Ever wish you could talk to your kids about the big stuff — without it feeling awkward or heavy? In this episode, Justin and Kylie show you how to make tricky conversations a normal (and even fun) part of family life. From friendship dramas to body safety, honesty, and screens, discover how to help your kids open up, think deeply, and learn to navigate life with confidence.

KEY POINTS:
How to start having “tricky talks” — even with 5- and 7-year-olds
Why weekly conversations build trust and emotional safety
Conversation starters that aren’t awkward or forced
Turning everyday moments into teachable moments
The ultimate question every parent should ask their child

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:

“Let your kids know there’s no topic that’s off limits. When they trust you with the little things, they’ll come to you with the big ones.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Relationship Rules and What Your Child Needs From You by Dr Justin Coulson
Have a tricky parenting question? Ask us here.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Schedule a weekly 15-minute “tricky talk” with your kids.
Start light — use silly “would you rather” questions to build comfort.
Gradually introduce deeper topics like kindness, honesty, or friendship.
Ask your child what they think before you give advice.
Try a “parent performance appraisal” — ask your kids how loved and understood they feel.

Ever wish you could talk to your kids about the big stuff &mdash; without it feeling awkward or heavy? In this episode, Justin and Kylie show you how to make tricky conversations a normal (and even fun) part of family life. From friendship dramas to body safety, honesty, and screens, discover how to help your kids open up, think deeply, and learn to navigate life with confidence.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">How to start having &ldquo;tricky talks&rdquo; &mdash; even with 5- and 7-year-olds</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why weekly conversations build trust and emotional safety</li>
<li aria-level="1">Conversation starters that aren&rsquo;t awkward or forced</li>
<li aria-level="1">Turning everyday moments into teachable moments</li>
<li aria-level="1">The ultimate question every parent should ask their child</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
&ldquo;Let your kids know there&rsquo;s no topic that&rsquo;s off limits. When they trust you with the little things, they&rsquo;ll come to you with the big ones.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/relationship-rules">Relationship Rules</a> and <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/what-your-child-needs-from-you">What Your Child Needs From You</a> by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1">Have a tricky parenting question? <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast">Ask us here.</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Schedule a weekly 15-minute &ldquo;tricky talk&rdquo; with your kids.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Start light &mdash; use silly &ldquo;would you rather&rdquo; questions to build comfort.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gradually introduce deeper topics like kindness, honesty, or friendship.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask your child what they think before you give advice.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Try a &ldquo;parent performance appraisal&rdquo; &mdash; ask your kids how loved and understood they feel.</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

From Awkward to Awesome: How to Talk About Anything With Your Kids

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/0a5d98e9-fdda-4f8e-81cc-b372009d7b24/transcript