*Content warning - This episode contains topics that are not intended for children*

Justin & Kylie share what's happening this week in parenting
Controversial sex book pulled from Big W shelves after staff abused
Psychiatrist claims parents should be allowed to give kids a 'little smack'
Longitudinal study of kindergarteners suggests spanking is harmful for children’s social competence

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

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

*Content warning - This episode contains topics that are not intended for children*
Justin &amp; Kylie share what's happening this week in parenting
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/publisher-of-teen-sex-book-stands-by-authors-amid-controversy/ac7a2248-f984-47ad-98b5-65d764e96c30">Controversial sex book pulled from Big W shelves after staff abused</a></li>
<li><a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/videos/parenting/smacking-kids-psychiatrist-claims-parents-should-be-allowed-to-give-kids-a-little-smack/clk0nsbxl00010jqit95o9dmy">Psychiatrist claims parents should be allowed to give kids a 'little smack'</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.psypost.org/2023/01/longitudinal-study-of-kindergarteners-suggests-spanking-is-harmful-for-childrens-social-competence-67034">Longitudinal study of kindergarteners suggests spanking is harmful for children’s social competence</a></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

#813 Book Backlashes & Smacking Smackdown

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/a93d02b3-6047-4cfc-bbae-b049004dca9b/transcript

Most family goals sound great… and quietly disappear by February.

In this short, honest episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson share why family goal-setting usually falls apart — and the simple shifts that actually make goals work. From kids’ fitness goals to holidays, habits, and hopes for the year ahead, this episode shows how buy-in, accountability, and involvement turn good intentions into real change.

If you want goals your kids don’t just agree to — but actually own — start here.

KEY POINTS
Why top-down family goals almost always fail
The power of bottom-up buy-in (especially with older kids)
How accountability and visible progress keep motivation alive
Why parents must support goals without becoming the “goal police”
The overlooked ingredient that makes family goals stick: involvement

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The goals that work aren’t the ones parents announce — they’re the ones families build together.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Family meetings (What’s going well? What’s not? What should we focus on?)
Happy Families website: happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Hold a short family meeting and let kids lead the goal ideas
Choose one goal that feels challenging but achievable
Set clear check-in points to notice progress
Support the system — don’t police the outcome
Get involved alongside your kids, especially when it’s hard

Most family goals sound great&hellip; and quietly disappear by February.
In this short, honest episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson share why family goal-setting usually falls apart &mdash; and the simple shifts that actually make goals work. From kids&rsquo; fitness goals to holidays, habits, and hopes for the year ahead, this episode shows how buy-in, accountability, and involvement turn good intentions into real change.
If you want goals your kids don&rsquo;t just agree to &mdash; but actually own &mdash; start here.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why top-down family goals almost always fail</li>
<li aria-level="1">The power of bottom-up buy-in (especially with older kids)</li>
<li aria-level="1">How accountability and visible progress keep motivation alive</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why parents must support goals without becoming the &ldquo;goal police&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">The overlooked ingredient that makes family goals stick: involvement</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;The goals that work aren&rsquo;t the ones parents announce &mdash; they&rsquo;re the ones families build together.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Family meetings (What&rsquo;s going well? What&rsquo;s not? What should we focus on?)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Happy Families website: happyfamilies.com.au</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Hold a short family meeting and let kids lead the goal ideas</li>
<li aria-level="1">Choose one goal that feels challenging but achievable</li>
<li aria-level="1">Set clear check-in points to notice progress</li>
<li aria-level="1">Support the system &mdash; don&rsquo;t police the outcome</li>
<li aria-level="1">Get involved alongside your kids, especially when it&rsquo;s hard</li>
</ul>

Why Most Family Goals Fail (And How to Get Yours to Stick)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/76632c4b-efec-47a9-a01f-b3b300ace9be/transcript

It's our final episode for 2025! With another year in the rear view mirror, its a very special I'll Do Better Tomorrow, as Justin and Kylie wrap up the year.

Topics discussed include:
Justin's reflection on the Bondi terror attack.
Kylie's thoughts on the recent New Zealand cycling trip, and persevering through hard things.
Digging deep when we're dealing with the day to day mundane.
Justin and Kylie's highlights of 2025.

Merry Christmas from the Happy Families Podcast team - Justin, Kylie, Mim and JR! We hope you have a wonderful season with those nearest and dearest to you.

