Christmas is meant to be joyful… so why does it leave so many parents anxious, exhausted, and overwhelmed?
In this episode, Justin sits down with Rebecca Dredge (CEO of the Kiddo App) to unpack why school holidays spike parental stress — and what actually helps families survive the juggle of work, money, childcare, and endless commitments without burning out. This is a permission-giving conversation every tired parent needs before Christmas arrives.

KEY POINTS
Why over a third of parents feel anxious about school holidays
The hidden pressure of “making Christmas magical”
How saying no can protect your family (and your sanity)
Why over-planning everything backfires — and what to plan instead
Practical ways to get support without guilt or overwhelm

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“It’s okay to say no. Your fridge doesn’t need every invitation on it.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Kiddo App – On-demand babysitting and care support for families
Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au


ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Circle the non-negotiables that matter most to your family
Say no to at least one invitation this week
Plan a few meaningful moments — not every moment
Line up support before you’re desperate for it
Aim to “glide into Christmas,” not collapse into it

Christmas is meant to be joyful&hellip; so why does it leave so many parents anxious, exhausted, and overwhelmed? In this episode, Justin sits down with Rebecca Dredge (CEO of the Kiddo App) to unpack why school holidays spike parental stress &mdash; and what actually helps families survive the juggle of work, money, childcare, and endless commitments without burning out. This is a permission-giving conversation every tired parent needs before Christmas arrives.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why over a third of parents feel anxious about school holidays</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden pressure of &ldquo;making Christmas magical&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">How saying no can protect your family (and your sanity)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why over-planning everything backfires &mdash; and what to plan instead</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical ways to get support without guilt or overwhelm</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s okay to say no. Your fridge doesn&rsquo;t need every invitation on it.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://kiddoapp.com.au/">Kiddo</a> App &ndash; On-demand babysitting and care support for families</li>
<li aria-level="1">Happy Families resources at <a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au">happyfamilies.com.au</a> </li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Circle the non-negotiables that matter most to your family</li>
<li aria-level="1">Say no to at least one invitation this week</li>
<li aria-level="1">Plan a few meaningful moments &mdash; not every moment</li>
<li aria-level="1">Line up support before you&rsquo;re desperate for it</li>
<li aria-level="1">Aim to &ldquo;glide into Christmas,&rdquo; not collapse into it</li>
</ul>

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

Parental Anxiety and Exhaustion at Christmas [with Rebecca Dredge]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/b8e4481c-96b9-4182-b142-b3a500b36d9e/transcript

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