What happens when your child loves something you deeply dislike?

In this honest Friday episode, Justin shares what happened when he finally sat down to watch The Amazing Digital Circus with their 12-year-old daughter after months of resistance. The result wasn’t a parenting victory or a dramatic ban…it was something far more powerful.

Justin and Kylie unpack why staying curious instead of controlling can completely change the way our kids engage with media, trust us, and think critically about what they consume.

Plus: Kylie shares the unexpected emotional impact of hosting a women-only book club night that reminded everyone in the room they were more than just mums, wives, or carers.

This episode is about connection, intentionality, and the conversations that quietly shape our families.

KEY POINTS:
Why watching your child’s favourite show matters more than banning it
The hidden emotional impact of “harmless” kids content
How curiosity builds trust with tweens and teens
Why shared viewing changes the way children process media
The surprising power of women-only spaces and deep friendship
How intentional connection helps combat loneliness and overwhelm
The difference between building people up and tearing them down

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Your child stops passively consuming when they know you’re willing to sit beside them.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
Boys: Building Strong Young Men From the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson

 ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Watch one episode of your child’s favourite show with genuine curiosity
Ask what they love about it before sharing your concerns
Create intentional spaces for connection in your own life
Invite people over, even if it’s simple and imperfect
Focus on building trust before trying to change behaviour

What happens when your child loves something you deeply dislike?
In this honest Friday episode, Justin shares what happened when he finally sat down to watch The Amazing Digital Circus with their 12-year-old daughter after months of resistance. The result wasn&rsquo;t a parenting victory or a dramatic ban&hellip;it was something far more powerful.
Justin and Kylie unpack why staying curious instead of controlling can completely change the way our kids engage with media, trust us, and think critically about what they consume.
Plus: Kylie shares the unexpected emotional impact of hosting a women-only book club night that reminded everyone in the room they were more than just mums, wives, or carers.
This episode is about connection, intentionality, and the conversations that quietly shape our families.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why watching your child&rsquo;s favourite show matters more than banning it</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden emotional impact of &ldquo;harmless&rdquo; kids content</li>
<li aria-level="1">How curiosity builds trust with tweens and teens</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why shared viewing changes the way children process media</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising power of women-only spaces and deep friendship</li>
<li aria-level="1">How intentional connection helps combat loneliness and overwhelm</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between building people up and tearing them down</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;Your child stops passively consuming when they know you&rsquo;re willing to sit beside them.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://suemonkkidd.com/the-book-of-longings-excerpt/">The Book of Longings</a> by Sue Monk Kidd</li>
<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>
</ul>
&nbsp;ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Watch one episode of your child&rsquo;s favourite show with genuine curiosity</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask what they love about it before sharing your concerns</li>
<li aria-level="1">Create intentional spaces for connection in your own life</li>
<li aria-level="1">Invite people over, even if it&rsquo;s simple and imperfect</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on building trust before trying to change behaviour</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

What Our Kids Watch - and Why Women Need Each Other

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/bef116ae-112f-4719-bf36-b45c000cf896/transcript