 

Christmas catch-ups can be joyful… and also incredibly tense when your kids start noticing that their cousins play by wildly different rules. No screen limits. Loose language. Even underage drinking.

In today’s tricky question, Justin and Kylie unpack how to protect your child’s wellbeing without blowing up family relationships — and how to help your kids navigate mixed values with confidence, clarity, and kindness.

KEY POINTS
Why “forbidden friendships” often backfire — and what to do instead.
How to set boundaries without judging extended family.
The one conversation to have before a big family catch-up.
Why your influence matters more than the cousin’s environment.
How to handle major non-negotiables (like alcohol) calmly and clearly.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Force creates resistance — but connection creates influence.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Submit your tricky question: happyfamilies.com.au
Voice notes: podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Have a pre-arming conversation. Ask what your child has noticed and how it makes them feel.
Clarify your family values without criticising others.
Set non-negotiables (e.g., alcohol, screens) with warmth + firmness.
Create positive shared experiences on your terms to keep relationships healthy.
Model compassion — kids learn more from how we speak about others than from the rules we set.

&nbsp;
Christmas catch-ups can be joyful&hellip; and also incredibly tense when your kids start noticing that their cousins play by wildly different rules. No screen limits. Loose language. Even underage drinking.
In today&rsquo;s tricky question, Justin and Kylie unpack how to protect your child&rsquo;s wellbeing without blowing up family relationships &mdash; and how to help your kids navigate mixed values with confidence, clarity, and kindness.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why &ldquo;forbidden friendships&rdquo; often backfire &mdash; and what to do instead.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to set boundaries without judging extended family.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The one conversation to have before a big family catch-up.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why your influence matters more than the cousin&rsquo;s environment.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to handle major non-negotiables (like alcohol) calmly and clearly.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Force creates resistance &mdash; but connection creates influence.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Submit your tricky question: happyfamilies.com.au</li>
<li aria-level="1">Voice notes: podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Have a pre-arming conversation. Ask what your child has noticed and how it makes them feel.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Clarify your family values without criticising others.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Set non-negotiables (e.g., alcohol, screens) with warmth + firmness.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Create positive shared experiences on your terms to keep relationships healthy.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Model compassion &mdash; kids learn more from how we speak about others than from the rules we set.</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 Your Kids’ Cousins Have Very Different Rules

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/2470a501-7c64-453d-8abb-b39f00aa6989/transcript