Every generation believes “kids these days” are going downhill — ruder, lazier, less capable. But new research says we’ve been wrong for over 2,000 years. In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack why we keep blaming young people, the psychology behind the “decline” myth, and how it’s hurting our kids more than helping.

This one will make you rethink how you see today’s youth — and maybe even yourself.

KEY POINTS
Why every generation thinks the next one is “worse” — and why they’re wrong
The two psychological traps that make adults unfairly judge kids
How nostalgia and selective memory distort our view of the past
What the data actually says about modern kids (it’s not what you think)
Why criticising “kids these days” says more about adults than children
How negative stereotypes harm young people — and how to stop it

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The complaints reveal more about us than about the kids.” — Dr Justin Coulson

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Study: Why the youth of today seem lacking — John Protzko & Jonathan Schooler, Science Advances
The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Catch your nostalgia: When you find yourself saying “back in my day,” pause and question it.
Look for strengths: Notice what today’s young people are doing right — and tell them.
Model respect: Show the behaviour you want to see, across all generations.
Stay curious: Ask your kids what the world looks like from their eyes.

Every generation believes &ldquo;kids these days&rdquo; are going downhill &mdash; ruder, lazier, less capable. But new research says we&rsquo;ve been wrong for over 2,000 years. In this Doctor&rsquo;s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack why we keep blaming young people, the psychology behind the &ldquo;decline&rdquo; myth, and how it&rsquo;s hurting our kids more than helping.
This one will make you rethink how you see today&rsquo;s youth &mdash; and maybe even yourself.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why every generation thinks the next one is &ldquo;worse&rdquo; &mdash; and why they&rsquo;re wrong</li>
<li aria-level="1">The two psychological traps that make adults unfairly judge kids</li>
<li aria-level="1">How nostalgia and selective memory distort our view of the past</li>
<li aria-level="1">What the data actually says about modern kids (it&rsquo;s not what you think)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why criticising &ldquo;kids these days&rdquo; says more about adults than children</li>
<li aria-level="1">How negative stereotypes harm young people &mdash; and how to stop it</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;The complaints reveal more about us than about the kids.&rdquo; &mdash; Dr Justin Coulson
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Study: <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aav5916">Why the youth of today seem lacking</a> &mdash; John Protzko &amp; Jonathan Schooler, Science Advances</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-go-between-9780141187785">The Go-Between</a> by L.P. Hartley</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Catch your nostalgia: When you find yourself saying &ldquo;back in my day,&rdquo; pause and question it.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Look for strengths: Notice what today&rsquo;s young people are doing right &mdash; and tell them.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Model respect: Show the behaviour you want to see, across all generations.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay curious: Ask your kids what the world looks like from their eyes.</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

The "Kids These Days!" Effect

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/ea473f59-5edf-4e2b-a62e-b386000e38d2/transcript