Tips to make lunch time a little easier

Topics included in this episode -
Why is it so challenging for so many families?
How to support kids with special needs
Problem solve together
School is not the time to be stretching our kids
Food safety

Learn more about Deb Blakley from Kids Dig Food

To access the Feed Your Picky Eater [without going crazy] evergreen online course for parents: https://kidsdigfood.com.au/resources/

Book an appointment with an APD from the Kids Dig Food team: https://kidsdigfood.com.au/appointments/



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

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

Tips to make lunch time a little easier
Topics included in this episode -
<ul>
<li>Why is it so challenging for so many families?</li>
<li>How to support kids with special needs</li>
<li>Problem solve together</li>
<li>School is not the time to be stretching our kids</li>
<li>Food safety</li>
</ul>
Learn more about <a href="https://kidsdigfood.com.au/">Deb Blakley</a> from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kidsdigfood">Kids Dig Food</a>
To access the Feed Your Picky Eater [without going crazy] evergreen online course for parents: <a href="https://kidsdigfood.com.au/resources/">https://kidsdigfood.com.au/resources/</a>
Book an appointment with an APD from the Kids Dig Food team: <a href="https://kidsdigfood.com.au/appointments/">https://kidsdigfood.com.au/appointments/</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

#692 Solving Lunch Box Headaches With Deb Blakley

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/c714f644-9a59-4ab3-8ee6-af9b00cb2678/transcript

The tide is turning.

For years, parents have worried about what social media is doing to their children. Now the courts — and entire countries — are stepping in.

In this episode, we unpack the landmark lawsuits against Meta and YouTube, accusing them of deliberately designing addictive platforms for kids. Could this finally be the moment Big Tech is held accountable?

Plus, we explore how Australia’s minimum age social media legislation is sparking global momentum — with France, Indonesia, Spain, Netherlands and even the United States watching closely.

Is this the beginning of real change — or a legal mountain too high to climb?

KEY POINTS
Multiple U.S. lawsuits claim Big Tech intentionally designed platforms to addict children.
Plaintiffs argue engagement was prioritised over wellbeing.
The burden of proof will be enormous — especially around “addiction” and mental health causation.Section 230 in the U.S. could shield platforms from liability.
Australia’s minimum age legislation is triggering global ripple effects.
When “everyone knows that everyone knows,” social change accelerates.
Screens displace sleep, movement, connection, and real-world development.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Life happens analog, not digital — and parenting should too.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Ten Things Every Parent Needs to Know – Dr Justin Coulson
When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows – Steven Pinker
The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt
Parenting ADHD [The Course] 

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Delay social media as long as possible.
Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight.
Prioritise sleep, movement, and face-to-face connection.
Have open conversations about persuasive design and algorithms.
Remember: you are not powerless — your home rules matter more than any platform.

The tide is turning.
For years, parents have worried about what social media is doing to their children. Now the courts &mdash; and entire countries &mdash; are stepping in.
In this episode, we unpack the landmark lawsuits against Meta and YouTube, accusing them of deliberately designing addictive platforms for kids. Could this finally be the moment Big Tech is held accountable?
Plus, we explore how Australia&rsquo;s minimum age social media legislation is sparking global momentum &mdash; with France, Indonesia, Spain, Netherlands and even the United States watching closely.
Is this the beginning of real change &mdash; or a legal mountain too high to climb?
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li>Multiple U.S. lawsuits claim Big Tech intentionally designed platforms to addict children.</li>
<li>Plaintiffs argue engagement was prioritised over wellbeing.</li>
<li>The burden of proof will be enormous &mdash; especially around &ldquo;addiction&rdquo; and mental health causation.Section 230 in the U.S. could shield platforms from liability.</li>
<li>Australia&rsquo;s minimum age legislation is triggering global ripple effects.</li>
<li>When &ldquo;everyone knows that everyone knows,&rdquo; social change accelerates.</li>
<li>Screens displace sleep, movement, connection, and real-world development.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Life happens analog, not digital &mdash; and parenting should too.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/10-things-every-parent-needs-to-know">Ten Things Every Parent Needs to Know</a> &ndash; Dr Justin Coulson</li>
<li><a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/when-everyone-knows-that-everyone-knows-9780241618837">When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows</a> &ndash; Steven Pinker</li>
<li><a href="https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book">The Anxious Generation</a> &ndash; Jonathan Haidt</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/parenting-adhd-the-course">Parenting ADHD [The Course]&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li>Delay social media as long as possible.</li>
<li>Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight.</li>
<li>Prioritise sleep, movement, and face-to-face connection.</li>
<li>Have open conversations about persuasive design and algorithms.</li>
<li>Remember: you are not powerless &mdash; your home rules matter more than any platform.</li>
</ol>

The World is Saying 'Enough'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/10695149-e741-46f3-912d-b3f301797314/transcript

You’re not reacting to your child. You’re reacting to your ego.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with world-renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Shefali Tsabary to unpack the real reason parenting feels so triggering — especially with teens.

If you’ve ever taken your child’s mood personally… spiralled into guilt… or wondered why you “know better” but still lose it — this episode will hit home.

Dr. Shefali shares the truth about conscious parenting, present-moment awareness, boundaries that actually work, and the dangerous misunderstanding of “gentle parenting.”

This one might just change how you show up tomorrow.

