Is it ever safe to let your 11- or 12-year-old walk to the park, ride their bike, or visit a friend without you? For many parents, just the thought makes the stomach clench. But here’s the twist: the riskiest thing might be never letting kids take risks at all.

In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the independence dilemma that defines modern parenting. You’ll hear why today is the safest time in history for children (despite our fears), how to balance risk and safety, and the practical steps that build confidence — in both kids and parents.

KEY POINTS:
The difference between danger and risk — and why it matters.
Why 24/7 news and social media fuel parental anxiety.
How staged independence builds resilience and confidence.
The power of community connections in keeping kids safe.
Teaching situational awareness instead of “stranger danger.”

RESOURCES:
More parenting resources at happyfamilies.com.au
The Case For Risky Play in an Age of Overprotection [Article] 

#1198 The Worst Mother Who Got it Right [Podcast Episode]

Is it ever safe to let your 11- or 12-year-old walk to the park, ride their bike, or visit a friend without you? For many parents, just the thought makes the stomach clench. But here&rsquo;s the twist: the riskiest thing might be&nbsp;never letting kids take risks at all.
In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the independence dilemma that defines modern parenting. You&rsquo;ll hear why today is the safest time in history for children (despite our fears), how to balance risk and safety, and the practical steps that build confidence &mdash; in both kids and parents.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between danger and risk &mdash; and why it matters.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why 24/7 news and social media fuel parental anxiety.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How staged independence builds resilience and confidence.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The power of community connections in keeping kids safe.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Teaching situational awareness instead of &ldquo;stranger danger.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
RESOURCES:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">More parenting resources at <a href="http://happyfamilies.com.au">happyfamilies.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/the-case-for-risky-play-in-an-age-of-overprotection">The Case For Risky Play in an Age of Overprotection</a> [Article]&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/1198-the-worst-mother-who-got-it-right">#1198 The Worst Mother Who Got it Right</a> [Podcast Episode]

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

Helping Kids Grow Independence Without Losing Sleep

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/609cf852-acd3-4514-aef4-b33c00ccf9ce/transcript