The One Lesson Every Dad of Daughters Must Learn

270 men. One powerful story.

When Kylie Coulson stood before a room full of dads at the “Fathers of Only Girls” charity lunch, she didn’t give them a parenting lecture — she shared something far more raw and real. This episode is that talk: a deeply moving reminder that the best way to raise strong, emotionally secure daughters begins with one simple act — how you love their mum.

KEY POINTS
Why emotional safety at home starts with your relationship, not your parenting.
The real reason your daughter’s future relationships mirror yours.
What happens when we stop trying to fix and start listening.
How to model love, grace, and security — even when life feels heavy.
The single sentence that could redefine fatherhood.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Sometimes the most effective parenting we’ll ever do has nothing to do with our children — and everything to do with the person we choose to be.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Fathers of Only Girls (FOOGS) charity
happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Hold space for your partner — without fixing or judging.
Show your daughter what love looks like in real life.
Remember: how you treat her mother is how she’ll learn to love herself.

The One Lesson Every Dad of Daughters Must Learn
270 men. One powerful story.
When Kylie Coulson stood before a room full of dads at the &ldquo;Fathers of Only Girls&rdquo; charity lunch, she didn&rsquo;t give them a parenting lecture &mdash; she shared something far more raw and real. This episode is that talk: a deeply moving reminder that the best way to raise strong, emotionally secure daughters begins with one simple act &mdash; how you love their mum.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li data-start="156" data-end="222">Why emotional safety at home starts with your relationship, not your parenting.</li>
<li data-start="156" data-end="222">The real reason your daughter&rsquo;s future relationships mirror yours.</li>
<li data-start="156" data-end="222">What happens when we stop trying to fix and start listening.</li>
<li data-start="156" data-end="222">How to model love, grace, and security &mdash; even when life feels heavy.</li>
<li data-start="156" data-end="222">The single sentence that could redefine fatherhood.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Sometimes the most effective parenting we&rsquo;ll ever do has nothing to do with our children &mdash; and everything to do with the person we choose to be.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li data-start="156" data-end="222"><a href="https://fathersofgirls.org/">Fathers of Only Girls</a> (FOOGS) charity</li>
<li data-start="156" data-end="222"><a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au">happyfamilies.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li data-start="156" data-end="222">Hold space for your partner &mdash; without fixing or judging.</li>
<li data-start="156" data-end="222">Show your daughter what love looks like in real life.</li>
<li data-start="156" data-end="222">Remember: how you treat her mother is how she&rsquo;ll learn to love herself.</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

Kylie Gave a Keynote!

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/6f23e3e0-373d-44cf-9310-b386000e0008/transcript

The stationery scramble matters… but not as much as your child’s heart. In this powerful back-to-school episode, Justin and Kylie share the real checklist that sets kids up for confidence, calm, friendships, and resilience—without over-engineering the morning routine or forcing a perfect bedtime.

Whether your child is starting school for the first time or changing schools for the fourth time, these strategies make Week 1 smoother and the whole year emotionally healthier.

KEY POINTS
The basic supplies are not what define success—keep them simple and stress-free.
Three non-negotiables before Day 1: emotional check-ins, “who’s got your back” planning, and relationship connection.
Why rehearsing the morning routine and enforcing strict early bedtimes are overrated.
The 4-Part Real Checklist that changes the entire school year:
How Can I Help? — support their goals instead of setting them.
Daily Check-In Questions that build resilience, kindness, and social insight.
Friendship Audit — understanding who they spend time with and how to support healthy social worlds.
Activity Opt-Out Audit — letting kids quit activities that drain them and choose ones that light them up.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“When kids define success on their terms and know we’re in their corner, they’re amazing.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Personal Progress Interviews (PPI)
Daily Check-In Questions for connection
Friendship Audit steps
Family Meeting framework

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Hold a relaxed emotional check-in before school starts (in bed, at the beach, on a walk).
Clarify “who’s got your back” at school—teacher, counselor, friend, parent.
Ask one Daily Check-In Question at dinner or bedtime.
Run a Friendship Audit: learn names, build contact, create unstructured hangouts.
Run an Activity Opt-Out Audit: “If we weren’t already doing this, would you choose it today?”
Give permission to drop activities that feel like obligations, not joys.

