Some books entertain.
Some books inform.
And then there are books that unsettle you—and quietly change how you see the world, your kids, and the systems shaping their lives.

In this episode, Kylie and I step away from parenting advice (just briefly) to share the books that mattered most to us in 2025. These aren’t light beach reads. They’re confronting, provocative, and deeply relevant for parents raising children in a digital, diagnosed, distracted world.

If you love books—and you care about the future your kids are growing up in—this one stays with you.

Books & Resources Mentioned
Boys — Dr Justin Coulson (join the waitlist to learn more!)
Careless People — Sarah Wynn-Williams
Searching for Normal — Sami Timimi
Essentialism — Greg McKeown
The Let Them Theory — Mel Robbins
A Thousand Wasted Sundays — Victoria Vanstone
Mumming — Victoria Vanstone
1984 — George Orwell
Lonesome Dove — Larry McMurtry
A Gentleman in Moscow — Amor Towles
Greenlights — Matthew McConaughey
Parenting ADHD [The Course]
My 8 Favourite Books in 2025 [Article]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Choose one book this year that challenges your assumptions—not just your habits
Notice what makes you uncomfortable while reading—and sit with it
Talk with your partner or teen about what you’re noticing in tech, mental health, and culture
Remember: protecting kids starts with seeing the systems shaping them

Some books entertain. Some books inform. And then there are books that unsettle you&mdash;and quietly change how you see the world, your kids, and the systems shaping their lives.
In this episode, Kylie and I step away from parenting advice (just briefly) to share the books that mattered most to us in 2025. These aren&rsquo;t light beach reads. They&rsquo;re confronting, provocative, and deeply relevant for parents raising children in a digital, diagnosed, distracted world.
If you love books&mdash;and you care about the future your kids are growing up in&mdash;this one stays with you.
Books &amp; Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Boys &mdash; Dr Justin Coulson (<a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/boys-book-waitlist">join the waitlist </a>to learn more!)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Careless People &mdash; Sarah Wynn-Williams</li>
<li aria-level="1">Searching for Normal &mdash; Sami Timimi</li>
<li aria-level="1">Essentialism &mdash; Greg McKeown</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Let Them Theory &mdash; Mel Robbins</li>
<li aria-level="1">A Thousand Wasted Sundays &mdash; Victoria Vanstone</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mumming &mdash; Victoria Vanstone</li>
<li aria-level="1">1984 &mdash; George Orwell</li>
<li aria-level="1">Lonesome Dove &mdash; Larry McMurtry</li>
<li aria-level="1">A Gentleman in Moscow &mdash; Amor Towles</li>
<li aria-level="1">Greenlights &mdash; Matthew McConaughey</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/parenting-adhd-the-course">Parenting ADHD [The Course]</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/my-8-favourite-books-in-2025">My 8 Favourite Books in 2025</a> [Article]</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Choose one book this year that challenges your assumptions&mdash;not just your habits</li>
<li aria-level="1">Notice what makes you uncomfortable while reading&mdash;and sit with it</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk with your partner or teen about what you&rsquo;re noticing in tech, mental health, and culture</li>
<li aria-level="1">Remember: protecting kids starts with seeing the systems shaping them</li>
</ul>

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

The Best Books We Read in 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/63333a78-395b-4abb-8c88-b3d600cec4dc/transcript

Parenting styles are having another viral moment — tiger mums are out, “beta mums” are in, and social media has plenty to say about how parents should raise their kids.

But what if we’ve made parenting far more complicated than it needs to be?

In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the latest parenting trend making headlines and explore why so many parents feel overwhelmed, judged, and exhausted trying to “get it right.” From over-scheduling kids to pulling back completely, they discuss the dangers of parenting extremes and the pressure modern families are carrying.

Most importantly, they share the three simple things children actually need to thrive — and none of them cost a fortune or require perfect parenting.

If you’ve ever worried you’re not doing enough as a parent, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.

KEY POINTS
Why parenting trends and labels are everywhere right now
The problem with extreme parenting advice online
How modern parents are overcomplicating family life
The hidden pressure to optimise children for success
Why kids don’t need perfect parents
The three things children truly need: love, limits, and laughter
How connection shapes children more than achievement
Why healthy boundaries still matter
The role humour and playfulness have in strong families
The importance of giving parents — and ourselves — more grace

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Kids don’t need extreme parenting styles. They need love, limits, and laughter.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
The Era of the Tiger Mum is Over: Enter the Beta Mum by Rachel Wolfe
Happy Families

