Ever feel like a broken record—“How many times do I have to tell you?” This episode is your lifeline out of the endless reminder loop. Justin and Kylie share nine proven strategies to cut through the noise, build connection, and get kids to follow through—without the yelling, nagging, or power struggles.

Key Points
Why repeating yourself trains kids to tune you out
The 3-step “attention first” method: name, pause, eye contact
Speak their language: short, clear, kind, one thing at a time
Confirm understanding with questions (“What needs to happen before we leave?”)
Read non-verbal cues and adjust your tone
Validate feelings without caving to demands
Practice patience—give them space to act
Create a culture of respectful, safe communication
Strengthen connection so cooperation comes naturally
When all else fails, jump in and do it together

Quote of the Episode
 “Repeating yourself doesn’t work. Connection does.” – Justin Coulson

Resources
What To Do When Kids Won’t Listen
How to Get Your Kids to Really Listen [Ebook + AudioBook]
Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

Action Steps for Parents
Choose one strategy from today’s episode and try it at your next “please put your shoes on” moment.
Notice your own tone and pacing—slow down and connect before speaking.
Reflect tonight: which approach helped your child respond best?

Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

Ever feel like a broken record&mdash;&ldquo;How many times do I have to tell you?&rdquo; This episode is your lifeline out of the endless reminder loop. Justin and Kylie share nine proven strategies to cut through the noise, build connection, and get kids to follow through&mdash;without the yelling, nagging, or power struggles.
Key Points
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why repeating yourself trains kids to tune you out</li>
<li aria-level="1">The 3-step &ldquo;attention first&rdquo; method: name, pause, eye contact</li>
<li aria-level="1">Speak their language: short, clear, kind, one thing at a time</li>
<li aria-level="1">Confirm understanding with questions (&ldquo;What needs to happen before we leave?&rdquo;)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Read non-verbal cues and adjust your tone</li>
<li aria-level="1">Validate feelings without caving to demands</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practice patience&mdash;give them space to act</li>
<li aria-level="1">Create a culture of respectful, safe communication</li>
<li aria-level="1">Strengthen connection so cooperation comes naturally</li>
<li aria-level="1">When all else fails, jump in and do it together</li>
</ul>
Quote of the Episode &ldquo;Repeating yourself doesn&rsquo;t work. Connection does.&rdquo; &ndash; Justin Coulson
Resources
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/what-to-do-when-kids-wont-listen">What To Do When Kids Won&rsquo;t Listen</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/how-to-get-your-kids-to-really-listen">How to Get Your Kids to Really Listen</a> [Ebook + AudioBook]</li>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe to the Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.activehosted.com/f/40">newsletter</a></li>
</ul>
Action Steps for Parents
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Choose one strategy from today&rsquo;s episode and try it at your next &ldquo;please put your shoes on&rdquo; moment.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Notice your own tone and pacing&mdash;slow down and connect before speaking.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Reflect tonight: which approach helped your child respond best?</li>
</ol>
Leave a&nbsp;<a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast">voice memo here</a> or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

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

Talk So Your Kids Tune In, Not Out

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/4a4f0b4d-eabd-44c6-959b-b3590037668d/transcript