The stationery scramble matters&hellip; but not as much as your child&rsquo;s heart. In this powerful back-to-school episode, Justin and Kylie share the real checklist that sets kids up for confidence, calm, friendships, and resilience&mdash;without over-engineering the morning routine or forcing a perfect bedtime.
Whether your child is starting school for the first time or changing schools for the fourth time, these strategies make Week 1 smoother and the whole year emotionally healthier.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The basic supplies are not what define success&mdash;keep them simple and stress-free.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Three non-negotiables before Day 1: emotional check-ins, &ldquo;who&rsquo;s got your back&rdquo; planning, and relationship connection.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why rehearsing the morning routine and enforcing strict early bedtimes are overrated.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The 4-Part Real Checklist that changes the entire school year:</li>
<ol>
<li aria-level="2">How Can I Help? &mdash; support their goals instead of setting them.</li>
<li aria-level="2">Daily Check-In Questions that build resilience, kindness, and social insight.</li>
<li aria-level="2">Friendship Audit &mdash; understanding who they spend time with and how to support healthy social worlds.</li>
<li aria-level="2">Activity Opt-Out Audit &mdash; letting kids quit activities that drain them and choose ones that light them up.</li>
</ol>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;When kids define success on their terms and know we&rsquo;re in their corner, they&rsquo;re amazing.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Personal Progress Interviews (PPI)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Daily Check-In Questions for connection</li>
<li aria-level="1">Friendship Audit steps</li>
<li aria-level="1">Family Meeting framework</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Hold a relaxed emotional check-in before school starts (in bed, at the beach, on a walk).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Clarify &ldquo;who&rsquo;s got your back&rdquo; at school&mdash;teacher, counselor, friend, parent.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask one Daily Check-In Question at dinner or bedtime.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Run a Friendship Audit: learn names, build contact, create unstructured hangouts.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Run an Activity Opt-Out Audit: &ldquo;If we weren&rsquo;t already doing this, would you choose it today?&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Give permission to drop activities that feel like obligations, not joys.</li>
</ul>

Back-to-School Check List

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/98b0ce42-af94-454e-b240-b3cf000ed6d8/transcript

Smartphones feel inevitable… until you see what early access actually does to a child’s mental health, sleep, and happiness. In this episode, Dr Justin & Kylie Coulson break down new research from Pediatrics and share the family standard that finally ended the phone wars in their home (after one very big mistake).

KEY POINTS


New study: earlier smartphones = worse outcomes for kids.


The four real reasons parents give phones (and why they’re flawed).


Why “safety” doesn’t require a smartphone.


How to replace phones with smarter solutions (incl. dumb phones + watches).


The research consensus: delay improves outcomes.


The family rule that ends entitlement (“when you can afford it…”).


Boundaries if you already handed over a phone (it’s not too late).


The real question: approval now or wellbeing later?

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Kids don’t need smartphones — they need smart parents. And smart parents give their kids dumb phones.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED


Pediatrics research on smartphone age & outcomes (referenced in episode)


SpaceTalk Watch
G-Mee Phone


Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy


Lisa Damour — Adolescent Psychology Resources

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS


Define the real problem you’re solving (safety, logistics, social connection, or training).


Offer alternatives (dumb phone, landline, watch).


Create a family standard — e.g. “When you can pay for it, you can have it.”


If they already have a phone:


