Ever had your child melt down because it’s time to leave somewhere fun? In this heartwarming episode, Justin and Kylie share the tearful goodbyes, the bike crashes, and the surprising wisdom that came from an 11-year-old who just didn’t want the holiday to end.

It’s a story about empathy, growing up, and remembering that sometimes… we all just want to stay a little longer.

KEY POINTS:
Why revisiting familiar places can be deeply meaningful for families
How empathy—not logic—helps calm big emotions in kids
The hidden benefits of letting grandparents “spoil” their grandkids
Why parents (even parenting experts!) still have emotional moments of their own
How shared stories can defuse tension and strengthen connection

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:

“Empathy and perspective are powerful. They stop you from getting mad at the kids and help you join them in their suffering.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know — Dr Justin Coulson
The Happy Families Newsletter – sign up via form on the website

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
When your child resists leaving, start with empathy before explanation.
Share a relatable story from your own life—it helps kids feel seen.
Let grandparents be the “soft place to land”—then gently re-establish home routines.

Ever had your child melt down because it&rsquo;s time to leave somewhere fun? In this heartwarming episode, Justin and Kylie share the tearful goodbyes, the bike crashes, and the surprising wisdom that came from an 11-year-old who just didn&rsquo;t want the holiday to end.
It&rsquo;s a story about empathy, growing up, and remembering that sometimes&hellip; we all just want to stay a little longer.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why revisiting familiar places can be deeply meaningful for families</li>
<li aria-level="1">How empathy&mdash;not logic&mdash;helps calm big emotions in kids</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden benefits of letting grandparents &ldquo;spoil&rdquo; their grandkids</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why parents (even parenting experts!) still have emotional moments of their own</li>
<li aria-level="1">How shared stories can defuse tension and strengthen connection</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
&ldquo;Empathy and perspective are powerful. They stop you from getting mad at the kids and help you join them in their suffering.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/10-things-every-parent-needs-to-know">10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know</a> &mdash; Dr Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/">Newsletter</a> &ndash; sign up via form on the website</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">When your child resists leaving, start with empathy before explanation.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Share a relatable story from your own life&mdash;it helps kids feel seen.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Let grandparents be the &ldquo;soft place to land&rdquo;&mdash;then gently re-establish home routines.</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 Holidays End and Tears Begin

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/bd1acfb6-fc64-481a-a3b3-b36401896a01/transcript