Finding genuinely good books for tweens can feel impossible. Too young feels childish. Too old feels uncomfortable. So when one book keeps kids reading under the blankets long after bedtime… parents notice.

In this episode, Justin chats with author and coach Sam Summers about her new middle-grade fantasy novel The Lost Defenders — the fast-paced monster adventure kids are devouring in a single night.

But this conversation goes deeper than books.

Sam also opens up about rebuilding her life as a single mum, the pressure so many working mothers carry, and why “balance” might actually be making parents feel worse.

If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin while trying to raise happy, confident kids, this episode will hit home.

KEY POINTS:
Why finding age-appropriate books for tweens is so difficult
The secret to writing stories kids can’t put down
How Sam tested her book on real kids before publishing
Why reading together became an anchor during single motherhood
The hidden pressure working mums carry every day
Why “balance” is often an impossible goal
The healthier mindset shift parents need instead
What kids really learn from watching their parents

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“What we want is for our children to see us happy, because one day they’ll copy the way we lived.”

RESOURCES:
The Lost Defenders by Sam Summers
Top 48 Reads for Kids Aged 9-12 

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Find books that stretch your child without overwhelming them
Create small reading rituals your kids will remember
Stop chasing perfect balance and focus on what matters most right now
Ask yourself: what version of adulthood am I modelling for my children?

Finding genuinely good books for tweens can feel impossible. Too young feels childish. Too old feels uncomfortable. So when one book keeps kids reading under the blankets long after bedtime&hellip; parents notice.
In this episode, Justin chats with author and coach Sam Summers about her new middle-grade fantasy novel The Lost Defenders &mdash; the fast-paced monster adventure kids are devouring in a single night.
But this conversation goes deeper than books.
Sam also opens up about rebuilding her life as a single mum, the pressure so many working mothers carry, and why &ldquo;balance&rdquo; might actually be making parents feel worse.
If you&rsquo;ve ever felt stretched too thin while trying to raise happy, confident kids, this episode will hit home.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li>Why finding age-appropriate books for tweens is so difficult</li>
<li>The secret to writing stories kids can&rsquo;t put down</li>
<li>How Sam tested her book on real kids before publishing</li>
<li>Why reading together became an anchor during single motherhood</li>
<li>The hidden pressure working mums carry every day</li>
<li>Why &ldquo;balance&rdquo; is often an impossible goal</li>
<li>The healthier mindset shift parents need instead</li>
<li>What kids really learn from watching their parents</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;What we want is for our children to see us happy, because one day they&rsquo;ll copy the way we lived.&rdquo;
RESOURCES:<a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-lost-defenders-9781761355059"></a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-lost-defenders-9781761355059">The Lost Defenders</a> by Sam Summers</li>
<li><a href="https://rebelreaders.com.au/rebel-top48-list/">Top 48 Reads for Kids Aged 9-12&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li>Find books that stretch your child without overwhelming them</li>
<li>Create small reading rituals your kids will remember</li>
<li>Stop chasing perfect balance and focus on what matters most right now</li>
<li>Ask yourself: what version of adulthood am I modelling for my children?</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 Secret to Raising Kids Who Love Reading [with author Samantha Summers]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/27ceb0ab-b685-4c54-8fb3-b45c000cb444/transcript

Cutting back sugar can help some ADHD kids feel calmer, happier, and more regulated… but how do you do it without accidentally creating food anxiety or body image struggles?

In this episode, Justin and Kylie respond to a parent navigating the difficult balance between supporting an ADHD child’s wellbeing while protecting her relationship with food and her body.

They unpack why the conversation should never be about weight, how parents can shift the focus toward wellbeing instead, and the powerful mindset change that helps children build healthier habits without shame or fear.

KEY POINTS:
Why reducing sugar should never be framed around weight
The wellbeing-focused approach that changes everything
How ADHD kids can learn to notice how food affects their bodies
Why family culture matters more than strict food rules
The danger of becoming too “fanatical” about healthy eating
How small awareness moments create long-term change
The connection between sleep, movement, nutrition, screens, and behaviour

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“It’s not about weight. It’s not even about behaviour. It’s about wellbeing and how we want to feel.”

