When school becomes a source of anxiety, exhaustion, and lost love of learning, something has to give. In this deeply honest episode, Justin & Kylie share why they made the controversial leap into homeschooling - what pushed them to act, what surprised them, and what the research actually says about outcomes. If you’ve ever worried your child is struggling in the system, this episode may change the way you see education.

KEY POINTS
The real drivers behind Australia’s homeschooling surge (hint: it’s not ideology)
Why kids who struggle at school often thrive at home
What the data actually shows about NAPLAN, university outcomes & social skills
The surprising benefits Kylie sees day-to-day with flexibility, autonomy & mental wellbeing
Why homeschooling isn’t “all or nothing”—and how parents can test without regret
The single parenting factor that matters more than the schooling model

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Motivated, engaged parents produce good outcomes for their kids—regardless of the schooling method.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Australian homeschooling growth statistics
US research on long-term academic & social outcomes

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Observe — Notice learning behaviours: anxiety, disengagement, excitement, curiosity.
Experiment — Try small schooling variations (flex days, distance options, tutoring, hybrid).
Connect — Talk to homeschooling communities to understand real-world rhythms.
Review — Ask your child how they feel about learning—not just school.
Decide lightly — Treat schooling as a season, not a life sentence; you can always change course.

When school becomes a source of anxiety, exhaustion, and lost love of learning, something has to give. In this deeply honest episode, Justin &amp; Kylie share why they made the controversial leap into homeschooling - what pushed them to act, what surprised them, and what the research actually says about outcomes. If you&rsquo;ve ever worried your child is struggling in the system, this episode may change the way you see education.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The real drivers behind Australia&rsquo;s homeschooling surge (hint: it&rsquo;s not ideology)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why kids who struggle at school often thrive at home</li>
<li aria-level="1">What the data actually shows about NAPLAN, university outcomes &amp; social skills</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising benefits Kylie sees day-to-day with flexibility, autonomy &amp; mental wellbeing</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why homeschooling isn&rsquo;t &ldquo;all or nothing&rdquo;&mdash;and how parents can test without regret</li>
<li aria-level="1">The single parenting factor that matters more than the schooling model</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Motivated, engaged parents produce good outcomes for their kids&mdash;regardless of the schooling method.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Australian homeschooling <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/p/390082/54/steme4k3nisyu2081lp5konidnyuou4wtxbbo95guc1rp">growth statistics</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">US <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/entries/10.4324/9781138609877-REE72-1/homeschooling-curriculum-rob-kunzman?context=rroe">research</a> on long-term academic &amp; social outcomes</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Observe &mdash; Notice learning behaviours: anxiety, disengagement, excitement, curiosity.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Experiment &mdash; Try small schooling variations (flex days, distance options, tutoring, hybrid).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Connect &mdash; Talk to homeschooling communities to understand real-world rhythms.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Review &mdash; Ask your child how they feel about learning&mdash;not just school.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Decide lightly &mdash; Treat schooling as a season, not a life sentence; you can always change course.</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

Why We Chose to Homeschool and What Happened Next

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/74c1095a-a0d3-4ffd-af9f-b3d200b8f8d3/transcript

Some lessons don’t land the first time. Or the tenth. But then—something shifts. In this episode, Justin shares a surprising win from “explicit teaching” with his kids, and Kylie opens up about kinesiology, therapy, and why the evidence doesn’t always tell the whole story.

This one hits deep for any parent who’s trying to raise values-led kids while staying connected through the teenage years.

KEY POINTS
Why teens need us in the details of their lives — even when they push back
The power of a safe third party in tough conversations (psychology vs. kinesiology)
How “explicit teaching” actually works in real families (the media/music example)
When values stick — and why discussion beats lecturing every time
The shift from compliance → identification → integration when kids choose their values

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“We don’t tell them what they have to do — we share principles, ask what they think, and keep the conversation going.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Misconnection: Why Your Teenage Daughter Hates You, Expects the World, and Needs to Talk (Justin Coulson PhD)

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Create safe third-party spaces. This could be a psychologist, mentor, aunt, uncle, or trusted adult — not always paid.
Use explicit teaching sparingly — but consistently. Small conversations over time beat one big lecture.
Ask values-based questions. Try: “What do you think this message does to you?”
Let them wrestle. Real learning happens in the tension — not in compliance.
Keep reflecting, don’t direct. Facilitate decisions instead of making them for your kids.