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Spend ten uninterrupted minutes connecting with your child today
Reflect on whether your family rhythms feel supportive or overwhelming
Involve your child in conversations about boundaries and expectations
Create more opportunities for shared laughter at home
Let go of the idea that good parenting has to look perfect

Parenting styles are having another viral moment &mdash; tiger mums are out, &ldquo;beta mums&rdquo; are in, and social media has plenty to say about how parents should raise their kids.
But what if we&rsquo;ve made parenting far more complicated than it needs to be?
In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the latest parenting trend making headlines and explore why so many parents feel overwhelmed, judged, and exhausted trying to &ldquo;get it right.&rdquo; From over-scheduling kids to pulling back completely, they discuss the dangers of parenting extremes and the pressure modern families are carrying.
Most importantly, they share the three simple things children actually need to thrive &mdash; and none of them cost a fortune or require perfect parenting.
If you&rsquo;ve ever worried you&rsquo;re not doing enough as a parent, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why parenting trends and labels are everywhere right now</li>
<li aria-level="1">The problem with extreme parenting advice online</li>
<li aria-level="1">How modern parents are overcomplicating family life</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden pressure to optimise children for success</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why kids don&rsquo;t need perfect parents</li>
<li aria-level="1">The three things children truly need: love, limits, and laughter</li>
<li aria-level="1">How connection shapes children more than achievement</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why healthy boundaries still matter</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role humour and playfulness have in strong families</li>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of giving parents &mdash; and ourselves &mdash; more grace</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Kids don&rsquo;t need extreme parenting styles. They need love, limits, and laughter.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/308361/battle-hymn-of-the-tiger-mother-by-amy-chua/">Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother</a> by Amy Chua</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/relationships/beta-moms-influencers-tiktok-6cf99674">The Era of the Tiger Mum is Over: Enter the Beta Mum</a> by Rachel Wolfe</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Spend ten uninterrupted minutes connecting with your child today</li>
<li aria-level="1">Reflect on whether your family rhythms feel supportive or overwhelming</li>
<li aria-level="1">Involve your child in conversations about boundaries and expectations</li>
<li aria-level="1">Create more opportunities for shared laughter at home</li>
<li aria-level="1">Let go of the idea that good parenting has to look perfect</li>
</ul>

The Era of the Tiger Mum Is Over - Enter the Beta Mum

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/c47c992b-5d75-4cee-8282-b44e00c5f797/transcript

One hilarious family dinner story turned into a powerful reminder of what really matters most.

In this Friday edition of I'll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share the chaos, laughter, and connection that unfolds around their Sunday night family dinners — including the unbelievable lengths one of their daughters went to in order to save money on petrol.

But the episode takes a deeply emotional turn when a listener from the UK shares how the Happy Families Podcast helped her leave an abusive relationship and create safety, stability, and healing for her four children.

This episode is funny, raw, heartbreaking, and deeply hopeful — a reminder that small moments of connection can shape a family forever.

If you've ever wondered whether family traditions really matter, or whether gentle, connected parenting makes a difference, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.

KEY POINTS
Why simple family traditions create lifelong connection
The hidden power of sharing stories around the dinner table
How emotional safety helps children heal from trauma
The parenting principle that helped one mum escape abuse
Why connection must come before correction
The importance of creating calm, stable spaces for children
How parents can become a “safe base” for their kids
The reminder every parent needs about gratitude and presence

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“They aren’t giving me a hard time. They are having a hard time.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson
Happy Families

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Start one small weekly family tradition and protect it consistently
Create device-free moments where everyone can simply talk and laugh together
Focus on connection before correction when emotions run high
Respond to difficult behaviour with curiosity instead of anger
Remind your children regularly that they are safe, loved, and supported
Look for opportunities to build calm, stability, and trust inside your home

One hilarious family dinner story turned into a powerful reminder of what really matters most.
In this Friday edition of I'll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share the chaos, laughter, and connection that unfolds around their Sunday night family dinners &mdash; including the unbelievable lengths one of their daughters went to in order to save money on petrol.
But the episode takes a deeply emotional turn when a listener from the UK shares how the Happy Families Podcast helped her leave an abusive relationship and create safety, stability, and healing for her four children.
This episode is funny, raw, heartbreaking, and deeply hopeful &mdash; a reminder that small moments of connection can shape a family forever.
If you've ever wondered whether family traditions really matter, or whether gentle, connected parenting makes a difference, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why simple family traditions create lifelong connection</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden power of sharing stories around the dinner table</li>
<li aria-level="1">How emotional safety helps children heal from trauma</li>
<li aria-level="1">The parenting principle that helped one mum escape abuse</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why connection must come before correction</li>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of creating calm, stable spaces for children</li>
<li aria-level="1">How parents can become a &ldquo;safe base&rdquo; for their kids</li>
<li aria-level="1">The reminder every parent needs about gratitude and presence</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;They aren&rsquo;t giving me a hard time. They are having a hard time.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/the-parenting-revolution">The Parenting Revolution</a> by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Start one small weekly family tradition and protect it consistently</li>
<li aria-level="1">Create device-free moments where everyone can simply talk and laugh together</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on connection before correction when emotions run high</li>
<li aria-level="1">Respond to difficult behaviour with curiosity instead of anger</li>
<li aria-level="1">Remind your children regularly that they are safe, loved, and supported</li>
<li aria-level="1">Look for opportunities to build calm, stability, and trust inside your home</li>
</ul>

