He’s perfect at school. Polite. Award-winning. Well behaved.

Then he comes home… and explodes.

If your 7–8-year-old is melting down over TV, pushing boundaries, or even getting physical when you say no — this episode will help you understand what’s really going on beneath the surface.

We unpack the hidden developmental shifts happening in boys around this age, why “just turn it off” can feel impossible for them, and practical strategies to reduce the blow-ups — without constant battles.

If you’re exhausted, confused, or questioning yourself… this one’s for you.

KEY POINTS
Why boys around 7–8 experience a surge in emotional intensity (adrenarche)
The surprising reason “good at school” can mean explosions at home
Why turning off TV feels bigger than it looks
How to build emotional regulation before age 10
A powerful way to teach healthy masculinity early
Practical tools: transitions, routines, signals, and collaborative problem-solving

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“A strong, healthy man doesn’t use his strength to dominate. He uses it to help the people around him feel safer and stronger.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Pre-plan transitions before TV ends — decide together what happens next.
Use a neutral signal (timer, lights, countdown) to reduce confrontation.
Have calm conversations later, not in the heat of the moment.
Teach emotional strength explicitly — especially for boys.
Stay consistent. Regulation takes repetition, not one perfect talk.

He&rsquo;s perfect at school. Polite. Award-winning. Well behaved.
Then he comes home&hellip; and explodes.
If your 7&ndash;8-year-old is melting down over TV, pushing boundaries, or even getting physical when you say no &mdash; this episode will help you understand what&rsquo;s really going on beneath the surface.
We unpack the hidden developmental shifts happening in boys around this age, why &ldquo;just turn it off&rdquo; can feel impossible for them, and practical strategies to reduce the blow-ups &mdash; without constant battles.
If you&rsquo;re exhausted, confused, or questioning yourself&hellip; this one&rsquo;s for you.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why boys around 7&ndash;8 experience a surge in emotional intensity (adrenarche)</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising reason &ldquo;good at school&rdquo; can mean explosions at home</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why turning off TV feels bigger than it looks</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to build emotional regulation before age 10</li>
<li aria-level="1">A powerful way to teach healthy masculinity early</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical tools: transitions, routines, signals, and collaborative problem-solving</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;A strong, healthy man doesn&rsquo;t use his strength to dominate. He uses it to help the people around him feel safer and stronger.&rdquo;
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Pre-plan transitions before TV ends &mdash; decide together what happens next.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Use a neutral signal (timer, lights, countdown) to reduce confrontation.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Have calm conversations later, not in the heat of the moment.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Teach emotional strength explicitly &mdash; especially for boys.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay consistent. Regulation takes repetition, not one perfect talk.</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

Q&A: My Eight-Year-Old Turns Aggressive and I Don’t Know Why

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/2504b538-6ab9-481a-97ca-b3f30178f8aa/transcript