Some lessons don&rsquo;t land the first time. Or the tenth. But then&mdash;something shifts. In this episode, Justin shares a surprising win from &ldquo;explicit teaching&rdquo; with his kids, and Kylie opens up about kinesiology, therapy, and why the evidence doesn&rsquo;t always tell the whole story.
This one hits deep for any parent who&rsquo;s trying to raise values-led kids while staying connected through the teenage years.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why teens need us in the details of their lives &mdash; even when they push back</li>
<li aria-level="1">The power of a safe third party in tough conversations (psychology vs. kinesiology)</li>
<li aria-level="1">How &ldquo;explicit teaching&rdquo; actually works in real families (the media/music example)</li>
<li aria-level="1">When values stick &mdash; and why discussion beats lecturing every time</li>
<li aria-level="1">The shift from compliance &rarr; identification &rarr; integration when kids choose their values</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t tell them what they have to do &mdash; we share principles, ask what they think, and keep the conversation going.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/miss-connectionhttps://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/miss-connection">Misconnection: Why Your Teenage Daughter Hates You, Expects the World, and Needs to Talk</a> (Justin Coulson PhD)</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Create safe third-party spaces. This could be a psychologist, mentor, aunt, uncle, or trusted adult &mdash; not always paid.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Use explicit teaching sparingly &mdash; but consistently. Small conversations over time beat one big lecture.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask values-based questions. Try: &ldquo;What do you think this message does to you?&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Let them wrestle. Real learning happens in the tension &mdash; not in compliance.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep reflecting, don&rsquo;t direct. Facilitate decisions instead of making them for your kids.</li>
</ol>

When Teaching Kids “Doesn’t Work”… Until It Does

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/d5b88dda-501c-4743-84ac-b3d200b93656/transcript

The school year has barely started… and mornings are chaos, afternoons are meltdowns, and bedtime is a war zone. If your family routine is already off the rails, you’re not alone — and you’re not failing. In this short, evidence-based episode, Justin & Kylie share two powerhouse strategies backed by world-class research that will instantly reduce friction, restore calm, and get your days flowing again.

KEY POINTS
Most families don’t have ten problems — they have one bottleneck. Fix that, and everything downstream improves.
Use three questions to identify your real bottleneck (not the symptoms).
Mornings, after-school collapse, bedtime battles, and parent bottlenecks are the most common trouble spots.
Decision fatigue breaks routines. Successful families minimise decisions by using defaults, patterns, and routines.
One-time decisions beat daily debates: uniforms, breakfast rotation, meal rosters, after-school defaults, and bedtime rules.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Family routine falls apart because you’re burning willpower on low-value repetitive decisions instead of creating a system that lets you make the decision once — then keep it on repeat.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Theory of Constraints — Eli Goldratt (bottlenecks & flow)
Paradox of Choice — Barry Schwartz (decision overload)
Decision Architecture — Chip Heath
Skylight Calendar (not sponsored) — digital scheduling & defaults tool

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Identify the bottleneck: Ask: When does chaos peak? What task derails everything? What’s the domino? Fix that first.
Engineer it out of existence: Change the environment, not the child — uniforms ready, lunches packed, shoes found the night before.
Create defaults: Breakfast rotation, meal roster, after-school ritual, homework spot, bedtime time. Save willpower for what matters.

