Anxiety in kids transitioning from Primary to High School




Topics included in this episode -
Anxiety in kids transitioning from Primary to High School
Guide to Thrive from Life Education
What happens when we get the transition right?
We need to be having these conversations much earlier
Why girls are struggling more
Do older siblings play a role?
What are kids biggest concerns?
Heirarchy in high school
Has Covid had an impact?
How to help them prepare?




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

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

Anxiety in kids transitioning from Primary to High School Topics included in this episode -<ul>
<li>Anxiety in kids transitioning from Primary to High School</li>
<li>
<a href="https://lifeeducationqld.org.au/our-programs/guide-to-thrive-6-7-transition-program/">Guide to Thrive</a> from Life Education</li>
<li>What happens when we get the transition right?</li>
<li>We need to be having these conversations much earlier</li>
<li>Why girls are struggling more</li>
<li>Do older siblings play a role?</li>
<li>What are kids biggest concerns?</li>
<li>Heirarchy in high school</li>
<li>Has Covid had an impact?</li>
<li>How to help them prepare?</li>
</ul> Purchase the <a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/better-together">Better Together webinar in our online web shop</a> or find it in your <a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/membership/parents">Happy Families membership</a>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>

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

#619 Transitioning to High School: A Conversation With Terese Hooper

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/80bc789e-0f60-452f-9408-af46001ffb94/transcript

When Kylie hit perimenopause, her body stopped responding the way it used to.

The weight kept climbing. Energy disappeared. And after years of trying everything, she started seriously considering surgery, injections, and other extreme options.

Then something unexpected happened.

In just 10 weeks, without surgery or drastic diets, she began reversing years of frustration - and the results shocked even her.

In this deeply personal episode, Justin and Kylie pull back the curtain on Kylie’s health reset: the frustration, the turning point, and the simple habits that are finally working after decades of struggle.

If you’ve ever felt like your body is working against you, this conversation will feel both honest and hopeful.

KEY POINTS
Why perimenopause can make weight loss feel impossible
The moment Kylie seriously considered surgery and medical interventions
The surprising habit that changed everything: drinking more water
Why “the scale” can be the worst measurement of progress
The power of doing hard things with someone else
Why most short-term fitness challenges fail
How small consistent habits beat extreme solutions every time

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
 Build knowledge. Understand how your body works—especially during hormonal changes.
 Choose movement you enjoy. If you hate it, you won’t stick with it.
 Do it with someone. Consistency is easier when commitment is shared.
 Track progress beyond the scale. Photos and measurements tell a more accurate story.
Focus on consistency, not intensity. Long-term adherence beats short-term extremes.

When Kylie hit perimenopause, her body stopped responding the way it used to.
The weight kept climbing. Energy disappeared. And after years of trying everything, she started seriously considering surgery, injections, and other extreme options.
Then something unexpected happened.
In just 10 weeks, without surgery or drastic diets, she began reversing years of frustration - and the results shocked even her.
In this deeply personal episode, Justin and Kylie pull back the curtain on Kylie&rsquo;s health reset: the frustration, the turning point, and the simple habits that are finally working after decades of struggle.
If you&rsquo;ve ever felt like your body is working against you, this conversation will feel both honest and hopeful.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why perimenopause can make weight loss feel impossible</li>
<li aria-level="1">The moment Kylie seriously considered surgery and medical interventions</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising habit that changed everything: drinking more water</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why &ldquo;the scale&rdquo; can be the worst measurement of progress</li>
<li aria-level="1">The power of doing hard things with someone else</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why most short-term fitness challenges fail</li>
<li aria-level="1">How small consistent habits beat extreme solutions every time</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li> Build knowledge. Understand how your body works&mdash;especially during hormonal changes.</li>
<li> Choose movement you enjoy. If you hate it, you won&rsquo;t stick with it.</li>
<li> Do it with someone. Consistency is easier when commitment is shared.</li>
<li> Track progress beyond the scale. Photos and measurements tell a more accurate story.</li>
<li>Focus on consistency, not intensity.&nbsp;Long-term adherence beats short-term extremes.</li>
</ol>

Training for Old Age

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/8f55e0c5-cff5-4043-9772-b40100af18f6/transcript

Homework has been a school staple for generations. But what if it’s doing more harm than good?

In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the research behind primary school homework—and the findings may surprise you. From zero academic benefit to increased stress at home, the evidence suggests homework might be one tradition parents and schools need to rethink.

If evenings are turning into battles over worksheets and unfinished assignments, this conversation will give you the clarity (and permission) to do things differently.

KEY POINTS
Research shows no link between homework and academic achievement in primary school.
Homework often assumes one-size-fits-all learning, which doesn’t match children’s individual needs.
After-school worksheets can replace crucial childhood experiences like play, family time, sleep, and movement.
Homework frequently creates conflict between parents and children, turning home into an extension of school.
It can reduce children’s natural motivation to learn, making learning feel like a chore.
Homework may widen inequality, as not all children have the same support or environment at home.
It contributes to stress and mental load for both kids and parents.
Many homework tasks are simply busywork, rewarding compliance rather than curiosity or creativity.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Homework teaches kids that learning is a chore they have to endure, rather than something they get to enjoy.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
The Homework Myth by Alfie Kohn
Happy Families Homework Letter
Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into homework in primary school

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

✔ Prioritise unstructured play after school.
✔ Encourage reading for enjoyment, not as a timed task.
✔ Focus on family connection and conversation at the end of the day.
✔ Get kids moving their bodies outdoors.
✔ Support learning through real-life activities like cooking, building, creating, and exploring.

