The new year brings a reality check: what actually changed for parents last year - and what didn’t? In this high-energy episode, Justin and Kylie review last year’s big parenting predictions (AI, social media, homeschooling, boys, cost of living, and more), celebrate the surprising hits, admit the misses, and tee up what’s coming next. Fast, fun, insightful - and wildly relevant for every parent stepping into 2026.

KEY POINTS
Which predictions landed in 2025 (and why they mattered for families)
Where Justin was hilariously wrong (TikTok + travel = oops)
The AI-powered parenting revolution - now real, mainstream, and everywhere
Homeschooling’s massive surge and what’s driving it
The global social media crackdown led by Australia - and why the rollout is bumpy
Why boys still need more support - and the culture shift that hasn’t arrived yet
YouTube’s silent dominance and what it means for kids and screens
Cost of living, family strain, and the myth of intergenerational living

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“I was one hundred percent correct—AI has become a mainstream parenting assistant.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Skylight Calendar (meal planning + calendar tool)
8 Game-Changing Predictions for 2025 [Article]
Today Show segment on homeschooling statistics
Government announcements surrounding the under-16 social media ban

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Audit your family’s tech habits, screen time, and parental controls
Explore AI as a support tool (homework, routines, meal planning)
Stay informed on school and homeschooling trends - more families are switching
Watch for changes in social media regulations and platform age limits
Prioritise conversations about boys’ wellbeing - academic, emotional, social

The new year brings a reality check: what actually changed for parents last year - and what didn&rsquo;t? In this high-energy episode, Justin and Kylie review last year&rsquo;s big parenting predictions (AI, social media, homeschooling, boys, cost of living, and more), celebrate the surprising hits, admit the misses, and tee up what&rsquo;s coming next. Fast, fun, insightful - and wildly relevant for every parent stepping into 2026.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Which predictions landed in 2025 (and why they mattered for families)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Where Justin was hilariously wrong (TikTok + travel = oops)</li>
<li aria-level="1">The AI-powered parenting revolution - now real, mainstream, and everywhere</li>
<li aria-level="1">Homeschooling&rsquo;s massive surge and what&rsquo;s driving it</li>
<li aria-level="1">The global social media crackdown led by Australia - and why the rollout is bumpy</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why boys still need more support - and the culture shift that hasn&rsquo;t arrived yet</li>
<li aria-level="1">YouTube&rsquo;s silent dominance and what it means for kids and screens</li>
<li aria-level="1">Cost of living, family strain, and the myth of intergenerational living</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;I was one hundred percent correct&mdash;AI has become a mainstream parenting assistant.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Skylight Calendar (meal planning + calendar tool)</li>
<li aria-level="1">8 Game-Changing Predictions for 2025 [Article]</li>
<li aria-level="1">Today Show segment on homeschooling statistics</li>
<li aria-level="1">Government announcements surrounding the under-16 social media ban</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Audit your family&rsquo;s tech habits, screen time, and parental controls</li>
<li aria-level="1">Explore AI as a support tool (homework, routines, meal planning)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay informed on school and homeschooling trends - more families are switching</li>
<li aria-level="1">Watch for changes in social media regulations and platform age limits</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prioritise conversations about boys&rsquo; wellbeing - academic, emotional, social</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

A Year of Big Shifts, Big Lessons, and Big Surprises

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/651bee79-afcc-4a16-a29a-b3cf000e5c7e/transcript