The school year has barely started&hellip; and mornings are chaos, afternoons are meltdowns, and bedtime is a war zone. If your family routine is already off the rails, you&rsquo;re not alone &mdash; and you&rsquo;re not failing. In this short, evidence-based episode, Justin &amp; Kylie share two powerhouse strategies backed by world-class research that will instantly reduce friction, restore calm, and get your days flowing again.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Most families don&rsquo;t have ten problems &mdash; they have one bottleneck. Fix that, and everything downstream improves.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Use three questions to identify your real bottleneck (not the symptoms).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mornings, after-school collapse, bedtime battles, and parent bottlenecks are the most common trouble spots.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Decision fatigue breaks routines. Successful families minimise decisions by using defaults, patterns, and routines.</li>
<li aria-level="1">One-time decisions beat daily debates: uniforms, breakfast rotation, meal rosters, after-school defaults, and bedtime rules.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Family routine falls apart because you&rsquo;re burning willpower on low-value repetitive decisions instead of creating a system that lets you make the decision once &mdash; then keep it on repeat.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Theory of Constraints &mdash; Eli Goldratt (bottlenecks &amp; flow)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Paradox of Choice &mdash; Barry Schwartz (decision overload)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Decision Architecture &mdash; Chip Heath</li>
<li aria-level="1">Skylight Calendar (not sponsored) &mdash; digital scheduling &amp; defaults tool</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Identify the bottleneck: Ask: When does chaos peak? What task derails everything? What&rsquo;s the domino? Fix that first.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Engineer it out of existence: Change the environment, not the child &mdash; uniforms ready, lunches packed, shoes found the night before.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Create defaults: Breakfast rotation, meal roster, after-school ritual, homework spot, bedtime time. Save willpower for what matters.</li>
</ol>

Is The Routine Falling Apart Already?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/4c3fb610-59ff-452d-8c66-b3d200b9194f/transcript

The first weeks back at school can make or break your child’s year — but what most parents miss is that the relationship you build with their teacher is the secret lever that shifts everything. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the surprising stats behind teacher burnout, why parent behaviour matters more than we think, and three game-changing ways to build a relationship with teachers that actually helps your child succeed — even if you’ve had rough years before.

KEY POINTS:
The hidden stress teachers face — and why it impacts your child
Why yelling, demanding, and “fix my kid” approaches backfire
The Parent Advantage: how small acts of service earn trust fast
Gratitude as rocket fuel for teacher morale (done without bribery!)
Don’t believe everything your child says — context matters
How to assume positive intent and extend grace in tough moments

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:

“Teachers are usually on your child’s side. They want to see your child succeed and win.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Happy Families Schools
Parent/Teacher Support Workshops 

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Volunteer for something — reading, excursions, laminating, anything.
Send gratitude early — a note, tiny gift, or simple “I see you.”
Acknowledge wins — when your child shares something positive, pass it on.
Hold stories lightly — get context before reacting.
Assume positive intent — teachers want your child to do well.

The first weeks back at school can make or break your child&rsquo;s year &mdash; but what most parents miss is that the relationship you build with their teacher is the secret lever that shifts everything. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the surprising stats behind teacher burnout, why parent behaviour matters more than we think, and three game-changing ways to build a relationship with teachers that actually helps your child succeed &mdash; even if you&rsquo;ve had rough years before.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden stress teachers face &mdash; and why it impacts your child</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why yelling, demanding, and &ldquo;fix my kid&rdquo; approaches backfire</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Parent Advantage: how small acts of service earn trust fast</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gratitude as rocket fuel for teacher morale (done without bribery!)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Don&rsquo;t believe everything your child says &mdash; context matters</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to assume positive intent and extend grace in tough moments</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
&ldquo;Teachers are usually on your child&rsquo;s side. They want to see your child succeed and win.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://justincoulson.com/school-membership/">Happy Families Schools</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.justincoulson.com.au">Parent/Teacher Support Workshops&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Volunteer for something &mdash; reading, excursions, laminating, anything.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Send gratitude early &mdash; a note, tiny gift, or simple &ldquo;I see you.&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Acknowledge wins &mdash; when your child shares something positive, pass it on.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Hold stories lightly &mdash; get context before reacting.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Assume positive intent &mdash; teachers want your child to do well.</li>
</ol>

Can Parent-Teacher Relationships Make or Break a School Year?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/57836e0d-7f31-41e4-a2f3-b3d200b8cae3/transcript

Why We Chose to Homeschool and What Happened Next

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