Schoolies can feel like a runaway train of risk, pressure, and “everyone else is doing it.” But your teen does have options—ones that are safer, more meaningful, and genuinely unforgettable.

In this episode, Justin and Kylie share powerful ways to reframe the end-of-Year-12 celebration, build intention, and offer your teen experiences they’ll remember for all the right reasons. From once-in-a-lifetime trips to simple, joy-filled adventures closer to home, you’ll get practical, confidence-boosting ideas you can start planning at any age.

KEY POINTS
Why schoolies culture isn’t a rite of passage your teen needs.
How intention and values help guide safer, healthier choices.
Clever alternatives that still feel exciting, independent, and celebratory.
Trips with parents, extended family, or friend groups that build connection — not chaos.
Affordable options, big-dream options, and ways to start planning years ahead.
How to talk to kids about celebrations while honouring freedom and safety.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“High school is done — that is worth celebrating. But celebration doesn’t have to mean chaos. It can be meaningful, memorable, and still full of freedom.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
5 Essential Conversations to Have With Your Teen Before Schoolies [Article]
Get Set for Schoolies withPaul Dillon [Podcast Episode] 
Community & church-run schoolies alternatives
Family traditions like “Sweet Sixteen Trips”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Start the conversation early — schoolies ideas form long before Year 12.
Ask your teen what they want from an end-of-school celebration (freedom? adventure? connection?).
Brainstorm alternatives that align with your family values and your teen’s personality.
If planning a bigger trip, start saving as a team — years ahead if possible.
Explore friend-group or community-group options to add excitement, safety, and shared memories.
Remind your teen that opting out of schoolies isn’t missing out — it can be levelling up.

Schoolies can feel like a runaway train of risk, pressure, and &ldquo;everyone else is doing it.&rdquo; But your teen&nbsp;does have options&mdash;ones that are safer, more meaningful, and genuinely unforgettable.
In this episode, Justin and Kylie share powerful ways to reframe the end-of-Year-12 celebration, build intention, and offer your teen experiences they&rsquo;ll remember for all the right reasons. From once-in-a-lifetime trips to simple, joy-filled adventures closer to home, you&rsquo;ll get practical, confidence-boosting ideas you can start planning at any age.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why schoolies culture isn&rsquo;t a rite of passage your teen needs.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How intention and values help guide safer, healthier choices.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Clever alternatives that still feel exciting, independent, and celebratory.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Trips with parents, extended family, or friend groups that build connection &mdash; not chaos.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Affordable options, big-dream options, and ways to start planning years ahead.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to talk to kids about celebrations while honouring freedom and safety.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;High school is done &mdash; that is worth celebrating. But celebration doesn&rsquo;t have to mean chaos. It can be meaningful, memorable, and still full of freedom.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/5-essential-conversations-to-have-with-your-teen-before-schooliesHappy%20Families%20Parenting%20Resources">5 Essential Conversations to Have With Your Teen Before Schoolies</a> [Article]</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/886-get-set-for-schoolies-with-paul-dillon">Get Set for Schoolies withPaul Dillon</a> [Podcast Episode]&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Community &amp; church-run schoolies alternatives</li>
<li aria-level="1">Family traditions like &ldquo;Sweet Sixteen Trips&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Start the conversation early &mdash; schoolies ideas form long before Year 12.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask your teen what they want from an end-of-school celebration (freedom? adventure? connection?).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Brainstorm alternatives that align with your family values and your teen&rsquo;s personality.</li>
<li aria-level="1">If planning a bigger trip, start saving as a team &mdash; years ahead if possible.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Explore friend-group or community-group options to add excitement, safety, and shared memories.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Remind your teen that opting out of schoolies isn&rsquo;t missing out &mdash; it can be levelling up.</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

Rethinking Schoolies: Experiences Your Teen Will Actually Remember

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/ba3e2092-e03b-48d5-bbb0-b38600122aa2/transcript