When you’re knee-deep in tantrums, sticky fingers, midnight wake-ups and endless “whys?” it feels like survival mode. But what if these exhausting, messy, maddening moments are the very ones you’ll ache for later? In this episode, Justin and Kylie reflect on the chaos they once wished away - and now find themselves missing. A heartfelt reminder to savour the small stuff, even when it drives you crazy.

KEY POINTS
The everyday frustrations parents secretly miss when kids grow up.
Why sleepless nights, sticky floors, and endless questions carry hidden beauty.
The bittersweet shift from chaos to quiet as kids get older.
How perspective transforms what once felt like drudgery into cherished memories.
The importance of soaking up the messy, noisy, imperfect moments while you have them.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"I wish I loved it more when I was in it, but I just didn’t have the perspective."

RESOURCES MENTIONED


HappyFamilies.com.au – for more parenting resources.


You can read all of the comments on that Facebook post here.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Pause during the hard moments and remind yourself: one day, you’ll miss this.
Reframe the daily frustrations—see them as signs of your child’s growth, curiosity, and connection.
Build a “village” of support—whether through playdates, community, or online groups—so you don’t face the chaos alone.
Capture the ordinary moments (photos, journals, voice notes) so you can look back with gratitude.

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Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

When you&rsquo;re knee-deep in tantrums, sticky fingers, midnight wake-ups and endless &ldquo;whys?&rdquo; it feels like survival mode. But what if these exhausting, messy, maddening moments are the very ones you&rsquo;ll ache for later? In this episode, Justin and Kylie reflect on the chaos they once wished away - and now find themselves missing. A heartfelt reminder to savour the small stuff, even when it drives you crazy.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The everyday frustrations parents secretly miss when kids grow up.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why sleepless nights, sticky floors, and endless questions carry hidden beauty.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The bittersweet shift from chaos to quiet as kids get older.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How perspective transforms what once felt like drudgery into cherished memories.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of soaking up the messy, noisy, imperfect moments while you have them.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"I wish I loved it more when I was in it, but I just didn&rsquo;t have the perspective."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li data-start="1312" data-end="1404">
<a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au" data-start="1314" data-end="1370">HappyFamilies.com.au</a> &ndash; for more parenting resources.
</li>
<li data-start="1312" data-end="1404">
You can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamiliesau/posts/pfbid03jthzCWf8CaznygwQoy4zwxFRRCv7yV7VTg72eSoHwbypUvdHoFKZujWbphDJ6Xnl">read all of the comments on that Facebook post here</a>.
</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Pause during the hard moments and remind yourself: one day, you&rsquo;ll miss this.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Reframe the daily frustrations&mdash;see them as signs of your child&rsquo;s growth, curiosity, and connection.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Build a &ldquo;village&rdquo; of support&mdash;whether through playdates, community, or online groups&mdash;so you don&rsquo;t face the chaos alone.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Capture the ordinary moments (photos, journals, voice notes) so you can look back with gratitude.</li>
</ol>
Find us on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamilies.au/"> Facebook</a>
Subscribe to the Happy Families&nbsp;<a href="https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.activehosted.com/f/40">newsletter</a>

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

Why the Hardest Parenting Days End Up Being the Sweetest

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/3374c44e-a463-43b5-af33-b35900390dd4/transcript