Your child doesn't need better social skills. They need more chances to use them.

University of Chicago behavioural scientist Professor Nicholas Epley explains why we're wired for connection but keep avoiding it. His research reveals one surprising mistake almost all of us make and how parents can help children build stronger friendships by changing one simple habit.

This conversation will make you think differently about strangers, screens and the small moments that shape confident, connected kids.

KEY POINTS
Why we consistently underestimate how much people want to connect with us.
The surprising experiment that changed Nicholas Epley's research career.
What today's children are missing, despite being more digitally connected than ever.
How parents accidentally teach children to avoid social interaction.
One simple way to help children become more confident in social situations.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"If you're a parent who never reaches out to others, your kids won't either. If you do, they will."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
A Little More Social by Professor Nicholas Epley

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Start one conversation with someone you don't know this week. Let your child see it happen.
Choose face-to-face conversations over messages whenever you can.
Create regular opportunities for your children to spend time with other people without a screen between them.
Talk with your children about how connection often feels awkward before it feels rewarding.

Your child doesn't need better social skills. They need more chances to use them.
University of Chicago behavioural scientist Professor Nicholas Epley explains why we're wired for connection but keep avoiding it. His research reveals one surprising mistake almost all of us make and how parents can help children build stronger friendships by changing one simple habit.
This conversation will make you think differently about strangers, screens and the small moments that shape confident, connected kids.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why we consistently underestimate how much people want to connect with us.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising experiment that changed Nicholas Epley's research career.</li>
<li aria-level="1">What today's children are missing, despite being more digitally connected than ever.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How parents accidentally teach children to avoid social interaction.</li>
<li aria-level="1">One simple way to help children become more confident in social situations.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"If you're a parent who never reaches out to others, your kids won't either. If you do, they will."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://sites.prh.com/a-little-more-social">A Little More Social</a> by Professor Nicholas Epley</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Start one conversation with someone you don't know this week. Let your child see it happen.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Choose face-to-face conversations over messages whenever you can.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Create regular opportunities for your children to spend time with other people without a screen between them.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk with your children about how connection often feels awkward before it feels rewarding.</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

The Missing Ingredient in Childhood Friendships [with Prof. Nicholas Epley]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/0fd75288-044b-497e-9dca-b48f00223efb/transcript

Your child could be having deeply personal, romantic conversations tonight and not with another teenager.

A new wave of AI companion apps is attracting young people by offering constant attention, endless validation and conversations that never end. They remember everything, say exactly what users want to hear and create the illusion of a real relationship.

In this episode, Justin and Kylie explain why these chatbots are so appealing, why traditional parental controls don't stop them, and how to start the conversation without shame, panic or punishment. If your child has access to a smartphone, this is one conversation you can't afford to skip.

KEY POINTS
The three AI companion apps every parent should know about.
Why AI relationships feel safer and easier than real friendships for many teens.
How these apps use loneliness, curiosity and validation to keep young people engaged.
Why confiscating devices often drives the behaviour underground.
Practical conversation starters that build trust instead of fear.
The simple reminder every child needs to hear: a bot is a what, not a who.
Why strong real world relationships are still the best protection.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"A bot is not a who. A bot is a what."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Happy Families Tweens, Teens and Screens presentation
Happy Families website

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Ask your child what they already know about AI companion apps.
Stay calm if they admit they've used one. Focus on listening before reacting.
Talk about why these apps feel appealing instead of only discussing the risks.
Create a clear family agreement around AI companions and device use.
Keep phones and tablets out of bedrooms overnight.
Help your child build stronger friendships and real life connections where they feel seen, valued and understood.

Your child could be having deeply personal, romantic conversations tonight and not with another teenager.
A new wave of AI companion apps is attracting young people by offering constant attention, endless validation and conversations that never end. They remember everything, say exactly what users want to hear and create the illusion of a real relationship.
In this episode, Justin and Kylie explain why these chatbots are so appealing, why traditional parental controls don't stop them, and how to start the conversation without shame, panic or punishment. If your child has access to a smartphone, this is one conversation you can't afford to skip.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The three AI companion apps every parent should know about.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why AI relationships feel safer and easier than real friendships for many teens.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How these apps use loneliness, curiosity and validation to keep young people engaged.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why confiscating devices often drives the behaviour underground.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical conversation starters that build trust instead of fear.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The simple reminder every child needs to hear: a bot is a what, not a who.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why strong real world relationships are still the best protection.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"A bot is not a who. A bot is a what."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/the-screen-smart-series">Tweens, Teens and Screens</a> presentation</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families website</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ask your child what they already know about AI companion apps.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay calm if they admit they've used one. Focus on listening before reacting.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk about why these apps feel appealing instead of only discussing the risks.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Create a clear family agreement around AI companions and device use.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep phones and tablets out of bedrooms overnight.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Help your child build stronger friendships and real life connections where they feel seen, valued and understood.</li>
</ul>

Help! My Child is Dating a Flirty AI Chatbot!