Homework has been a school staple for generations. But what if it&rsquo;s doing more harm than good?
In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the research behind primary school homework&mdash;and the findings may surprise you. From zero academic benefit to increased stress at home, the evidence suggests homework might be one tradition parents and schools need to rethink.
If evenings are turning into battles over worksheets and unfinished assignments, this conversation will give you the clarity (and permission) to do things differently.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Research shows no link between homework and academic achievement in primary school.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Homework often assumes one-size-fits-all learning, which doesn&rsquo;t match children&rsquo;s individual needs.</li>
<li aria-level="1">After-school worksheets can replace crucial childhood experiences like play, family time, sleep, and movement.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Homework frequently creates conflict between parents and children, turning home into an extension of school.</li>
<li aria-level="1">It can reduce children&rsquo;s natural motivation to learn, making learning feel like a chore.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Homework may widen inequality, as not all children have the same support or environment at home.</li>
<li aria-level="1">It contributes to stress and mental load for both kids and parents.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Many homework tasks are simply busywork, rewarding compliance rather than curiosity or creativity.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Homework teaches kids that learning is a chore they have to endure, rather than something they get to enjoy.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.alfiekohn.org/homework-myth/">The Homework Myth</a> by Alfie Kohn</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/is-homework-helpful-the-homework-letter-i-send-to-school-each-year">Happy Families Homework Letter</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into homework in primary school</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
✔ Prioritise unstructured play after school. ✔ Encourage reading for enjoyment, not as a timed task. ✔ Focus on family connection and conversation at the end of the day. ✔ Get kids moving their bodies outdoors. ✔ Support learning through real-life activities like cooking, building, creating, and exploring.

10 Reasons For Ditching Homework

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/1b9716a6-17ae-48e3-b054-b40100aed962/transcript

You want your child to be responsible. You give them a little freedom… and suddenly the rules start bending, the truth gets a little fuzzy.

One mum is trying to help her 11-year-old become more independent — letting him go to the park with friends, trusting him to come home on time, and simply asking that he communicates where he is. But recently she’s discovered he’s been stretching the truth… going to the shops instead of the park and coming home late.

So how do you respond without destroying trust? How do you correct the behaviour while protecting the relationship?

In this episode, Justin and Kylie break down a simple framework that helps parents tackle dishonesty, rebuild trust, and guide kids toward responsibility — without lectures, punishment spirals, or power struggles.

Because if you want responsible kids… you have to give them responsibility.

KEY POINTS:
Independence and trust grow together — but mistakes are part of the process.
Jumping straight to punishment shuts down communication.
Most kids aren’t being malicious — often it’s mindlessness, not rebellion.
The 3 E’s of Effective Discipline help guide tough conversations:
Explore: Understand your child’s perspective first.
Explain: Help them see the impact of their behaviour.
Empower: Collaborate on solutions and boundaries.
Kids are far more likely to follow rules they help create and understand.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
"Rules matter. But without a relationship, rules lead to rebellion."

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

Start with curiosity. Ask what happened before jumping to conclusions.
Build empathy. Help your child understand how their actions affect others.
Ask them to explain the rules. This builds ownership and understanding.
Collaborate on boundaries. Let them help shape fair expectations.
Increase freedom gradually. Trust grows in small steps.

You want your child to be responsible. You give them a little freedom&hellip; and suddenly the rules start bending, the truth gets a little fuzzy.
One mum is trying to help her 11-year-old become more independent &mdash; letting him go to the park with friends, trusting him to come home on time, and simply asking that he communicates where he is. But recently she&rsquo;s discovered he&rsquo;s been stretching the truth&hellip; going to the shops instead of the park and coming home late.
So how do you respond without destroying trust? How do you correct the behaviour while protecting the relationship?
In this episode, Justin and Kylie break down a simple framework that helps parents tackle dishonesty, rebuild trust, and guide kids toward responsibility &mdash; without lectures, punishment spirals, or power struggles.
Because if you want responsible kids&hellip; you have to give them responsibility.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Independence and trust grow together &mdash; but mistakes are part of the process.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Jumping straight to punishment shuts down communication.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Most kids aren&rsquo;t being malicious &mdash; often it&rsquo;s mindlessness, not rebellion.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The 3 E&rsquo;s of Effective Discipline help guide tough conversations:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">Explore: Understand your child&rsquo;s perspective first.</li>
<li aria-level="2">Explain: Help them see the impact of their behaviour.</li>
<li aria-level="2">Empower: Collaborate on solutions and boundaries.</li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Kids are far more likely to follow rules they help create and understand.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "Rules matter. But without a relationship, rules lead to rebellion."
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: 
<ol>
<li>Start with curiosity. Ask what happened before jumping to conclusions.</li>
<li>Build empathy. Help your child understand how their actions affect others.</li>
<li>Ask them to explain the rules. This builds ownership and understanding.</li>
<li>Collaborate on boundaries. Let them help shape fair expectations.</li>
<li>Increase freedom gradually. Trust grows in small steps.</li>
</ol>

When Independence Turns Into Dishonesty

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/da0c847a-8981-4640-bce4-b40100aea726/transcript

#619 Transitioning to High School: A Conversation With Terese Hooper

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