Three powerful takeaways from our Easter holidays—lessons about mindset, risk, and meaningful connection. From a life-changing mindset shift at the Easter Show to a serious accident that reinforced the importance of risky play, plus a week without screens that revealed what kids really crave, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration for every parent.

KEY POINTS:


Mindset shapes experience: The same event can feel completely different when approached with a different attitude and realistic expectations.


Risky play matters: Children need opportunities to push boundaries and take risks—it builds resilience, courage, and learning, even when things go wrong.


Time is everything: What kids really want from us isn’t perfection—it’s time. Unplugging from screens and slowing down creates space for meaningful reflection and connection.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“What our kids actually want and need… is just time.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:


Explore–Explain–Empower framework (Justin Coulson)


happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Check your mindset before heading into family events—set realistic expectations and choose connection over control.
Encourage age-appropriate risk-taking (e.g., climbing trees, riding bikes)—it builds confidence and independence.
Unplug regularly—create time and space for quiet reflection and intentional connection with your children.
Give each child individual attention—consider what they uniquely need from you right now.
Practice being present—ditch the schedule and just be with your kids, without distraction.

Three powerful takeaways from our Easter holidays&mdash;lessons about mindset, risk, and meaningful connection. From a life-changing mindset shift at the Easter Show to a serious accident that reinforced the importance of risky play, plus a week without screens that revealed what kids really crave, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration for every parent.
<hr data-start="593" data-end="596">
KEY POINTS:
<ul data-start="616" data-end="1110">
<li data-start="616" data-end="765">
Mindset shapes experience: The same event can feel completely different when approached with a different attitude and realistic expectations.
</li>
<li data-start="616" data-end="765">
Risky play matters: Children need opportunities to push boundaries and take risks&mdash;it builds resilience, courage, and learning, even when things go wrong.
</li>
<li data-start="766" data-end="927">
Time is everything: What kids really want from us isn&rsquo;t perfection&mdash;it&rsquo;s time. Unplugging from screens and slowing down creates space for meaningful reflection and connection.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1112" data-end="1115">
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;What our kids actually want and need&hellip; is just time.&rdquo;
<hr data-start="1200" data-end="1203">
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul data-start="1232" data-end="1347">
<li data-start="1232" data-end="1286">
Explore&ndash;Explain&ndash;Empower framework (Justin Coulson)
</li>
<li data-start="1232" data-end="1286">
<a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au" data-start="1289" data-end="1345">happyfamilies.com.au</a>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1349" data-end="1352">
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol>
<li data-start="1389" data-end="1510">Check your mindset before heading into family events&mdash;set realistic expectations and choose connection over control.</li>
<li data-start="1389" data-end="1510">Encourage age-appropriate risk-taking (e.g., climbing trees, riding bikes)&mdash;it builds confidence and independence.</li>
<li data-start="1389" data-end="1510">Unplug regularly&mdash;create time and space for quiet reflection and intentional connection with your children.</li>
<li data-start="1389" data-end="1510">Give each child individual attention&mdash;consider what they uniquely need from you right now.</li>
<li data-start="1389" data-end="1510">Practice being present&mdash;ditch the schedule and just be with your kids, without distraction.</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

#1237 - The 3 Big Things We Learnt From Easter Holidays

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/6b5eeeab-c765-4ee1-b183-b2ba00d68c9f/transcript