It's a public holiday today, so we've prepared a super short episode of the podcast so that you can get back to spending quality time with your family.

Today we're exploring why when we praise or reward kids for being brilliant, this can lead to them avoiding things they might fail at.




For a happier family, try a Happy Families Membership. Because a happy family doesn't just happen!

Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au.

It's a public holiday today, so we've prepared a super short episode of the podcast so that you can get back to spending quality time with your family.Today we're exploring why when we praise or reward kids for being brilliant, this can lead to them avoiding things they might fail at. For a happier family, try a <a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/">Happy Families Membership</a>. Because a happy family doesn't just happen!Find us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamilies.au/">Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families</a>Email us your questions and comments at <a href="mailto:podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au">podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au</a>.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?&nbsp;Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia&rsquo;s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

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

#429 Tip For the Day #4 - Praise for Brilliance

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/14a597f9-4c3e-4f56-b0b9-af4600481654/transcript

What matters most when you walk through your front door? Justin Coulson has spent years helping families build happier lives, and his work has now earned him a University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award. But the moment that mattered most wasn't the trophy. It was the reminder that strong families change lives, and the most important work we do often happens at home.

Justin and Kylie share the story behind the award, the sacrifices that shaped his career, a hilarious university confession, and the acceptance speech that left a room full of people in tears.

KEY POINTS


Why strong family relationships shape happier, healthier lives


The unexpected path from struggling dad to parenting expert


The people and sacrifices behind Justin's achievement


What research tells us about the lifelong impact of loving caregivers


Why the most important work often happens at home

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The most important work many of us will ever do is not in the office. It's waiting for us when we walk back through our own front door.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED


University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Awards


Happy Families books and resources at happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS


Make time for connection with your children, even on busy days.


Think about the example you're setting through your relationships.


Recognise the small, everyday things that help your family feel safe, loved and supported.

What matters most when you walk through your front door? Justin Coulson has spent years helping families build happier lives, and his work has now earned him a University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award. But the moment that mattered most wasn't the trophy. It was the reminder that strong families change lives, and the most important work we do often happens at home.
Justin and Kylie share the story behind the award, the sacrifices that shaped his career, a hilarious university confession, and the acceptance speech that left a room full of people in tears.
KEY POINTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Why strong family relationships shape happier, healthier lives
</li>
<li>
The unexpected path from struggling dad to parenting expert
</li>
<li>
The people and sacrifices behind Justin's achievement
</li>
<li>
What research tells us about the lifelong impact of loving caregivers
</li>
<li>
Why the most important work often happens at home
</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;The most important work many of us will ever do is not in the office. It's waiting for us when we walk back through our own front door.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Awards
</li>
<li>
Happy Families books and resources at <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au">happyfamilies.com.au</a>
</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Make time for connection with your children, even on busy days.
</li>
<li>
Think about the example you're setting through your relationships.
</li>
<li>
Recognise the small, everyday things that help your family feel safe, loved and supported.
</li>
</ul>

Justin Won an Award, But His Biggest Achievement Happened at Home

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/e6be034e-3618-4e8b-bd3b-b4e2018a0107/transcript

Worried your teenager is falling behind or has no idea what they want to do after school? You’re not alone, and their future is bigger than their grades.

Dr Justin Coulson chats with educator and careers expert Dr Jo Winchester about career pressure, gap years, alternative pathways and the changing world of work. They explore how to support neurodivergent kids, take the pressure off big decisions and help young people find a path that fits who they are.

KEY POINTS


Why your child’s ATAR doesn’t define their potential


When a gap year might be the right choice


How to explore careers in a rapidly changing world


Supporting neurodivergent kids without focusing on grades


Helping teenagers make decisions without passing on your anxiety

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The thing that I want you to concentrate on more is, is your child happy? Are they being supported in a loving environment at that school?”

RESOURCES MENTIONED


Dr Jo Winchester for career guidance and free resources


Range by David Epstein


Dark Horse by Todd Rose

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS


Take the pressure off choosing a lifelong career right now.


Explore university open days by focusing on the environment and teaching staff, not rankings.


Help your teenager identify their interests, strengths and skills.


Set small, achievable goals if school is a struggle.


Remind your child that their grades are not a measure of their intelligence or future success.