RESOURCES:
Misconnection by Justin Coulson
Submit your tricky questions here
Episode #957 Diet Free Families, with Dietician Meg McClintock [Podcast]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Talk about energy, mood, focus, and wellbeing instead of weight
Make healthy changes as a whole family, not just for one child
Help children notice how different foods make them feel
Avoid perfectionism or overly strict food rules
Prioritise sleep, movement, nutritious food, and reduced screen time
Focus on progress and awareness, not instant transformation

Cutting back sugar can help some ADHD kids feel calmer, happier, and more regulated&hellip; but how do you do it without accidentally creating food anxiety or body image struggles?
In this episode, Justin and Kylie respond to a parent navigating the difficult balance between supporting an ADHD child&rsquo;s wellbeing while protecting her relationship with food and her body.
They unpack why the conversation should never be about weight, how parents can shift the focus toward wellbeing instead, and the powerful mindset change that helps children build healthier habits without shame or fear.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why reducing sugar should never be framed around weight</li>
<li aria-level="1">The wellbeing-focused approach that changes everything</li>
<li aria-level="1">How ADHD kids can learn to notice how food affects their bodies</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why family culture matters more than strict food rules</li>
<li aria-level="1">The danger of becoming too &ldquo;fanatical&rdquo; about healthy eating</li>
<li aria-level="1">How small awareness moments create long-term change</li>
<li aria-level="1">The connection between sleep, movement, nutrition, screens, and behaviour</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not about weight. It&rsquo;s not even about behaviour. It&rsquo;s about wellbeing and how we want to feel.&rdquo;
RESOURCES:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/miss-connection">Misconnection</a> by Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1">Submit your tricky questions <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast">here</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/957-diet-free-families">Episode #957 Diet Free Families, with Dietician </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/megandsusan">Meg McClintock</a><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/957-diet-free-families"></a> [Podcast]</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Talk about energy, mood, focus, and wellbeing instead of weight</li>
<li aria-level="1">Make healthy changes as a whole family, not just for one child</li>
<li aria-level="1">Help children notice how different foods make them feel</li>
<li aria-level="1">Avoid perfectionism or overly strict food rules</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prioritise sleep, movement, nutritious food, and reduced screen time</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on progress and awareness, not instant transformation</li>
</ul>

Why Restricting Sugar Can Backfire (a Q&A About Sugar & ADHD)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/04b8433a-2758-44d4-b934-b45c000c929e/transcript

A stranger in a bakery made one comment about a young girl’s body — and it sparked a conversation every parent needs to hear.

When should we speak up? When should we walk away? And how do we help our kids build confidence in a world where careless comments about appearance are still far too common?

In this powerful episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the viral bakery confrontation that divided the internet, explore the lasting impact of body-shaming comments, and share practical ways parents can help children become resilient, self-aware, and emotionally strong.

They also dive into healthy masculinity, raising respectful boys, and the simple lesson every child should learn about commenting on other people’s bodies.

KEY POINTS:
Why comments about kids’ bodies can leave lasting emotional scars
The difference between reacting publicly and protecting your peace
How to teach children resilience without dismissing their feelings
The “30-second rule” for commenting on appearance
What healthy masculinity really looks like
How to help daughters identify respectful relationships and red flags
Using difficult moments as powerful teaching opportunities

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Healthy men help the people around them feel safer and stronger.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Boys: Building Strong Young Men From the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson
Happy Families podcast
News.com.au article discussed in the episode

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Teach children that other people’s opinions do not define their worth
Model respectful language about bodies and appearance
Use difficult social moments as teaching opportunities, not panic moments
Encourage kids to notice how people make them feel: safer and stronger, or smaller and ashamed
Remind children they never need to tolerate disrespect to be accepted

A stranger in a bakery made one comment about a young girl&rsquo;s body &mdash; and it sparked a conversation every parent needs to hear.
When should we speak up? When should we walk away? And how do we help our kids build confidence in a world where careless comments about appearance are still far too common?
In this powerful episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the viral bakery confrontation that divided the internet, explore the lasting impact of body-shaming comments, and share practical ways parents can help children become resilient, self-aware, and emotionally strong.
They also dive into healthy masculinity, raising respectful boys, and the simple lesson every child should learn about commenting on other people&rsquo;s bodies.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why comments about kids&rsquo; bodies can leave lasting emotional scars</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between reacting publicly and protecting your peace</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to teach children resilience without dismissing their feelings</li>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;30-second rule&rdquo; for commenting on appearance</li>
<li aria-level="1">What healthy masculinity really looks like</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to help daughters identify respectful relationships and red flags</li>
<li aria-level="1">Using difficult moments as powerful teaching opportunities</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;Healthy men help the people around them feel safer and stronger.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/5kjvy3">Boys: Building Strong Young Men From the Inside Out</a> by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast">Happy Families podcast</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/mum-films-moment-she-confronts-man-over-gross-comment/news-story/c810e3a2849186d16595dcbd5b8ef109">News.com.au article</a> discussed in the episode</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Teach children that other people&rsquo;s opinions do not define their worth</li>
<li aria-level="1">Model respectful language about bodies and appearance</li>
<li aria-level="1">Use difficult social moments as teaching opportunities, not panic moments</li>
<li aria-level="1">Encourage kids to notice how people make them feel: safer and stronger, or smaller and ashamed</li>
<li aria-level="1">Remind children they never need to tolerate disrespect to be accepted</li>
</ul>