Bedrooms & bathrooms = no-phone zones


No phones at meals or short car rides


Time limits & age limits on social media


Review + scale back where possible

Smartphones feel inevitable&hellip; until you see what early access actually does to a child&rsquo;s mental health, sleep, and happiness. In this episode, Dr Justin &amp; Kylie Coulson break down new research from&nbsp;Pediatrics and share the family standard that finally ended the phone wars in their home (after one very big mistake).
KEY POINTS
<ul data-start="569" data-end="1064">
<li data-start="569" data-end="628">
New study: earlier smartphones = worse outcomes for kids.
</li>
<li data-start="629" data-end="698">
The four real reasons parents give phones (and why they&rsquo;re flawed).
</li>
<li data-start="699" data-end="743">
Why &ldquo;safety&rdquo; doesn&rsquo;t require a smartphone.
</li>
<li data-start="744" data-end="821">
How to replace phones with smarter solutions (incl. dumb phones + watches).
</li>
<li data-start="822" data-end="872">
The research consensus: delay improves outcomes.
</li>
<li data-start="873" data-end="941">
The family rule that ends entitlement (&ldquo;when you can afford it&hellip;&rdquo;).
</li>
<li data-start="942" data-end="1010">
Boundaries if you already handed over a phone (it&rsquo;s not too late).
</li>
<li data-start="1011" data-end="1064">
The real question: approval now or wellbeing later?
</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
<blockquote data-start="1099" data-end="1204">
&ldquo;Kids don&rsquo;t need smartphones &mdash; they need smart parents. And smart parents give their kids dumb phones.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-start="1238" data-end="1415">
<li data-start="1238" data-end="1314">
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/12/28/adolescent-brain-development-screen-time/">Pediatrics research</a> on smartphone age &amp; outcomes (referenced in episode)
</li>
<li data-start="1315" data-end="1332">
<a href="https://shop.spacetalk.co/products/spacetalk-loop-smartwatch-1">SpaceTalk Watch</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1315" data-end="1332"><a href="https://au.g-mee.com/shop/">G-Mee Phone</a></li>
<li data-start="1333" data-end="1367">
<a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/">Free Range Kids</a> by Lenore Skenazy
</li>
<li data-start="1368" data-end="1415">
Lisa Damour &mdash; <a href="https://drlisadamour.com/resources/">Adolescent Psychology Resources</a>
</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol data-start="1454" data-end="1901">
<li data-start="1454" data-end="1552">
Define the real problem you&rsquo;re solving (safety, logistics, social connection, or training).
</li>
<li data-start="1553" data-end="1609">
Offer alternatives (dumb phone, landline, watch).
</li>
<li data-start="1610" data-end="1692">
Create a family standard &mdash; e.g. &ldquo;When you can pay for it, you can have it.&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="1693" data-end="1901">
If they already have a phone:
<ul data-start="1733" data-end="1901">
<li data-start="1733" data-end="1772">
Bedrooms &amp; bathrooms = no-phone zones
</li>
<li data-start="1776" data-end="1815">
No phones at meals or short car rides
</li>
<li data-start="1819" data-end="1861">
Time limits &amp; age limits on social media
</li>
<li data-start="1865" data-end="1901">
Review + scale back where possible
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>

When Do You Give The Kids a Smart Phone?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/e9e11b94-1b20-4bbd-bb6f-b3cf000eb558/transcript

Screens, school, and AI are about to collide—and families will feel it first. In this fast, punchy episode, Justin breaks down four major trends set to hit parents in 2026: hybrid schooling, AI chatbots, the messy social media ban, and the rise of screen-free childhood. If you want to understand what’s coming—and how it will impact your kids—start here.

KEY POINTS
Hybrid Education Exodus: homeschooling + online learning + co-ops = flexible mash-ups
AI Goes Critical: chatbots linked to self-harm, loneliness & regulatory crackdowns
Social Media Ban Backfires: VPNs, loopholes & vulnerable teens losing support
Screen-Free Childhood Surges: parents push for play, device reduction & analogue life

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“If you find ways every single day to genuinely connect with your kids, your relationship will flourish—this year, next year, and every year after.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Federal under-16 social media legislation
eSafety Commission actions & guidance
Alternative schooling, homeschooling & co-op models
AI chatbot research around teen mental health

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Watch for AI chatbots disguised as “companions” or “friends”
Review school tech policies + device expectations for K-6
Consider flexible learning pathways if school is breaking your child
Prioritise screen-free play for under-12s
Keep tech conversations calm, connected and ongoing—not punitive

Screens, school, and AI are about to collide&mdash;and families will feel it first. In this fast, punchy episode, Justin breaks down four major trends set to hit parents in 2026: hybrid schooling, AI chatbots, the messy social media ban, and the rise of screen-free childhood. If you want to understand what&rsquo;s coming&mdash;and how it will impact your kids&mdash;start here.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Hybrid Education Exodus: homeschooling + online learning + co-ops = flexible mash-ups</li>
<li aria-level="1">AI Goes Critical: chatbots linked to self-harm, loneliness &amp; regulatory crackdowns</li>
<li aria-level="1">Social Media Ban Backfires: VPNs, loopholes &amp; vulnerable teens losing support</li>
<li aria-level="1">Screen-Free Childhood Surges: parents push for play, device reduction &amp; analogue life</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;If you find ways every single day to genuinely connect with your kids, your relationship will flourish&mdash;this year, next year, and every year after.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Federal under-16 social media legislation</li>
<li aria-level="1">eSafety Commission actions &amp; guidance</li>
<li aria-level="1">Alternative schooling, homeschooling &amp; co-op models</li>
<li aria-level="1">AI chatbot research around teen mental health</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Watch for AI chatbots disguised as &ldquo;companions&rdquo; or &ldquo;friends&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Review school tech policies + device expectations for K-6</li>
<li aria-level="1">Consider flexible learning pathways if school is breaking your child</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prioritise screen-free play for under-12s</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep tech conversations calm, connected and ongoing&mdash;not punitive</li>
</ol>

The Parenting Trends That Will Reshape 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/64d72f49-8591-4429-aa8f-b3cf000e90c1/transcript

Kylie Gave a Keynote!

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