The first weeks back at school can make or break your child’s year — but what most parents miss is that the relationship you build with their teacher is the secret lever that shifts everything. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the surprising stats behind teacher burnout, why parent behaviour matters more than we think, and three game-changing ways to build a relationship with teachers that actually helps your child succeed — even if you’ve had rough years before.

KEY POINTS:
The hidden stress teachers face — and why it impacts your child
Why yelling, demanding, and “fix my kid” approaches backfire
The Parent Advantage: how small acts of service earn trust fast
Gratitude as rocket fuel for teacher morale (done without bribery!)
Don’t believe everything your child says — context matters
How to assume positive intent and extend grace in tough moments

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:

“Teachers are usually on your child’s side. They want to see your child succeed and win.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Happy Families Schools
Parent/Teacher Support Workshops 

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Volunteer for something — reading, excursions, laminating, anything.
Send gratitude early — a note, tiny gift, or simple “I see you.”
Acknowledge wins — when your child shares something positive, pass it on.
Hold stories lightly — get context before reacting.
Assume positive intent — teachers want your child to do well.

The first weeks back at school can make or break your child&rsquo;s year &mdash; but what most parents miss is that the relationship you build with their teacher is the secret lever that shifts everything. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the surprising stats behind teacher burnout, why parent behaviour matters more than we think, and three game-changing ways to build a relationship with teachers that actually helps your child succeed &mdash; even if you&rsquo;ve had rough years before.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden stress teachers face &mdash; and why it impacts your child</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why yelling, demanding, and &ldquo;fix my kid&rdquo; approaches backfire</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Parent Advantage: how small acts of service earn trust fast</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gratitude as rocket fuel for teacher morale (done without bribery!)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Don&rsquo;t believe everything your child says &mdash; context matters</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to assume positive intent and extend grace in tough moments</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
&ldquo;Teachers are usually on your child&rsquo;s side. They want to see your child succeed and win.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://justincoulson.com/school-membership/">Happy Families Schools</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.justincoulson.com.au">Parent/Teacher Support Workshops&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Volunteer for something &mdash; reading, excursions, laminating, anything.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Send gratitude early &mdash; a note, tiny gift, or simple &ldquo;I see you.&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Acknowledge wins &mdash; when your child shares something positive, pass it on.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Hold stories lightly &mdash; get context before reacting.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Assume positive intent &mdash; teachers want your child to do well.</li>
</ol>

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

Can Parent-Teacher Relationships Make or Break a School Year?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/57836e0d-7f31-41e4-a2f3-b3d200b8cae3/transcript