"That's Going to End Up On Your Hips"

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/8ac25b0c-31a3-4400-a81b-b45c000c62bf/transcript

One unexpected date night changed everything. What started with reluctance, exhaustion, and a pottery wheel in the middle of an industrial estate turned into one of the most immersive and connecting experiences we’ve had in years.

In this heartfelt episode of I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share why ordinary date nights often fall flat, how novelty can reignite connection, and the surprising activity that completely pulled Justin out of stress and into flow.

Plus, Kylie shares a deeply emotional story about one conversation between two sisters that revealed what children really know about a parent’s love — even in the middle of slammed doors, teenage tension, and hard seasons.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that the moments we think aren’t landing may matter more than we realise.

KEY POINTS:
Why routine date nights can lose their spark
The power of novelty and shared experiences in relationships
How stepping outside your comfort zone strengthens connection
The surprising mental health benefits of immersive activities
What teenagers really remember about love and safety
Why parenting is more about meaning than happiness
The hidden impact of simply continuing to show up for your kids

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Miss-Connection: Why your teenage daughter “hates” you, expects the world, and needs to talk by Dr Justin Coulson 
Preorder Boys: Building strong young men from the inside out by Dr Justin Coulson
Claim your preorder bonuses for Boys
Happy Families membership and resources

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Plan one date night this month that feels new, adventurous, or slightly uncomfortable
Focus less on ‘getting quality time’ and more on shared experiences
Keep showing up with love, even when your child pushes you away
Look for quiet evidence that your influence is deeper than you think
Take time to savour the small family moments that often pass too quickly

One unexpected date night changed everything. What started with reluctance, exhaustion, and a pottery wheel in the middle of an industrial estate turned into one of the most immersive and connecting experiences we&rsquo;ve had in years.
In this heartfelt episode of I&rsquo;ll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share why ordinary date nights often fall flat, how novelty can reignite connection, and the surprising activity that completely pulled Justin out of stress and into flow.
Plus, Kylie shares a deeply emotional story about one conversation between two sisters that revealed what children really know about a parent&rsquo;s love &mdash; even in the middle of slammed doors, teenage tension, and hard seasons.
This episode is a beautiful reminder that the moments we think aren&rsquo;t landing may matter more than we realise.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why routine date nights can lose their spark</li>
<li aria-level="1">The power of novelty and shared experiences in relationships</li>
<li aria-level="1">How stepping outside your comfort zone strengthens connection</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising mental health benefits of immersive activities</li>
<li aria-level="1">What teenagers really remember about love and safety</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why parenting is more about meaning than happiness</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden impact of simply continuing to show up for your kids</li>
</ul>
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/miss-connection">Miss-Connection: Why your teenage daughter &ldquo;hates&rdquo; you, expects the world, and needs to talk</a> by Dr Justin Coulson&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Preorder <a href="https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/5kjvy3">Boys: Building strong young men from the inside out</a> by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1">Claim your&nbsp;<a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/boys-claim-my-bonuses">preorder bonuses</a> for Boys</li>
<li aria-level="1">Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/membership">membership</a> and resources</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Plan one date night this month that feels new, adventurous, or slightly uncomfortable</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus less on &lsquo;getting quality time&rsquo; and more on shared experiences</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep showing up with love, even when your child pushes you away</li>
<li aria-level="1">Look for quiet evidence that your influence is deeper than you think</li>
<li aria-level="1">Take time to savour the small family moments that often pass too quickly</li>
</ul>

Date Night and the Power of Showing Up

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/57174378-508c-49c5-b02e-b45800ba3c29/transcript

The Secret to Raising Kids Who Love Reading [with author Samantha Summers]

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