What if the moment you're desperate to get through today becomes the one you'd give anything to have back?

Brushing tangled hair. Carrying a sleeping child inside. Sitting through one more song. These moments can feel frustrating when you're tired and running late. Then one day they stop happening, and you never realise the last time has already passed.

In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson shares a simple idea from philosophy called the "Last Time Meditation." It will change the way you see everyday parenting and help you notice the moments that matter before they're gone.

KEY POINTS
Why the everyday parenting jobs you dread can become your most treasured memories.
How the "Last Time Meditation" helps you stay present.
The psychology behind appreciating ordinary moments before they disappear.
The personal experience that changed how Justin responds to his children.
One simple habit that makes family life feel richer without changing your routine.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"There's something you did with your child today that ten years from now you'd trade almost anything to do again. You just don't know what that thing is."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
A Guide to the Good Lifeby William B. Irvine
William B. Irvine's "Last Time Meditation"
Stoic philosophy
Seneca
Epictetus
The Japanese concept Ichi-go Ichi-e
Fred Bryant's research on savouring
Tim Urban's "Tail End" concept
Kurtz (2008), Psychological Science

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Pick one ordinary family moment this week and treat it like it won't happen again.
The next time your child asks you to watch, listen or help, stop and give them your full attention.
Put your phone away during one family ritual each day.
Slow down long enough to notice the moments you'll miss one day.

What if the moment you're desperate to get through today becomes the one you'd give anything to have back?
Brushing tangled hair. Carrying a sleeping child inside. Sitting through one more song. These moments can feel frustrating when you're tired and running late. Then one day they stop happening, and you never realise the last time has already passed.
In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson shares a simple idea from philosophy called the "Last Time Meditation." It will change the way you see everyday parenting and help you notice the moments that matter before they're gone.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why the everyday parenting jobs you dread can become your most treasured memories.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How the "Last Time Meditation" helps you stay present.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The psychology behind appreciating ordinary moments before they disappear.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The personal experience that changed how Justin responds to his children.</li>
<li aria-level="1">One simple habit that makes family life feel richer without changing your routine.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"There's something you did with your child today that ten years from now you'd trade almost anything to do again. You just don't know what that thing is."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.readings.com.au/product/9780195374612/9780195374612">A Guide to the Good Life </a>by William B. Irvine</li>
<li aria-level="1">William B. Irvine's "Last Time Meditation"</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stoic philosophy</li>
<li aria-level="1">Seneca</li>
<li aria-level="1">Epictetus</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Japanese concept Ichi-go Ichi-e</li>
<li aria-level="1">Fred Bryant's research on savouring</li>
<li aria-level="1">Tim Urban's "<a href="https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/12/the-tail-end.html">Tail End</a>" concept</li>
<li aria-level="1">Kurtz (2008), Psychological Science</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Pick one ordinary family moment this week and treat it like it won't happen again.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The next time your child asks you to watch, listen or help, stop and give them your full attention.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Put your phone away during one family ritual each day.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Slow down long enough to notice the moments you'll miss one day.</li>
</ul>

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?&nbsp;Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia&rsquo;s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

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

How to Stop Wishing Parenting Away

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/1dc87fa2-0ffa-4bc1-817b-b488003d4b11/transcript