KEY POINTS
Why most parenting stress comes from not being present
The real definition of ego (and how it hijacks your reactions)
The subtle difference between validating feelings and condoning behaviour
How to respond to teen attitude without escalating
The two-step boundary framework that actually works
When you need stronger limits — and when you need deeper connection
Why saying “I don’t know what to do right now” is incredibly powerful

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The answer is found in the honesty of the present moment.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Dr. Shefali’s Australian tour – Melbourne (March 11) & Sydney (March 12)
More from Dr. Shefali at: events.drshefali.com/australia

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Pause before reacting. Ask: Is this about my child… or my ego?
Reflect instead of correct. Calmly describe what you see without judgement.
Separate behaviour from identity. Don’t validate harmful behaviour in the name of validation.
Use the two-step boundary rule:

Connect first (while regulated).
If needed, architect the boundary yourself.
Say the honest thing. “I don’t know how to respond right now” builds connection, not weakness.

You&rsquo;re not reacting to your child. You&rsquo;re reacting to your ego.
In this powerful conversation, I sit down with world-renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Shefali Tsabary to unpack the real reason parenting feels so triggering &mdash; especially with teens.
If you&rsquo;ve ever taken your child&rsquo;s mood personally&hellip; spiralled into guilt&hellip; or wondered why you &ldquo;know better&rdquo; but still lose it &mdash; this episode will hit home.
Dr. Shefali shares the truth about conscious parenting, present-moment awareness, boundaries that actually work, and the dangerous misunderstanding of &ldquo;gentle parenting.&rdquo;
This one might just change how you show up tomorrow.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li>Why most parenting stress comes from not being present</li>
<li>The real definition of ego (and how it hijacks your reactions)</li>
<li>The subtle difference between validating feelings and condoning behaviour</li>
<li>How to respond to teen attitude without escalating</li>
<li>The two-step boundary framework that actually works</li>
<li>When you need stronger limits &mdash; and when you need deeper connection</li>
<li>Why saying &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what to do right now&rdquo; is incredibly powerful</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;The answer is found in the honesty of the present moment.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li>Dr. Shefali&rsquo;s Australian tour &ndash; Melbourne (March 11) &amp; Sydney (March 12)</li>
<li>More from Dr. Shefali at: <a href="events.drshefali.com/australia">events.drshefali.com/australia</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li>Pause before reacting. Ask: Is this about my child&hellip; or my ego?</li>
<li>Reflect instead of correct. Calmly describe what you see without judgement.</li>
<li>Separate behaviour from identity. Don&rsquo;t validate harmful behaviour in the name of validation.</li>
<li>Use the two-step boundary rule:
<ul>
<li>Connect first (while regulated).</li>
<li>If needed, architect the boundary yourself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Say the honest thing. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know how to respond right now&rdquo; builds connection, not weakness.</li>
</ol>

Stop Letting Your Ego Ruin Your Parenting [with Dr Shefali Tsabary]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/acb49425-144d-4ea9-bf3d-b3f301792698/transcript

He’s perfect at school. Polite. Award-winning. Well behaved.

Then he comes home… and explodes.

If your 7–8-year-old is melting down over TV, pushing boundaries, or even getting physical when you say no — this episode will help you understand what’s really going on beneath the surface.

We unpack the hidden developmental shifts happening in boys around this age, why “just turn it off” can feel impossible for them, and practical strategies to reduce the blow-ups — without constant battles.

If you’re exhausted, confused, or questioning yourself… this one’s for you.

KEY POINTS
Why boys around 7–8 experience a surge in emotional intensity (adrenarche)
The surprising reason “good at school” can mean explosions at home
Why turning off TV feels bigger than it looks
How to build emotional regulation before age 10
A powerful way to teach healthy masculinity early
Practical tools: transitions, routines, signals, and collaborative problem-solving

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“A strong, healthy man doesn’t use his strength to dominate. He uses it to help the people around him feel safer and stronger.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Pre-plan transitions before TV ends — decide together what happens next.
Use a neutral signal (timer, lights, countdown) to reduce confrontation.
Have calm conversations later, not in the heat of the moment.
Teach emotional strength explicitly — especially for boys.
Stay consistent. Regulation takes repetition, not one perfect talk.

He&rsquo;s perfect at school. Polite. Award-winning. Well behaved.
Then he comes home&hellip; and explodes.
If your 7&ndash;8-year-old is melting down over TV, pushing boundaries, or even getting physical when you say no &mdash; this episode will help you understand what&rsquo;s really going on beneath the surface.
We unpack the hidden developmental shifts happening in boys around this age, why &ldquo;just turn it off&rdquo; can feel impossible for them, and practical strategies to reduce the blow-ups &mdash; without constant battles.
If you&rsquo;re exhausted, confused, or questioning yourself&hellip; this one&rsquo;s for you.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why boys around 7&ndash;8 experience a surge in emotional intensity (adrenarche)</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising reason &ldquo;good at school&rdquo; can mean explosions at home</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why turning off TV feels bigger than it looks</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to build emotional regulation before age 10</li>
<li aria-level="1">A powerful way to teach healthy masculinity early</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical tools: transitions, routines, signals, and collaborative problem-solving</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;A strong, healthy man doesn&rsquo;t use his strength to dominate. He uses it to help the people around him feel safer and stronger.&rdquo;
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Pre-plan transitions before TV ends &mdash; decide together what happens next.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Use a neutral signal (timer, lights, countdown) to reduce confrontation.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Have calm conversations later, not in the heat of the moment.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Teach emotional strength explicitly &mdash; especially for boys.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay consistent. Regulation takes repetition, not one perfect talk.</li>
</ol>

Q&A: My Eight-Year-Old Turns Aggressive and I Don’t Know Why

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/2504b538-6ab9-481a-97ca-b3f30178f8aa/transcript

#692 Solving Lunch Box Headaches With Deb Blakley

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