When Family Chaos Turns Into Connection

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/81cfd677-df93-425f-8c7e-b44800c7470a/transcript

What if the way we talk about “harmful words” is actually making kids more fragile?

In this thought-provoking Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin Coulson and Kylie Coulson unpack brand-new research exploring whether believing words are harmful changes our resilience, mental health, and parenting.

From social media comments to playground insults, this conversation dives into the uncomfortable tension between empathy and emotional toughness — and asks whether protecting kids from hard words might actually leave them less prepared for the real world.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child cope with criticism, bullying, or hurtful comments without becoming emotionally overwhelmed, this episode is essential listening.

KEY POINTS
New research reveals a strong link between believing words are harmful and lower emotional resilience
Why empathy and emotional fragility can sometimes go hand-in-hand
How “concept creep” may be expanding what we label as trauma
The hidden danger of teaching kids they’re emotionally breakable
Why resilience starts with helping children interpret words differently
The powerful parenting question: “Would you take advice from that person?”
How parents can validate feelings without reinforcing victimhood
Why difficult conversations may strengthen kids more than shielding them

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The way we perceive words — and the weight we give them — is ultimately ours to decide.”

RESOURCES
The “Words Can Harm Scale” research study by Samuel Pratt, Peyton Jones and colleagues
Watch Your Words [Article]
When Your Child is Bullied: A Calm, Practical Guide for Parents [Article]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Teach children that feelings matter, but words do not define them
Help kids separate criticism from identity
Encourage resilience by discussing difficult social situations openly
Ask: “Would you go to that person for advice?” before taking their criticism personally
Model emotional regulation when you encounter hurtful comments yourself
Focus on building competence, connection, and autonomy at home

What if the way we talk about &ldquo;harmful words&rdquo; is actually making kids more fragile?
In this thought-provoking Doctor&rsquo;s Desk episode, Justin Coulson and Kylie Coulson unpack brand-new research exploring whether believing words are harmful changes our resilience, mental health, and parenting.
From social media comments to playground insults, this conversation dives into the uncomfortable tension between empathy and emotional toughness &mdash; and asks whether protecting kids from hard words might actually leave them less prepared for the real world.
If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered how to help your child cope with criticism, bullying, or hurtful comments without becoming emotionally overwhelmed, this episode is essential listening.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">New research reveals a strong link between believing words are harmful and lower emotional resilience</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why empathy and emotional fragility can sometimes go hand-in-hand</li>
<li aria-level="1">How &ldquo;concept creep&rdquo; may be expanding what we label as trauma</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden danger of teaching kids they&rsquo;re emotionally breakable</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why resilience starts with helping children interpret words differently</li>
<li aria-level="1">The powerful parenting question: &ldquo;Would you take advice from that person?&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">How parents can validate feelings without reinforcing victimhood</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why difficult conversations may strengthen kids more than shielding them</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;The way we perceive words &mdash; and the weight we give them &mdash; is ultimately ours to decide.&rdquo;
RESOURCES
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;Words Can Harm Scale&rdquo; <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886926001492">research study</a> by Samuel Pratt, Peyton Jones and colleagues</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/watch-your-words">Watch Your Words</a> [Article]</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/when-your-child-is-bullied-a-calm-practical-guide-for-parents">When Your Child is Bullied: A Calm, Practical Guide for Parents</a> [Article]</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Teach children that feelings matter, but words do not define them</li>
<li aria-level="1">Help kids separate criticism from identity</li>
<li aria-level="1">Encourage resilience by discussing difficult social situations openly</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask: &ldquo;Would you go to that person for advice?&rdquo; before taking their criticism personally</li>
<li aria-level="1">Model emotional regulation when you encounter hurtful comments yourself</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on building competence, connection, and autonomy at home</li>
</ul>

Sticks & Stones

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/067054c3-60d3-47d3-8e80-b44800c7248e/transcript

The Best Books We Read in 2025

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