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/ce509dc4-5afe-40c9-8c21-b49001866c63/transcript

What if your child's sex education class wasn't teaching what you think it is?

In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with teacher representative Ed Schuller to discuss claims about explicit sexual education materials being used in Australian schools. They unpack where the resources come from, why many parents never see them, and the questions every family should be asking.

Whatever your views, this conversation is about one thing. Helping parents understand what their children are being taught and encouraging them to be active partners in their child's education.

KEY POINTS
Why many parents don't know what is included in some sex education programs.
The role of third party organisations in delivering lessons.
The difference between teaching puberty, consent, and more explicit content.
Practical questions parents can ask their child's school.
How to stay informed without creating conflict with teachers or principals.
Why parent involvement matters when sensitive topics are taught.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"You cannot be passive. You need to know exactly what your child is being taught."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Teacher's Professional Association of Queensland (TPAQ)
Teachers Professional Association of Australia (TPAA)
Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (SRHA)
Happy Families
Respectful Relationships education

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Ask your school who delivers sex education lessons.
Request to see the teaching materials before lessons begin.
Talk with your child about what they learned in class.
Approach your child's principal with curiosity and specific questions.
Stay involved in conversations about topics that matter to your family.

What if your child's sex education class wasn't teaching what you think it is?
In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with teacher representative Ed Schuller to discuss claims about explicit sexual education materials being used in Australian schools. They unpack where the resources come from, why many parents never see them, and the questions every family should be asking.
Whatever your views, this conversation is about one thing. Helping parents understand what their children are being taught and encouraging them to be active partners in their child's education.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why many parents don't know what is included in some sex education programs.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role of third party organisations in delivering lessons.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between teaching puberty, consent, and more explicit content.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical questions parents can ask their child's school.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to stay informed without creating conflict with teachers or principals.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why parent involvement matters when sensitive topics are taught.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"You cannot be passive. You need to know exactly what your child is being taught."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Teacher's Professional Association of Queensland (TPAQ)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Teachers Professional Association of Australia (TPAA)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (SRHA)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Happy Families</li>
<li aria-level="1">Respectful Relationships education</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ask your school who delivers sex education lessons.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Request to see the teaching materials before lessons begin.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk with your child about what they learned in class.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Approach your child's principal with curiosity and specific questions.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay involved in conversations about topics that matter to your family.</li>
</ul>

What Are They Teaching Our Kids?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/8c12de3c-d7a0-40d1-a30e-b48f0022870c/transcript

A heartbreaking family loss changed the way Professor Nicholas Epley understood his own research. In this episode, he shares how grief, adoption and decades of social science reveal a simple truth that can help every parent raise more connected, confident children.

You'll also discover why crowded rooms can still feel lonely, how to create more meaningful conversations, and the simple daily habit that strengthens every relationship.

KEY POINTS
Why children don't have to wait for someone else to include them.
How parents can model confident, genuine connection.
Simple ways to create opportunities for friendships outside school.
Why meaningful conversations matter more than small talk.
How to recognise easy opportunities to connect every day.
The surprising reason happiness depends on regular social habits.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"Once you start looking for opportunities to connect, you realise how many you've been missing."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
A Little More Social by Professor Nicholas Epley

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Show your child how to start conversations instead of waiting to be invited.
Create easy opportunities for friendships through playdates, neighbourhood activities or shared interests.
Ask one deeper question instead of sticking to small talk.
Look for one simple opportunity each day to reach out, encourage someone or reconnect with an old friend.
Make connection part of your family's daily routine, not something that only happens when life slows down.

A heartbreaking family loss changed the way Professor Nicholas Epley understood his own research. In this episode, he shares how grief, adoption and decades of social science reveal a simple truth that can help every parent raise more connected, confident children.
You'll also discover why crowded rooms can still feel lonely, how to create more meaningful conversations, and the simple daily habit that strengthens every relationship.
KEY POINTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Why children don't have to wait for someone else to include them.</li>
<li>How parents can model confident, genuine connection.</li>
<li>Simple ways to create opportunities for friendships outside school.</li>
<li>Why meaningful conversations matter more than small talk.</li>
<li>How to recognise easy opportunities to connect every day.</li>
<li>The surprising reason happiness depends on regular social habits.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"Once you start looking for opportunities to connect, you realise how many you've been missing."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>A Little More Social by Professor Nicholas Epley</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Show your child how to start conversations instead of waiting to be invited.</li>
<li>Create easy opportunities for friendships through playdates, neighbourhood activities or shared interests.</li>
<li>Ask one deeper question instead of sticking to small talk.</li>
<li>Look for one simple opportunity each day to reach out, encourage someone or reconnect with an old friend.</li>
<li>Make connection part of your family's daily routine, not something that only happens when life slows down.</li>
</ul>

The Connection Every Child Needs [with Prof. Nicholas Epley]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/f8742d86-b61d-4a8b-a1b3-b48f00225c50/transcript

The Missing Ingredient in Childhood Friendships [with Prof. Nicholas Epley]

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