What keeps a relationship strong when life gets hard? Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack 24 years of Australian household data to explore what makes relationships thrive. From sharing the mental and physical load at home to surviving the stressful years of raising children, discover why relationship satisfaction can dip for decades before reaching its highest point yet.

KEY POINTS


Why sharing the load at home matters more than you might think


How money, housework and parenting pressures affect relationship satisfaction


Why relationships can feel harder during the years of raising children


What changes as couples move into their 40s and 50s


How communication, trust and teamwork help couples stay connected

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“When you trust one another, when you believe the other person is going to act in your best interests, and you see that on repeat because they do, that's when people feel high levels of relationship satisfaction.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED


HILDA Survey (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia)


The Ape That Understood the Universe by Steve Stewart-Williams


A Billion Years of Sex Differences by Steve Stewart-Williams

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS


Talk honestly about whether the workload at home feels fair to both of you.


Ask your partner what has been feeling hard lately and listen without getting defensive.


Look for small ways to show your partner they can rely on you.


Remember that you are on the same team, even when you contribute in different ways.

What keeps a relationship strong when life gets hard? Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack 24 years of Australian household data to explore what makes relationships thrive. From sharing the mental and physical load at home to surviving the stressful years of raising children, discover why relationship satisfaction can dip for decades before reaching its highest point yet.
KEY POINTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Why sharing the load at home matters more than you might think
</li>
<li>
How money, housework and parenting pressures affect relationship satisfaction
</li>
<li>
Why relationships can feel harder during the years of raising children
</li>
<li>
What changes as couples move into their 40s and 50s
</li>
<li>
How communication, trust and teamwork help couples stay connected
</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;When you trust one another, when you believe the other person is going to act in your best interests, and you see that on repeat because they do, that's when people feel high levels of relationship satisfaction.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<a href="https://apple.news/AJwxuZFZ8SOCdVndWHr1ytg">HILDA Survey</a> (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia)
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-ape-that-understood-the-universe-steve-stewart-williams/book/9781108732758.html">The Ape That Understood the Universe</a> by Steve Stewart-Williams
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Billion-Years-Sex-Differences-Evolution/dp/180075647X">A Billion Years of Sex Differences</a> by Steve Stewart-Williams
</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Talk honestly about whether the workload at home feels fair to both of you.
</li>
<li>
Ask your partner what has been feeling hard lately and listen without getting defensive.
</li>
<li>
Look for small ways to show your partner they can rely on you.
</li>
<li>
Remember that you are on the same team, even when you contribute in different ways.
</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 Secrets to a Long, Happy Relationship Revealed

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/47725082-2a48-43a6-bc03-b4ea005425dd/transcript

Bedtime shouldn't end in arguments every night. Justin and Kylie share practical ways to help older kids wind down, stick to routines and take more responsibility for getting enough sleep. From screen time and dimming the lights to giving teens more control over bedtime, discover how to make evenings calmer and mornings less stressful.

KEY POINTS


Use the Three E's approach: Explore, Explain and Empower to work through bedtime struggles together.


Set consistent evening routines for dinner, showers, homework and getting ready for bed.


Reduce screen time in bedrooms and use dim lighting or music to help everyone wind down.


Slow the evening down with family time and a shared tidy-up.


Give older kids more independence by focusing on getting up on time and managing the consequences of late nights.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“You go to bed when you go to bed. So long as we don't have any problems in the morning, we're all good.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Happy Families: happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS


Set aside time this weekend to talk with your kids about what's making bedtime difficult.


Agree on a realistic evening routine that everyone understands.


Check whether screens are keeping your kids awake or making it harder to wind down.


Try dimming the lights and slowing down the pace of the evening.


Give older kids more say in their bedtime while setting clear expectations for getting up in the morning.

