In a world where kids feel lonelier than ever- despite being constantly “connected” - how can we help them build real, meaningful friendships and resist negative peer pressure? How are the families on Parental Guidance helping their kids make and foster friendships? In this episode, we dive into the crucial role of social skills, healthy face-to-face interactions, and intentional parenting to help children thrive socially and emotionally.

KEY POINTS
Not all peer pressure is bad — positive peer pressure can help kids adopt healthy habits.
Many kids today struggle with loneliness despite being surrounded by peers, often due to excessive screen time and lack of real-world social practice.
Social skills like introducing oneself, showing curiosity, and maintaining conversations are essential for resisting negative peer pressure.
Parents play a key role by modelling healthy social interactions, facilitating opportunities, and keeping conversations about relationships open and non-judgemental.
Excessive technology use may hinder social development, but more evidence is needed to fully understand the impact.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"You become the average of the five people you spend the most time with — so help your kids choose wisely." – Dr Justin Coulson

RESOURCES
Find more parenting resources and tips for making your family happier at Happy Families.
You can watch Parental Guidance on demand at 9NOW.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

✅ Reduce your child’s screen time and encourage more in-person social interactions.
✅ Organise supervised, face-to-face playdates or gatherings to help kids practice social skills.
✅ Have regular conversations with your child about their friendships — what’s working, what’s hard, and how they feel about making new friends.
✅ Teach curiosity and empathy by modelling how to ask good questions and show interest in others.
✅ Support your child in developing both structured (team sports, clubs) and unstructured (free play) social experiences.

In a world where kids feel lonelier than ever- despite being constantly &ldquo;connected&rdquo; - how can we help them build real, meaningful friendships and resist negative peer pressure? How are the families on Parental Guidance helping their kids make and foster friendships? In this episode, we dive into the crucial role of social skills, healthy face-to-face interactions, and intentional parenting to help children thrive socially and emotionally.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Not all peer pressure is bad &mdash; positive peer pressure can help kids adopt healthy habits.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Many kids today struggle with loneliness despite being surrounded by peers, often due to excessive screen time and lack of real-world social practice.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Social skills like introducing oneself, showing curiosity, and maintaining conversations are essential for resisting negative peer pressure.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Parents play a key role by modelling healthy social interactions, facilitating opportunities, and keeping conversations about relationships open and non-judgemental.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Excessive technology use may hinder social development, but more evidence is needed to fully understand the impact.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"You become the average of the five people you spend the most time with &mdash; so help your kids choose wisely." &ndash; Dr Justin Coulson
RESOURCES
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Find more parenting resources and tips for making your family happier at <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/">Happy Families</a>.</li>
<li aria-level="1">You can <a href="https://www.9now.com.au/parental-guidance/season-3">watch Parental Guidance on demand at 9NOW</a>.</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
✅ Reduce your child&rsquo;s screen time and encourage more in-person social interactions. ✅ Organise supervised, face-to-face playdates or gatherings to help kids practice social skills. ✅ Have regular conversations with your child about their friendships &mdash; what&rsquo;s working, what&rsquo;s hard, and how they feel about making new friends. ✅ Teach curiosity and empathy by modelling how to ask good questions and show interest in others. ✅ Support your child in developing both structured (team sports, clubs) and unstructured (free play) social experiences.

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

#1292 - [Parental Guidance Episode 2] Peer Pressure: Fostering Healthy Friendships

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/b30d3c59-0c50-4bb3-91c5-b30b002ec7d1/transcript

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