Justin and Kylie discuss why we think we're boring now that we're parents, but that we're actually experiencing a heap of personal growth.




Topics included in this episode -
Kylie's friend who feels lost after becoming a mum
Ideas for creativity through those hard years when you feel exhausted
Why we keep growing all throughout life




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

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

Justin and Kylie discuss why we think we're boring now that we're parents, but that we're actually experiencing a heap of personal growth. Topics included in this episode -<ul>
<li>Kylie's friend who feels lost after becoming a mum</li>
<li>Ideas for creativity through those hard years when you feel exhausted</li>
<li>Why we keep growing all throughout life</li>
</ul> 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

#627 Growing, Growing, Not Gone

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/6c495283-3928-4ccb-9e73-af46001e8134/transcript

A group of Victorian childcare centres recently conducted a "digital detox", removing screens, cameras, Spotify, YouTube, and other technology from classrooms. What happened next surprised even the educators involved.

In this episode, Justin talks with early childhood expert Anna Russell about the remarkable changes they observed: calmer classrooms, more engaged children, increased language development, stronger relationships, and even better sleep routines.

If you've ever wondered whether young children really need so much technology in their early years, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into what happens when educators return to the basics of connection, conversation, play, and presence.

KEY POINTS
Why one childcare organisation removed all classroom technology for two weeks
The surprising fears educators had before the experiment began
How children's behaviour, engagement, and communication changed
Why teachers reported feeling more fulfilled despite being more tired
The unexpected response from parents
What families can do if they want less technology in their child's early learning environment
Why relationships matter more than digital documentation

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"What I need from you is to send my child home happy, healthy, and knowing more than they did when they walked in this morning." — Anna Russell

RESOURCES MENTIONED
National Model Code for technology use in early childhood settings
Happy Families Membership

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Ask your childcare service how technology is used throughout the day.
Focus on your child's wellbeing and learning rather than receiving constant photos and updates.
Spend a few minutes connecting with educators at drop-off and pick-up.
Encourage more face-to-face interaction, storytelling, reading, and singing in your child's daily routine.
Advocate for connection-based learning experiences over screen-based activities.

A group of Victorian childcare centres recently conducted a "digital detox", removing screens, cameras, Spotify, YouTube, and other technology from classrooms. What happened next surprised even the educators involved.
In this episode, Justin talks with early childhood expert Anna Russell about the remarkable changes they observed: calmer classrooms, more engaged children, increased language development, stronger relationships, and even better sleep routines.
If you've ever wondered whether young children really need so much technology in their early years, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into what happens when educators return to the basics of connection, conversation, play, and presence.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why one childcare organisation removed all classroom technology for two weeks</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising fears educators had before the experiment began</li>
<li aria-level="1">How children's behaviour, engagement, and communication changed</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why teachers reported feeling more fulfilled despite being more tired</li>
<li aria-level="1">The unexpected response from parents</li>
<li aria-level="1">What families can do if they want less technology in their child's early learning environment</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why relationships matter more than digital documentation</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"What I need from you is to send my child home happy, healthy, and knowing more than they did when they walked in this morning." &mdash; Anna Russell
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-07/National%20Model%20Code%20Taking%20Images%20and%20Videos.pdf">National Model Code</a> for technology use in early childhood settings</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/membership">Happy Families Membership</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ask your childcare service how technology is used throughout the day.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on your child's wellbeing and learning rather than receiving constant photos and updates.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Spend a few minutes connecting with educators at drop-off and pick-up.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Encourage more face-to-face interaction, storytelling, reading, and singing in your child's daily routine.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Advocate for connection-based learning experiences over screen-based activities.</li>
</ul>

Removing Screens From Childcare [with Anna Russell]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/10e3ef8c-a70a-4177-9875-b46b00c72d9d/transcript

What if just a few minutes a day could help your child build resilience, confidence, emotional awareness, and stronger relationships?

With children's mental health challenges rising earlier than ever, many parents feel unsure where to start. In this episode, Justin talks with Smiling Mind CEO Sarah La Roche about the simple, evidence-based habits that help children thrive—and the free app that millions of families are already using.

You'll discover why mental fitness matters long before a crisis emerges, how mindfulness can help kids manage big emotions, and practical ways to strengthen wellbeing at home every day.

KEY POINTS
Why mental wellbeing support should start before problems appear
The surprising age when mental health challenges often begin
How mindfulness helps children regulate emotions and stay present
Simple ways to build flexible thinking and resilience
Why friendships and connection are critical for wellbeing
The link between physical health, sleep, movement, and mental fitness
How the free Smiling Mind app helps families develop lifelong wellbeing skills

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"You don't have to wait until your child is struggling. Mental fitness is something families can build every day."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Smiling Mind app + sleep and mindfulness resources

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Introduce one mindful moment into your family's daily routine.
Try the "starfish breathing" exercise with your child.
Use the phrase "I can't do it... yet" to encourage flexible thinking.
Ask perspective-building questions such as, "What do you think they were feeling?"
Prioritise sleep, movement, and meaningful connection as part of your family's wellbeing habits.
Download the free Smiling Mind app and explore the resources together.

