Exam season is here — and with it, a tidal wave of pressure, late nights, and panic. But what if we’ve got it all wrong? In this short, punchy episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson share six powerful reminders to help your teen (and you!) survive exam stress with perspective, calm, and even joy. From why your ATAR doesn’t define your worth to why sleep, exercise, and connection matter more than cramming — this is the reality check every parent needs right now.

KEY POINTS:
You are not your ATAR: Exams don’t measure intelligence, potential, or worth.
Brains need breaks: Good sleep, nutrition, and exercise fuel real learning.
Remembering requires forgetting: Relearning builds stronger memory.
Connection over cramming: Fun, laughter, and time with loved ones reduce anxiety.
Take a gap year: Exploration and “range” lead to deeper purpose and long-term success.
Perspective is everything: In two years, none of this will matter as much as it feels now.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“You are not your ATAR. In two years, no one’s going to care — and you’ll be just fine.” — Dr Justin Coulson

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Range by David Epstein
Join the waitlist to hear all the news on Justin's new book "Boys"
The Art of Manliness
A HF conversation with Amy Dyer on gap years & the real path to success after school

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Keep routines steady — protect your teen’s sleep, meals, and downtime.
Encourage short study bursts, spaced repetition, and daily movement.
Talk about why effort matters more than marks.
Model calm and perspective — your energy sets the tone.
Start conversations about gap years, growth, and finding direction beyond exams.

Exam season is here &mdash; and with it, a tidal wave of pressure, late nights, and panic. But what if we&rsquo;ve got it all wrong? In this short, punchy episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson share six powerful reminders to help your teen (and you!) survive exam stress with perspective, calm, and even joy. From why your ATAR doesn&rsquo;t define your worth to why sleep, exercise, and connection matter more than cramming &mdash; this is the reality check every parent needs right now.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">You are not your ATAR: Exams don&rsquo;t measure intelligence, potential, or worth.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Brains need breaks: Good sleep, nutrition, and exercise fuel real learning.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Remembering requires forgetting: Relearning builds stronger memory.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Connection over cramming: Fun, laughter, and time with loved ones reduce anxiety.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Take a gap year: Exploration and &ldquo;range&rdquo; lead to deeper purpose and long-term success.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Perspective is everything: In two years, none of this will matter as much as it feels now.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;You are not your ATAR. In two years, no one&rsquo;s going to care &mdash; and you&rsquo;ll be just fine.&rdquo; &mdash; Dr Justin Coulson
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://davidepstein.com/range/">Range</a> by David Epstein</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/boys-book-waitlist">Join the waitlist</a> to hear all the news on Justin's new book "Boys"</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/">The Art of Manliness</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/gap-years-atar-myths-the-real-path-to-success-after-school-with-amy-dyer">A HF conversation with Amy Dyer on gap years &amp; the real path to success after school</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Keep routines steady &mdash; protect your teen&rsquo;s sleep, meals, and downtime.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Encourage short study bursts, spaced repetition, and daily movement.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk about why effort matters more than marks.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Model calm and perspective &mdash; your energy sets the tone.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Start conversations about gap years, growth, and finding direction beyond exams.</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

Why Exam Results Don’t Define Your Child — or Their Future

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/7a8abd7d-6340-4e2e-b004-b364018a4e5c/transcript