Bedtime shouldn't end in arguments every night. Justin and Kylie share practical ways to help older kids wind down, stick to routines and take more responsibility for getting enough sleep. From screen time and dimming the lights to giving teens more control over bedtime, discover how to make evenings calmer and mornings less stressful.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li>
Use the Three E's approach: Explore, Explain and Empower to work through bedtime struggles together.
</li>
<li>
Set consistent evening routines for dinner, showers, homework and getting ready for bed.
</li>
<li>
Reduce screen time in bedrooms and use dim lighting or music to help everyone wind down.
</li>
<li>
Slow the evening down with family time and a shared tidy-up.
</li>
<li>
Give older kids more independence by focusing on getting up on time and managing the consequences of late nights.
</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;You go to bed when you go to bed. So long as we don't have any problems in the morning, we're all good.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Happy Families: <a href="happyfamilies.com.au">happyfamilies.com.au</a>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li>
Set aside time this weekend to talk with your kids about what's making bedtime difficult.
</li>
<li>
Agree on a realistic evening routine that everyone understands.
</li>
<li>
Check whether screens are keeping your kids awake or making it harder to wind down.
</li>
<li>
Try dimming the lights and slowing down the pace of the evening.
</li>
<li>
Give older kids more say in their bedtime while setting clear expectations for getting up in the morning.
</li>
</ol>

Bedtime Battles With Older Kids and How to Make Nights Easier [a Listener Q&A]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/f4a8590c-09b0-4a38-af82-b4ea00544aef/transcript

Nine in 10 teens who get periods regularly experience pain, and around half report moderate to severe symptoms. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with paediatrician Dr Anthea Rhodes from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne about why so many girls are missing school, sport and social events because of period pain. They unpack the myths parents need to stop believing, how to recognise when pain needs attention, and practical ways to help teens feel supported. Plus, learn why boys need to understand periods too and how families can make these conversations less awkward.

KEY POINTS:


Why period pain shouldn’t be something teens simply have to endure


The signs that pain is interfering with everyday life


Why boys and dads need to understand periods


Practical ways to make period products and support accessible


How to start conversations when teens feel embarrassed asking for help

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Just because something’s common doesn’t mean there aren’t things that you can do to actually make that better.” Dr Anthea Rhodes

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Teen Health Info and Kids Health Info fact sheets, plus resources from the Pelvic Pain Clinical Network.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:


Ask your teen how their period affects school, sport and friendships.


Take pain seriously, especially when it stops them participating in everyday activities.


Keep period products and suitable pain relief accessible at home and in the car.


Make conversations about periods normal, not embarrassing.


Speak with your GP if symptoms are persistent, severe or not improving.

Nine in 10 teens who get periods regularly experience pain, and around half report moderate to severe symptoms. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with paediatrician <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anthea-rhodes-9496a010a/">Dr Anthea Rhodes</a> from the Royal Children&rsquo;s Hospital Melbourne about why so many girls are missing school, sport and social events because of period pain. They unpack the myths parents need to stop believing, how to recognise when pain needs attention, and practical ways to help teens feel supported. Plus, learn why boys need to understand periods too and how families can make these conversations less awkward.
KEY POINTS:
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Why period pain shouldn&rsquo;t be something teens simply have to endure
</li>
<li>
The signs that pain is interfering with everyday life
</li>
<li>
Why boys and dads need to understand periods
</li>
<li>
Practical ways to make period products and support accessible
</li>
<li>
How to start conversations when teens feel embarrassed asking for help
</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;Just because something&rsquo;s common doesn&rsquo;t mean there aren&rsquo;t things that you can do to actually make that better.&rdquo; Dr Anthea Rhodes
RESOURCES MENTIONED: Royal Children&rsquo;s Hospital Melbourne Teen Health Info and Kids Health Info fact sheets, plus resources from the Pelvic Pain Clinical Network.
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Ask your teen how their period affects school, sport and friendships.
</li>
<li>
Take pain seriously, especially when it stops them participating in everyday activities.
</li>
<li>
Keep period products and suitable pain relief accessible at home and in the car.
</li>
<li>
Make conversations about periods normal, not embarrassing.
</li>
<li>
Speak with your GP if symptoms are persistent, severe or not improving.
</li>
</ul>

