If every evening feels like emotional warfare, you’re not alone. Exhausted, desperate, and out of ideas? In this episode, Justin and Kylie share three powerful ways to turn chaotic, tear-filled nights into calm, connected moments — so bedtime stops being a battle and starts feeling peaceful again.

KEY POINTS
The three pillars for calmer nights: routine, environment, and presence
Why predictability helps kids feel safe (and parents feel sane)
The surprising power of dim lights, soft music, and storytime
What your kids are really asking for when they “stall” bedtime
Simple, loving ways to reconnect — even when you’re out of patience

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“They just want to feel safe and secure and know that they’re loved — that’s the game.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
What Your Child Needs From You by Dr Justin Coulson
More resources: happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Create a predictable nightly rhythm — same order, same cues.
Ditch screens an hour before bed and dim the lights.
Be present, not perfect — a calm hug goes further than any rule.

If every evening feels like emotional warfare, you&rsquo;re not alone. Exhausted, desperate, and out of ideas? In this episode, Justin and Kylie share three powerful ways to turn chaotic, tear-filled nights into calm, connected moments &mdash; so bedtime stops being a battle and starts feeling peaceful again.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The three pillars for calmer nights: routine, environment, and presence</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why predictability helps kids feel safe (and parents feel sane)</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising power of dim lights, soft music, and storytime</li>
<li aria-level="1">What your kids are really asking for when they &ldquo;stall&rdquo; bedtime</li>
<li aria-level="1">Simple, loving ways to reconnect &mdash; even when you&rsquo;re out of patience</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;They just want to feel safe and secure and know that they&rsquo;re loved &mdash; that&rsquo;s the game.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/what-your-child-needs-from-you">What Your Child Needs From You</a> by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1">More resources: <a href="happyfamilies.com.au">happyfamilies.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Create a predictable nightly rhythm &mdash; same order, same cues.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ditch screens an hour before bed and dim the lights.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Be present, not perfect &mdash; a calm hug goes further than any rule.</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

When Every Night Is a Meltdown: How to End Bedtime Battles for Good

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/951e9147-bd3b-4d31-b923-b38200ab7c2d/transcript