but it doesn’t change reality—teaching skills and fostering independence does.


Kids don’t need a risk-free life; they need a chance to learn, adapt, and grow.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:


Let Grow – Free resources for fostering childhood independence.


Supervision Not Required podcast – A new podcast on raising confident, capable kids.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:


Identify one small area where you can give your child more independence.


Teach them practical skills rather than avoiding potential risks.


Shift your mindset from "How do I eliminate all risks?" to "How do I prepare my child to handle them?"


Connect with other parents who value childhood independence to build confidence in your approach.

Are we protecting our kids or holding them back? In this episode, Justin talks with Lenore Skenazy about the unintended consequences of overprotection and why kids need to experience risk to build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. From eliminating stairs in homes to constant parental surveillance, we examine how fear-based parenting is shaping modern childhood&mdash;and what we can do to change it.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
The growing trend of designing homes for maximum parental surveillance and risk elimination.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Why removing all risks from a child&rsquo;s life can have long-term negative effects on their mental health and independence.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
The difference between reasonable safety precautions (e.g., seat belts, helmets) and excessive protection that stifles growth.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
How parental fear contributes to anxiety, depression, and dependence in kids.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Practical ways to introduce independence and calculated risk into children&rsquo;s lives.
</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "Fear doesn&rsquo;t prevent death, but it prevents life."
KEY INSIGHTS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
Removing every possible risk doesn't make kids safer&mdash;it makes them less capable.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Letting children navigate small risks (like climbing stairs, using a knife, or walking to school) helps them build real-world skills.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Worrying can feel like an action, but it doesn&rsquo;t change reality&mdash;teaching skills and fostering independence does.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Kids don&rsquo;t need a risk-free life; they need a chance to learn, adapt, and grow.
</li>
</ul>
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
<a href="https://letgrow.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://letgrow.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1741987199101000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0BqN1qk0-sDbp7qzDyKTZY">Let Grow</a> &ndash; Free resources for fostering childhood independence.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<a href="https://podtail.com/podcast/supervision-not-required/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://podtail.com/podcast/supervision-not-required/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1741987199101000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0CZiZL0RzT9_DhzjdyYLnp">Supervision Not Required podcast</a> &ndash; A new podcast on raising confident, capable kids.
</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol>
<li dir="ltr">
Identify one small area where you can give your child more independence.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Teach them practical skills rather than avoiding potential risks.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Shift your mindset from "How do I eliminate all risks?" to "How do I prepare my child to handle them?"
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Connect with other parents who value childhood independence to build confidence in your approach.
</li>
</ol>

#1201 - Free Range Parenting 101 With Lenore Skenazy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/99059862-e962-484a-a61e-b29500c59aa3/transcript

#1159 - The Monthly Date That Changes Everything

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