Stop Telling Girls to Put Up With Period Pain [with Anthea Rhodes]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/fe52eaa5-8bf3-4141-9665-b4e7008065ff/transcript

Can paracetamol during pregnancy increase the risk of autism or ADHD? Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack four provocative studies challenging what we think we know about pregnancy, relationships, gender differences and rising neurodevelopmental diagnoses. From a major study examining paracetamol use during pregnancy to the possible reasons autism and ADHD diagnoses are increasing, this episode separates research findings from assumptions and explores what the evidence actually tells us.

KEY POINTS

• What a large study found about paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism or ADHD risk.
• Why men and women may appear to multitask differently.
• How pessimism about relationships may affect young women's expectations for happiness.
• Whether broader diagnostic criteria help explain rising autism and ADHD diagnoses.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Science isn't about convenience.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Prenatal Acetaminophen or Paracetamol Use and the Risk of Autism and ADHD Among Sibling-Matched Cohorts, published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
• Research published in Psychological Research on gender differences in multitasking.
• Suzanne Venker's discussion of heteropessimism on the Modern Wisdom podcast with Chris Williamson.
• Institute for Family Studies article on heteropessimism and relationship outcomes.
• Changes in Genetic Contributions to ASD and ADHD by Year of Diagnosis, published in JAMA Psychiatry.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Look at the research behind controversial health claims before accepting or dismissing them.
• Discuss questions about medication during pregnancy with your healthcare professional.
• Focus on finding healthy relationships built on kindness, trust and mutual support.
• Remember that research findings are part of an evolving evidence base, especially when it comes to autism and ADHD.

Can paracetamol during pregnancy increase the risk of autism or ADHD? Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack four provocative studies challenging what we think we know about pregnancy, relationships, gender differences and rising neurodevelopmental diagnoses. From a major study examining paracetamol use during pregnancy to the possible reasons autism and ADHD diagnoses are increasing, this episode separates research findings from assumptions and explores what the evidence actually tells us.
KEY POINTS
&bull; What a large study found about paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism or ADHD risk. &bull; Why men and women may appear to multitask differently. &bull; How pessimism about relationships may affect young women's expectations for happiness. &bull; Whether broader diagnostic criteria help explain rising autism and ADHD diagnoses.
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Science isn't about convenience.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
&bull; <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2850975">Prenatal Acetaminophen or Paracetamol Use and the Risk of Autism and ADHD Among Sibling-Matched Cohorts</a>, published in JAMA Internal Medicine. &bull; Research published in Psychological Research on <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00426-026-02279-5">gender differences in multitasking</a>. &bull; <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/hu/podcast/the-career-trap-that-makes-women-miserable-suzanne/id1347973549?i=1000773498234">Suzanne Venker's discussion of heteropessimism on the Modern Wisdom podcast</a> with Chris Williamson. &bull; <a href="https://ifstudies.org/blog/men-and-women-with-multiple-sex-partners-are-less-desirable-as-long-term-mates">Institute for Family Studies article </a>on heteropessimism and relationship outcomes. &bull; <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2850079">Changes in Genetic Contributions to ASD and ADHD by Year of Diagnosis</a>, published in JAMA Psychiatry.
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
&bull; Look at the research behind controversial health claims before accepting or dismissing them. &bull; Discuss questions about medication during pregnancy with your healthcare professional. &bull; Focus on finding healthy relationships built on kindness, trust and mutual support. &bull; Remember that research findings are part of an evolving evidence base, especially when it comes to autism and ADHD.

Paracetamol, Autism and ADHD: What the Latest Research Really Says

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/aa87fa90-7862-4edf-af4e-b4e70080145c/transcript

The Secrets to a Long, Happy Relationship Revealed

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