Your child smashes a TV. Or floods the bathroom. Or writes off the car. What now?

In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack one of parenting’s trickiest questions: should our kids pay for the damage they cause? You’ll hear real family stories, a breakdown of natural vs logical consequences, and a powerful mindset shift that helps kids take ownership without shame — and keeps relationships intact.

KEY POINTS
Why “natural consequences” aren’t the same as punishment
How to teach accountability without blame, guilt, or control
The “OAR vs BED” principle: helping kids own mistakes and grow from them
When (and how) to talk about reparations or paying for damages
How to balance compassion, responsibility, and fairness

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Discipline isn’t about punishment. It’s about problem solving — together.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Happy Families Membership
10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know by Dr Justin Coulson
Entitled [Upcoming Live Webinar] 

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
When something breaks, pause before reacting.
Ask: “What does my child need right now?” — not “What consequence fits this?”
Guide your child toward ownership, accountability, and reparation.
Keep the relationship more important than the thing.

Your child smashes a TV. Or floods the bathroom. Or writes off the car. What now?
In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack one of parenting&rsquo;s trickiest questions: should our kids pay for the damage they cause? You&rsquo;ll hear real family stories, a breakdown of&nbsp;natural vs logical consequences, and a powerful mindset shift that helps kids take ownership without shame &mdash; and keeps relationships intact.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why &ldquo;natural consequences&rdquo; aren&rsquo;t the same as punishment</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to teach accountability without blame, guilt, or control</li>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;OAR vs BED&rdquo; principle: helping kids own mistakes and grow from them</li>
<li aria-level="1">When (and how) to talk about reparations or paying for damages</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to balance compassion, responsibility, and fairness</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Discipline isn&rsquo;t about punishment. It&rsquo;s about problem solving &mdash; together.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/membership">Happy Families Membership</a></li>
<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> by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/answers-with-justin-entitled">Entitled</a> [Upcoming Live Webinar]&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">When something breaks, pause before reacting.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask: &ldquo;What does my child need right now?&rdquo; &mdash; not &ldquo;What consequence fits this?&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guide your child toward ownership, accountability, and reparation.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep the relationship more important than the thing.</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 Kids Break Stuff: Teaching Accountability Without Shame or Punishment

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/0dcfe01e-48cc-4c94-9f75-b372009d585f/transcript