If your eight-year-old won’t walk into another room without you, this episode will change everything. Justin and Kylie unpack what’s really going on beneath “irrational” childhood fears—and why pushing independence backfires. Instead, you’ll hear the science of secure attachment, relatable stories, and simple steps that make your child braver because you’ve got their back.

KEY POINTS
Your child’s fear isn’t irrational—it’s real to them.
Why forcing independence increases fear and dependence.
Resilience is relational: kids become brave when they feel safe.
How modelling your own fears helps kids face theirs.
Four practical, developmentally sound ideas to reduce anxiety and build confidence.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Force creates resistance. The more we push independence, the more our kids cling.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Go with them—compassion beats coercion.
Skip the praise for doing things alone; it creates pressure.
Trust development—he’ll grow into independence naturally.
Stay curious—watch for any underlying stressors or changes.

If your eight-year-old won&rsquo;t walk into another room without you, this episode will change everything. Justin and Kylie unpack what&rsquo;s really going on beneath &ldquo;irrational&rdquo; childhood fears&mdash;and why pushing independence backfires. Instead, you&rsquo;ll hear the science of secure attachment, relatable stories, and simple steps that make your child braver because you&rsquo;ve got their back.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Your child&rsquo;s fear isn&rsquo;t irrational&mdash;it&rsquo;s real to them.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why forcing independence increases fear and dependence.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Resilience is relational: kids become brave when they feel safe.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How modelling your own fears helps kids face theirs.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Four practical, developmentally sound ideas to reduce anxiety and build confidence.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Force creates resistance. The more we push independence, the more our kids cling.&rdquo;
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Go with them&mdash;compassion beats coercion.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Skip the praise for doing things alone; it creates pressure.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Trust development&mdash;he&rsquo;ll grow into independence naturally.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay curious&mdash;watch for any underlying stressors or changes.</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

Growing Brave Kids Without Pushing Them Away

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/c9d989e7-ee4c-48dd-a7b5-b3860011d5f4/transcript

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