Choosing the right care for your little one can feel like walking a tightrope — guilt on one side, exhaustion on the other. In this heartfelt Q&A, Justin and Kylie unpack the real differences between daycare, early learning centres, and family daycare — and what matters most when your child has big emotions or struggles with separation. Whether you’re expecting another baby or just trying to do what’s best, this episode helps you breathe easier and make a choice that feels right for your family.

KEY POINTS
The real difference between daycare and ELC (and why the labels don’t matter as much as you think).
What to look for on your childcare tour: staff ratios, turnover, and outdoor play.
Why sometimes not enrolling can be the best choice.
How to support a deeply feeling child who struggles with separation.
The “choose your hard” mindset — and how it changes everything.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Parenting is hard either way — we just have to choose the kind of hard we’re willing to live with.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
What Your Child Needs From You by Dr Justin Coulson
Episode #920 Minimising Daycare Drama

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Reflect on why you’re choosing care — not just whether to.
When touring, focus less on the shiny buildings and more on the people.
Prepare your child for separation with empathy, connection, and practice.
Give yourself permission to pick the path that best supports your family’s season.

Choosing the right care for your little one can feel like walking a tightrope &mdash; guilt on one side, exhaustion on the other. In this heartfelt Q&amp;A, Justin and Kylie unpack the real differences between daycare, early learning centres, and family daycare &mdash; and what matters most when your child has big emotions or struggles with separation. Whether you&rsquo;re expecting another baby or just trying to do what&rsquo;s best, this episode helps you breathe easier and make a choice that feels right for your family.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The real difference between daycare and ELC (and why the labels don&rsquo;t matter as much as you think).</li>
<li aria-level="1">What to look for on your childcare tour: staff ratios, turnover, and outdoor play.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why sometimes not enrolling can be the best choice.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to support a deeply feeling child who struggles with separation.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;choose your hard&rdquo; mindset &mdash; and how it changes everything.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Parenting is hard either way &mdash; we just have to choose the kind of hard we&rsquo;re willing to live with.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/what-your-child-needs-from-you">What Your Child Needs From You</a> by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1">Episode <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/920-minimising-daycare-dramas">#920 Minimising Daycare Drama</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Reflect on why you&rsquo;re choosing care &mdash; not just whether to.</li>
<li aria-level="1">When touring, focus less on the shiny buildings and more on the people.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prepare your child for separation with empathy, connection, and practice.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Give yourself permission to pick the path that best supports your family&rsquo;s season.</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

Childcare, ELC, or Home? Making the Right Choice for Your Family

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/c63b4eb1-85b2-41e3-95ad-b38200abef98/transcript