Worried your teenager is falling behind or has no idea what they want to do after school? You&rsquo;re not alone, and their future is bigger than their grades.
Dr Justin Coulson chats with educator and careers expert Dr Jo Winchester about career pressure, gap years, alternative pathways and the changing world of work. They explore how to support neurodivergent kids, take the pressure off big decisions and help young people find a path that fits who they are.
KEY POINTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Why your child&rsquo;s ATAR doesn&rsquo;t define their potential
</li>
<li>
When a gap year might be the right choice
</li>
<li>
How to explore careers in a rapidly changing world
</li>
<li>
Supporting neurodivergent kids without focusing on grades
</li>
<li>
Helping teenagers make decisions without passing on your anxiety
</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;The thing that I want you to concentrate on more is, is your child happy? Are they being supported in a loving environment at that school?&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<a href="https://drjoewinchester.com.au/">Dr Jo Winchester</a> for career guidance and free resources
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/range-david-epstein/book/9781035053049.html">Range</a> by David Epstein
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.toddrose.com/darkhorse">Dark Horse</a> by Todd Rose
</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Take the pressure off choosing a lifelong career right now.
</li>
<li>
Explore university open days by focusing on the environment and teaching staff, not rankings.
</li>
<li>
Help your teenager identify their interests, strengths and skills.
</li>
<li>
Set small, achievable goals if school is a struggle.
</li>
<li>
Remind your child that their grades are not a measure of their intelligence or future success.
</li>
</ul>

Rethinking Success After High School

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/19d25e6c-0166-4b34-b5a1-b4e20189e630/transcript

Your five-year-old is hitting other children when they're angry, frustrated or feel something is unfair. You've talked about using words, encouraged them to burn off energy and tried everything you can think of. So what actually helps?

Justin and Kylie Coulson explain why young children lash out, how to practise emotional regulation at home and what to do when your child comes home after a difficult day at school. Learn how to set boundaries without shame, build better responses and help your child manage big feelings as their brain develops.

KEY POINTS


Why five-year-olds struggle to control big emotions


How to practise calming strategies before frustration takes over


Why difficult conversations work better when everyone is calm


Helping children find their own solutions to conflict


Responding with compassion while still addressing hitting


How classroom culture and maturity can influence behaviour

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“When emotions are hot or high, there's not a lot that soaks in or sinks in.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED


Happy Families: https://happyfamilies.com.au


Send your tricky questions to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS


Practise when things are calm. Rehearse taking deep breaths, walking away or asking an adult for help.


Problem-solve together. Ask your child what they could do next time they feel angry or treated unfairly.


Reconnect after school. Offer cuddles, space and understanding before discussing what went wrong.


Keep the boundary clear. Acknowledge their feelings while making it clear that hitting isn't okay.


Give them time to learn. Emotional regulation develops gradually, and children need repeated practice and support.

Your five-year-old is hitting other children when they're angry, frustrated or feel something is unfair. You've talked about using words, encouraged them to burn off energy and tried everything you can think of. So what actually helps?
Justin and Kylie Coulson explain why young children lash out, how to practise emotional regulation at home and what to do when your child comes home after a difficult day at school. Learn how to set boundaries without shame, build better responses and help your child manage big feelings as their brain develops.
KEY POINTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Why five-year-olds struggle to control big emotions
</li>
<li>
How to practise calming strategies before frustration takes over
</li>
<li>
Why difficult conversations work better when everyone is calm
</li>
<li>
Helping children find their own solutions to conflict
</li>
<li>
Responding with compassion while still addressing hitting
</li>
<li>
How classroom culture and maturity can influence behaviour
</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;When emotions are hot or high, there's not a lot that soaks in or sinks in.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Happy Families: <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au" data-rich-text-autolink="">https://happyfamilies.com.au</a>
</li>
<li>
Send your tricky questions to <a href="mailto:podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au">podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au</a>
</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Practise when things are calm. Rehearse taking deep breaths, walking away or asking an adult for help.
</li>
<li>
Problem-solve together. Ask your child what they could do next time they feel angry or treated unfairly.
</li>
<li>
Reconnect after school. Offer cuddles, space and understanding before discussing what went wrong.
</li>
<li>
Keep the boundary clear. Acknowledge their feelings while making it clear that hitting isn't okay.
</li>
<li>
Give them time to learn. Emotional regulation develops gradually, and children need repeated practice and support.
</li>
</ul>

Why Telling Kids to Use Their Words Doesn't Always Work [a Listener Q&A]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/7fd59dbd-30f5-4f5d-a96e-b4e20189ba7c/transcript

#429 Tip For the Day #4 - Praise for Brilliance

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