Screens are crippling our kids; three things we need to do to stem the relentless push towards screens. Plus, how to help your child feel like they belong at school.

In this episode:
Screen Time and Parent-Child Talk When Children Are Aged 12 to 36 Months | Media and Youth | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network
Screens - impacting engagement, language, social interactions
Technoference
Screens as babysitters?
Adolescent School Belonging and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Adulthood: Findings from a Multi-wave Prospective Cohort Study | School Mental Health (springer.com)
School belonging
Competence, connectedness, confidence at school
Parent and school partnerships



Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Email your questions and comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website

Screens are crippling our kids; three things we need to do to stem the relentless push towards screens. Plus, how to help your child feel like they belong at school.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2815514?utm_campaign=articlePDF&amp;utm_medium=articlePDFlink&amp;utm_source=articlePDF&amp;utm_content=jamapediatrics.2023.6790">Screen Time and Parent-Child Talk When Children Are Aged 12 to 36 Months | Media and Youth | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Screens - impacting engagement, language, social interactions</li>
<li aria-level="1">Technoference</li>
<li aria-level="1">Screens as babysitters?</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12310-023-09626-6">Adolescent School Belonging and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Adulthood: Findings from a Multi-wave Prospective Cohort Study | School Mental Health (springer.com)</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">School belonging</li>
<li aria-level="1">Competence, connectedness, confidence at school</li>
<li aria-level="1">Parent and school partnerships</li>
</ul>
 
Find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamilies.au/">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@happyfamiliesau">TikTok</a>
Email your questions and comments to <a href="mailto:podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au">podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au</a>
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/the-quest">our website</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

#953 From the Dr's Desk - Screens, Schools, & Social Connection

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/4cb2099d-e777-49c7-a1ce-b1370014b1ca/transcript

What if your child’s meltdowns aren’t misbehaviour… but a message?

In this powerful conversation, Dr Dusty Hess flips the script on parenting struggles—revealing how sleep, food, stress, and screen time are quietly shaping your child’s emotions, focus, and behaviour.

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of reacting, correcting, and feeling exhausted… this episode will show you where real change begins.

KEY POINTS
Behaviour is information, not defiance
Sleep deprivation impacts mood, focus, and even metabolism
Food isn’t just fuel—it’s brain chemistry
Chronic stress pushes kids into survival mode (not learning mode)
Screen time is linked to anxiety, aggression, and inattention
“Upstream parenting” focuses on prevention, not reaction
Small, consistent changes can transform your child’s regulation

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Sometimes a child isn’t acting out—their body is crying out.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Upstream Health (Dr Dusty Hess)
Upstream Plus Membership & Magazine

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Prioritise sleep before trying to fix behaviour
Stabilise one daily habit (e.g. breakfast or bedtime)
Reduce overscheduling and protect downtime
Have ongoing conversations about screen use (don’t just restrict it)
Look for the root cause, not just the reaction
Start small—one upstream shift at a time

What if your child&rsquo;s meltdowns aren&rsquo;t misbehaviour&hellip; but a message?
In this powerful conversation, Dr Dusty Hess flips the script on parenting struggles&mdash;revealing how sleep, food, stress, and screen time are quietly shaping your child&rsquo;s emotions, focus, and behaviour.
If you&rsquo;ve been stuck in a cycle of reacting, correcting, and feeling exhausted&hellip; this episode will show you where real change begins.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Behaviour is information, not defiance</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sleep deprivation impacts mood, focus, and even metabolism</li>
<li aria-level="1">Food isn&rsquo;t just fuel&mdash;it&rsquo;s brain chemistry</li>
<li aria-level="1">Chronic stress pushes kids into survival mode (not learning mode)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Screen time is linked to anxiety, aggression, and inattention</li>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;Upstream parenting&rdquo; focuses on prevention, not reaction</li>
<li aria-level="1">Small, consistent changes can transform your child&rsquo;s regulation</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Sometimes a child isn&rsquo;t acting out&mdash;their body is crying out.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Upstream Health (Dr Dusty Hess)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Upstream Plus Membership &amp; Magazine</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Prioritise sleep before trying to fix behaviour</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stabilise one daily habit (e.g. breakfast or bedtime)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Reduce overscheduling and protect downtime</li>
<li aria-level="1">Have ongoing conversations about screen use (don&rsquo;t just restrict it)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Look for the root cause, not just the reaction</li>
<li aria-level="1">Start small&mdash;one upstream shift at a time</li>
</ul>

What Your Child’s Meltdowns Are Really Telling You [with Dr Dusty Hess]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/89cc0925-555c-4aff-b7be-b41f008da12b/transcript

Your child refuses to leave the house… melts down over their hair… or acts defiant when you show up. Is it anxiety, attitude… or something deeper?

In this episode, we unpack what’s really going on when big emotions collide with growing independence - and how to respond in a way that actually helps (not escalates).

If your child suddenly thinks you’re “cringe”… this one’s for you.

