Who doesn't love a good book?

October's Book Club includes: a storyline that will consume your life and keep you guessing right up to the last page, a blistering critique on the elite and political classes, learning to be comfortable in solitude, the heroes fighting online predators, unpacking generational differences, and a first-aid manual for supporting your teen’s mental health! 



Kylie's reading:
'Homecoming' by Kate Morton
'The Secret Life of You' by Kerry Sackville
Both these titles are on the Birds of a Feather Book Club 2023 reading list. Check it out for some great suggestions for children, teens and adults.

Justin's reading:
'Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World' by Anand Giridharadas
'The Ideas Industry' Daniel Drezner
'Saving Our Kids' by Madonna King
'When Life Sucks' by Dr Jo Prendergast
'Generations' by Dr Jean Twenge



Register for the Happy Families October Webinar - "Enough: Helping our children overcome anxiety, perfectionism & self-loathing"

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

Become a Happy Families member today - Happy Families Membership

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

Who doesn't love a good book?
October's Book Club includes: a storyline that will consume your life and keep you guessing right up to the last page, a blistering critique on the elite and political classes, learning to be comfortable in solitude, the heroes fighting online predators, unpacking generational differences, and a first-aid manual for supporting your teen’s mental health! 
 
Kylie's reading:
<ul>
<li>'<a href="https://www.katemorton.com/books/homecoming/">Homecoming</a>' by Kate Morton</li>
<li>'<a href="https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/the-secret-life-of-you-by-kerri-sackville-9780645412949">The Secret Life of You</a>' by Kerry Sackville</li>
<li>Both these titles are on the <a href="https://rebelreaders.com.au/">Birds of a Feather Book Club</a> 2023 reading list. Check it out for some great suggestions for children, teens and adults.</li>
</ul>
Justin's reading:
<ul>
<li>'<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/539747/winners-take-all-by-anand-giridharadas">Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World</a>' by Anand Giridharadas</li>
<li>'<a href="https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/the-ideas-industry-by-daniel-w-drezner-9780190906283">The Ideas Industry</a>' Daniel Drezner</li>
<li>'<a href="https://www.madonnaking.com.au/saving-our-kids/">Saving Our Kids</a>' by Madonna King</li>
<li>'<a href="https://drjoprendergast.com/">When Life Sucks</a>' by Dr Jo Prendergast</li>
<li>'<a href="https://www.jeantwenge.com/generations-book-by-dr-jean-twenge/">Generations</a>' by Dr Jean Twenge</li>
</ul>
 
<hr>
Register for the Happy Families October Webinar - <a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/enough-webinar">"Enough: Helping our children overcome anxiety, perfectionism &amp; self-loathing"</a>
Find us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamilies.au/">Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families</a>
Become a Happy Families member today - <a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/membership/parents">Happy Families Membership</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

#863 The Book That Kylie Couldn't Put Down

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/c1e4a9e1-d94b-4005-9ece-b08a007fc848/transcript

You snap at the kids. You’re exhausted. You promise, “I’ll do better tomorrow.”

This week we learned something powerful: we are stronger than we think — but that doesn’t mean we’re limitless.

From a sunrise alarm clock that changed our mornings… to a 15-year-old riding 20km before school… to a stadium concert that tested endurance… to a parenting moment that missed the mark — this episode is about resilience, sacrifice, and what really makes families stronger.

Because sometimes the win isn’t perfection.
It’s showing up again tomorrow.

KEY POINTS
Why a sunrise alarm clock transformed our mornings (and kept phones out of the bedroom)
The hidden power of supporting your teen’s big goals
A live school experiment proving we all have more in the tank
Why resilience is relational
What exhaustion does to even “expert” parents
The difference between sacrifice and choosing what matters more

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“You are stronger than you think — but how you push through matters.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Sunrise Alarm Clock

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Keep phones out of bedrooms for one week and notice the difference.
When your child sets a hard goal, ask: How can I support this?
The next time you think you’re done, try 10% more.
Protect sleep like it protects your parenting.
If you blow it, model repair. Say sorry. Start again.

You snap at the kids. You&rsquo;re exhausted. You promise, &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll do better tomorrow.&rdquo;
This week we learned something powerful: we are stronger than we think &mdash; but that doesn&rsquo;t mean we&rsquo;re limitless.
From a sunrise alarm clock that changed our mornings&hellip; to a 15-year-old riding 20km before school&hellip; to a stadium concert that tested endurance&hellip; to a parenting moment that missed the mark &mdash; this episode is about resilience, sacrifice, and what really makes families stronger.
Because sometimes the win isn&rsquo;t perfection. It&rsquo;s showing up again tomorrow.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li>Why a sunrise alarm clock transformed our mornings (and kept phones out of the bedroom)</li>
<li>The hidden power of supporting your teen&rsquo;s big goals</li>
<li>A live school experiment proving we all have more in the tank</li>
<li>Why resilience is relational</li>
<li>What exhaustion does to even &ldquo;expert&rdquo; parents</li>
<li>The difference between sacrifice and choosing what matters more</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;You are stronger than you think &mdash; but how you push through matters.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Sunrise-Alarm-Clock-White-Machine/dp/B0F8NV2KMX/ref=sr_1_5?adgrpid=87249300615&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mebK-9arzmpHPZuRXxwctciWwFLRM0mIOnDrwtXQocBwMNeplFVVUiNCHZnAOCZnHMa6sO0cxd8kVRG-AmNCpwTfn3WlE64Tc_S0PGB0vqh3Yg-swUoP-icB2ZpzeJ70qGkR8QV3KrSV_oEj8WXqrGK6YoW2oGCr0TPkIr-26T1BuobgrWClX2dbSLGJhMwnKcVffBLM2-qipSHqV8RHx6zUX6SxtrzqvXERU2cXANC6WQGiBrJxHMGJCLHIceYL4kbXJOOWLv_sm3H--t-0o8njKJh0K2vngc3wDyhsuno.3fcKtPD78PwuHs62x9qjeoHTrwWwZU8eGyWl7VgoAY0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;hvadid=591133013747&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=9071894&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=15094733987483565191&amp;hvtargid=kwd-11469121&amp;hydadcr=2653_351033&amp;keywords=sunrise%2Balarm%2Bclock&amp;mcid=a1e4852fbec03319b955e1092d818c29&amp;qid=1772010149&amp;sr=8-5&amp;th=1">Sunrise Alarm Clock</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li>Keep phones out of bedrooms for one week and notice the difference.</li>
<li>When your child sets a hard goal, ask:&nbsp;How can I support this?</li>
<li>The next time you think you&rsquo;re done, try 10% more.</li>
<li>Protect sleep like it protects your parenting.</li>
<li>If you blow it, model repair. Say sorry. Start again.</li>
</ol>

You’re Stronger Than You Think (Even When You Blow It)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/7f651179-419d-4800-9b77-b3f301799cc4/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

#863 The Book That Kylie Couldn't Put Down

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