When your child walks into the room, what do they see? Drawing from Toni Morrison's profound insight and an Olympic coach's wisdom about competition, discover how subtle expressions shape our children's sense of worth and why measuring against our own progress matters more than beating others. Plus, learn why even well-intentioned critical looks might be sending the wrong message.

Quote of the Episode: "When they walked in the room, I was glad to see them. It's just as small as that... That is how you learn what your value is."

Key Insights:


Children read facial expressions more than words.


Good intentions can still show as criticism.


Competition should focus on personal improvement.


Our reactions shape children's sense of worth.


Joy should be visible, not just felt.


Even caring criticism can appear negative.


Personal bests matter more than winning.


Face-to-face interactions shape self-worth.

Resources Mentioned:


Frank Dick's coaching philosophy


Toni Morrison on the Oprah Show


Happy Families

Action Steps for Parents:


Notice your facial expression when children enter the room..


Focus on personal growth rather than competitive outcomes.


Show joy intentionally in daily interactions


Make delight visible when greeting children.

When your child walks into the room, what do they see? Drawing from Toni Morrison's profound insight and an Olympic coach's wisdom about competition, discover how subtle expressions shape our children's sense of worth and why measuring against our own progress matters more than beating others. Plus, learn why even well-intentioned critical looks might be sending the wrong message.
Quote of the Episode: "When they walked in the room, I was glad to see them. It's just as small as that... That is how you learn what your value is."
Key Insights:
<ul>
<li>
Children read facial expressions more than words.
</li>
<li>
Good intentions can still show as criticism.
</li>
<li>
Competition should focus on personal improvement.
</li>
<li>
Our reactions shape children's sense of worth.
</li>
<li>
Joy should be visible, not just felt.
</li>
<li>
Even caring criticism can appear negative.
</li>
<li>
Personal bests matter more than winning.
</li>
<li>
Face-to-face interactions shape self-worth.
</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li>
Frank Dick's coaching philosophy
</li>
<li>
Toni Morrison on the Oprah Show
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families</a>
</li>
</ul>
Action Steps for Parents:
<ol>
<li>
Notice your facial expression when children enter the room..
</li>
<li>
Focus on personal growth rather than competitive outcomes.
</li>
<li>
Show joy intentionally in daily interactions
</li>
<li>
Make delight visible when greeting children.
</li>
</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. 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

#1182 - The Silent Message Your Face Sends

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/3d180d38-43b1-4734-bc5c-b27e00cec96b/transcript