KEY POINTS
Big emotions ≠ bad behaviour (and why labels matter)
The hidden link between anxiety, overwhelm, and defiance
The difference between autonomy and “doing whatever they want”
Why kids reject parents in public (and what it really means)
How misaligned parenting can amplify emotional struggles
A simple framework to get on the same page as your partner
The power of collaborative problem-solving (instead of control)

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Autonomy isn’t freedom — it’s helping kids make thoughtful, values-based choices.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
The “What’s working / What’s not / What next” parenting check-in
The “Three E’s” collaborative problem-solving approach

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Pause before labelling behaviour — ask: what’s underneath this?
Have a calm check-in with your partner: what’s working, what’s not, what next
Get curious with your child instead of offering solutions
Ask: “Help me understand why this feels hard”
Co-create a plan your child actually agrees with
Find small, respectful ways to stay connected — even when they push you away

Your child refuses to leave the house&hellip; melts down over their hair&hellip; or acts defiant when you show up. Is it anxiety, attitude&hellip; or something deeper?
In this episode, we unpack what&rsquo;s really going on when big emotions collide with growing independence - and how to respond in a way that actually helps (not escalates).
If your child suddenly thinks you&rsquo;re &ldquo;cringe&rdquo;&hellip; this one&rsquo;s for you.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Big emotions &ne; bad behaviour (and why labels matter)</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden link between anxiety, overwhelm, and defiance</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between autonomy and &ldquo;doing whatever they want&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why kids reject parents in public (and what it really means)</li>
<li aria-level="1">How misaligned parenting can amplify emotional struggles</li>
<li aria-level="1">A simple framework to get on the same page as your partner</li>
<li aria-level="1">The power of collaborative problem-solving (instead of control)</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Autonomy isn&rsquo;t freedom &mdash; it&rsquo;s helping kids make thoughtful, values-based choices.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;What&rsquo;s working / What&rsquo;s not / What next&rdquo; parenting check-in</li>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;Three E&rsquo;s&rdquo; collaborative problem-solving approach</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Pause before labelling behaviour &mdash; ask: what&rsquo;s underneath this?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Have a calm check-in with your partner: what&rsquo;s working, what&rsquo;s not, what next</li>
<li aria-level="1">Get curious with your child instead of offering solutions</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask: &ldquo;Help me understand why this feels hard&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Co-create a plan your child actually agrees with</li>
<li aria-level="1">Find small, respectful ways to stay connected &mdash; even when they push you away</li>
</ul>

Big Emotions Parent's Aren't Cool

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/12e46bf7-59c7-408d-a63b-b41f008d8484/transcript

Could it be that your child’s uneaten lunch isn’t the problem… the schedule is?

A simple shift happening in Aussie schools is transforming behaviour, boosting learning, and - finally - getting kids to actually eat their food.

This episode unpacks the “play first, eat later” approach - and why it works far better than anything you can pack in a lunchbox.

If your child comes home hangry, exhausted, or with a full lunchbox… this might be the missing piece.

KEY POINTS
Why kids skip lunch (and it’s not about the food)
The “play first” model changing school behaviour and focus
How movement drives appetite, regulation, and learning
The hidden link between uneaten lunches and afternoon meltdowns
Why the last 10 minutes of playtime often trigger the biggest issues
A simple school-level change with measurable results

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Calories change kids. Food isn’t just fuel - it’s behaviour, focus, and emotional regulation.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
ABC News article on “play first, eat later” school model
Conversations with teachers and school communities
School P&C (Parents & Citizens) groups as a starting point for change

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Start the conversation with your school or P&C about “play first”
Focus less on perfect lunches and more on eating opportunity
Talk with your child about when they feel hungry during the day
Advocate for structural changes - not just lunchbox fixes
Watch for after-school behaviour as a clue to under-fuelling

Could it be that your child&rsquo;s uneaten lunch isn&rsquo;t the problem&hellip; the schedule is?
A simple shift happening in Aussie schools is transforming behaviour, boosting learning, and - finally - getting kids to actually eat their food.
This episode unpacks the &ldquo;play first, eat later&rdquo; approach - and why it works far better than anything you can pack in a lunchbox.
If your child comes home hangry, exhausted, or with a full lunchbox&hellip; this might be the missing piece.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why kids skip lunch (and it&rsquo;s not about the food)</li>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;play first&rdquo; model changing school behaviour and focus</li>
<li aria-level="1">How movement drives appetite, regulation, and learning</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden link between uneaten lunches and afternoon meltdowns</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why the last 10 minutes of playtime often trigger the biggest issues</li>
<li aria-level="1">A simple school-level change with measurable results</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Calories change kids. Food isn&rsquo;t just fuel - it&rsquo;s behaviour, focus, and emotional regulation.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">ABC News article on &ldquo;play first, eat later&rdquo; school model</li>
<li aria-level="1">Conversations with teachers and school communities</li>
<li aria-level="1">School P&amp;C (Parents &amp; Citizens) groups as a starting point for change</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Start the conversation with your school or P&amp;C about &ldquo;play first&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus less on perfect lunches and more on eating opportunity</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk with your child about when they feel hungry during the day</li>
<li aria-level="1">Advocate for structural changes - not just lunchbox fixes</li>
<li aria-level="1">Watch for after-school behaviour as a clue to under-fuelling</li>
</ul>

Playing Before Eating

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/01b3817d-0cfa-4d9d-b604-b41f008d59e8/transcript

#953 From the Dr's Desk - Screens, Schools, & Social Connection

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Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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