Thank you for making the Happy Families Podcast the most downloaded parenting podcast in Australia this year.

We'll be back in 2026 with more daily parenting advice to help make your family happier.

As always visit the Happy Families website for more resources, or join the conversation on our Facebook page.

It's our final episode for 2025! With another year in the rear view mirror, its a very special I'll Do Better Tomorrow, as Justin and Kylie wrap up the year.
Topics discussed include:
<ul>
<li>Justin's reflection on the Bondi terror attack.</li>
<li>Kylie's thoughts on the recent New Zealand cycling trip, and persevering through hard things.</li>
<li>Digging deep when we're dealing with the day to day mundane.</li>
<li>Justin and Kylie's highlights of 2025.</li>
</ul>
Merry Christmas from the Happy Families Podcast team - Justin, Kylie, Mim and JR! We hope you have a wonderful season with those nearest and dearest to you.
Thank you for making the Happy Families Podcast the most downloaded parenting podcast in Australia this year.
We'll be back in 2026 with more daily parenting advice to help make your family happier.
As always visit the <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/">Happy Families website</a> for more resources, or join the conversation on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamiliesau">Facebook page</a>.

2025 - The Highs, Lows & Lessons Learned

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/438b3289-0d84-44b7-bc59-b3a500b3e669/transcript

What if the Christmas your kids remember most isn’t about what’s under the tree — but how it felt to be together?

In this episode, we unpack the four gifts children truly need at Christmas — the ones you can’t buy, wrap, or return — and how letting go of perfection might be the very thing that brings more joy, calm, and connection into your home this season.

KEY POINTS
Why chasing the “perfect” Christmas often leaves parents exhausted and grumpy
How peace doesn’t mean quiet — it means letting go of pressure
Why kids crave presence more than presents
How playfulness creates connection without deep talks or big emotions
The role of purpose in giving Christmas meaning beyond consumerism
Why imperfection might be the secret to a more memorable day

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Perfection isn’t what makes Christmas magical. Peace, presence, playfulness, and purpose do.”

RESOURCES
Born This Happy Morning
Luke Chapter 2 & Matthew (The Christmas story)
Take Back Christmas [Article]
10 Easy Traditions That Can Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family [Article]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Release one expectation that’s creating stress this Christmas
Put your phone away for a block of uninterrupted family time
Plan one playful activity just for fun (games, jokes, silliness encouraged)
Talk as a family about what Christmas means to you — beyond gifts

What if the Christmas your kids remember most isn&rsquo;t about what&rsquo;s under the tree &mdash; but how it felt to be together?
In this episode, we unpack the four gifts children truly need at Christmas &mdash; the ones you can&rsquo;t buy, wrap, or return &mdash; and how letting go of perfection might be the very thing that brings more joy, calm, and connection into your home this season.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why chasing the &ldquo;perfect&rdquo; Christmas often leaves parents exhausted and grumpy</li>
<li aria-level="1">How peace doesn&rsquo;t mean quiet &mdash; it means letting go of pressure</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why kids crave presence more than presents</li>
<li aria-level="1">How playfulness creates connection without deep talks or big emotions</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role of purpose in giving Christmas meaning beyond consumerism</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why imperfection might be the secret to a more memorable day</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Perfection isn&rsquo;t what makes Christmas magical. Peace, presence, playfulness, and purpose do.&rdquo;
RESOURCES
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Born This Happy Morning</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202&amp;version=NIV">Luke Chapter 2</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%201%3A18-2%3A23&amp;version=ESV">Matthew</a> (The Christmas story)</li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/take-back-christmas">Take Back Christmas</a> [Article]<a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/639-online-sextortion-with-detective-superintendent-jayne-crossling"></a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/10-easy-traditions-that-can-make-christmas-meaningful-for-your-family">10 Easy Traditions That Can Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family</a> [Article]</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Release one expectation that&rsquo;s creating stress this Christmas</li>
<li aria-level="1">Put your phone away for a block of uninterrupted family time</li>
<li aria-level="1">Plan one playful activity just for fun (games, jokes, silliness encouraged)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk as a family about what Christmas means to you &mdash; beyond gifts</li>
</ul>

What Kids Really Need on Christmas Day

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/a85e3584-b25f-4357-9433-b3a500b3a724/transcript

#813 Book Backlashes & Smacking Smackdown

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