What if just a few minutes a day could help your child build resilience, confidence, emotional awareness, and stronger relationships?
With children's mental health challenges rising earlier than ever, many parents feel unsure where to start. In this episode, Justin talks with Smiling Mind CEO Sarah La Roche about the simple, evidence-based habits that help children thrive&mdash;and the free app that millions of families are already using.
You'll discover why mental fitness matters long before a crisis emerges, how mindfulness can help kids manage big emotions, and practical ways to strengthen wellbeing at home every day.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why mental wellbeing support should start before problems appear</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising age when mental health challenges often begin</li>
<li aria-level="1">How mindfulness helps children regulate emotions and stay present</li>
<li aria-level="1">Simple ways to build flexible thinking and resilience</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why friendships and connection are critical for wellbeing</li>
<li aria-level="1">The link between physical health, sleep, movement, and mental fitness</li>
<li aria-level="1">How the free Smiling Mind app helps families develop lifelong wellbeing skills</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"You don't have to wait until your child is struggling. Mental fitness is something families can build every day."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.smilingmind.com.au/">Smiling Mind</a> app + sleep and mindfulness resources</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Introduce one mindful moment into your family's daily routine.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Try the "starfish breathing" exercise with your child.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Use the phrase "I can't do it... yet" to encourage flexible thinking.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask perspective-building questions such as, "What do you think they were feeling?"</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prioritise sleep, movement, and meaningful connection as part of your family's wellbeing habits.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Download the free Smiling Mind app and explore the resources together.</li>
</ul>

Inside the App Helping Millions of Families Flourish [with Smiling Mind CEO Sarah La Roche]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/8cd32e45-1d65-40e9-9697-b46b00c7122c/transcript

What happens when someone your child should be able to trust leaves them feeling judged, misunderstood, and unloved?

In this heartfelt Q&A, we respond to a mother whose autistic and ADHD daughter was deeply hurt by a visit from her grandmother. Despite years of progress, one family visit triggered emotional setbacks, self-doubt, and the painful belief that "Nan doesn't love me because of who I am."

We explore how parents can help children recover from criticism, reframe damaging messages, rebuild confidence, and move forward when family members simply don't understand neurodivergence.

If you've ever struggled with relatives who undermine your parenting or your child's wellbeing, this conversation will give you practical guidance and hope.

KEY POINTS
Why criticism makes children feel unloved
The hidden damage caused by judgmental family members
How to help children reframe hurtful experiences
The question that protects kids from unfair criticism
Why empathy is the first step toward healing
How progress and competence rebuild confidence
Supporting neurodivergent children when others don't understand

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"Kids don't get better when you make them feel worse."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Speech Therapy
Submit a question for the podcast!
Happy Families website

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Validate your child's feelings before trying to solve the problem.
Help them separate another person's misunderstanding from their own self-worth.
Ask: "Would you seek advice from this person? If not, why listen to their criticism?"
Reframe the story from "They don't love me" to "They don't understand me."
Focus on progress by celebrating growth, strengths, and achievements.
Set meaningful goals that build confidence and competence over time.

What happens when someone your child should be able to trust leaves them feeling judged, misunderstood, and unloved?
In this heartfelt Q&amp;A, we respond to a mother whose autistic and ADHD daughter was deeply hurt by a visit from her grandmother. Despite years of progress, one family visit triggered emotional setbacks, self-doubt, and the painful belief that "Nan doesn't love me because of who I am."
We explore how parents can help children recover from criticism, reframe damaging messages, rebuild confidence, and move forward when family members simply don't understand neurodivergence.
If you've ever struggled with relatives who undermine your parenting or your child's wellbeing, this conversation will give you practical guidance and hope.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why criticism makes children feel unloved</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden damage caused by judgmental family members</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to help children reframe hurtful experiences</li>
<li aria-level="1">The question that protects kids from unfair criticism</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why empathy is the first step toward healing</li>
<li aria-level="1">How progress and competence rebuild confidence</li>
<li aria-level="1">Supporting neurodivergent children when others don't understand</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"Kids don't get better when you make them feel worse."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Occupational Therapy (OT)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Speech Therapy</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast">Submit a question</a> for the podcast!</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families website</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Validate your child's feelings before trying to solve the problem.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Help them separate another person's misunderstanding from their own self-worth.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask: "Would you seek advice from this person? If not, why listen to their criticism?"</li>
<li aria-level="1">Reframe the story from "They don't love me" to "They don't understand me."</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on progress by celebrating growth, strengths, and achievements.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Set meaningful goals that build confidence and competence over time.</li>
</ol>

When Grandparents Don't Get It [a listener Q&A]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/d6bdc3ee-6d99-4359-9fe5-b46b00c6ee4e/transcript

#627 Growing, Growing, Not Gone

In 1 playlist(s)

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips