If the idea of playing Barbies or dragons makes you groan… you’re not alone.

In this episode, Justin and Kylie tackle a parenting confession that many are afraid to admit: “I don’t like playing with my kids.” Drawing from emotional intelligence research and real-life experience, they unpack why play matters (even if it’s not your favourite), how to make it meaningful and manageable, and why it’s one of the simplest ways to build connection, confidence, and emotional regulation in your child.

KEY POINTS

• Play is not a luxury—it’s essential.
  Play builds emotional intelligence, connection, and social skills better than almost anything else.
• It’s not about doing it ‘right’.
  Play works best when it’s spontaneous, simple, and mutually enjoyable—not when it’s forced or scripted.
• The emotional impact is profound.
  Play regulates emotions, reduces tension, strengthens relationships, and helps kids feel seen, heard, and valued.
• The secret is in the interaction.
  What makes play powerful is the back-and-forth: the jokes, the giggles, the shared creativity—not the activity itself.
• A little goes a long way.
  Just 5–10 minutes of intentional play can fill your child’s emotional cup and help them play independently afterwards.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Play is not about perfection—it’s about connection and presence.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Happy Families Membership – parenting tools & webinars
• happyfamilies.com.au – resources for raising emotionally intelligent kids
• Shift by Ethan Kross

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Find a 5–10 minute window each day
   You don’t need hours. Commit to short, fully present bursts of play—no phones, no multitasking.
2. Gamify the mundane
   Turn routines into playful challenges: “Can you hop to the bathroom on one foot?” or “Let’s race to tidy up.”
3. Let your child lead
   Ask: “How could we make this more fun?” Give them a sense of autonomy and watch their creativity bloom.
4. Prioritise connection over performance
   You’re not there to entertain—you’re there to engage. Drop the pressure, enjoy the moment.
5. Repeat. Consistency is the win.
   Over time, this builds emotional strength, stronger relationships, and memories that last.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are your phone habits impacting your child’s growth?
We all know kids and screens don’t mix well—but what about parents and screens? A compelling new study has uncovered a strong link between a mother’s screen time and her child’s developmental outcomes. In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the latest research on "technoference" and what happens to our children when our eyes are glued to our devices. The results may just change the way you use your phone—especially around your kids.

KEY POINTS:

• Study Summary: Japanese research of ~4,000 mother-child pairs found that more than one hour of screen use by mums in front of their children correlates with lower language and social development.
• Two Hours or More: Greater than two hours was associated with lower global development outcomes.
• Technoference: The distraction of devices interrupts “serve and return” interactions—vital for healthy child development.
• Modelling Matters: Kids mimic their parents—mums who use screens more are more likely to have kids who use them too.
• TV vs. Devices: Passive screen time (TV) is less harmful than interactive, overstimulating device use—but still not ideal.
• Screen Time ≠ Quality Learning: Despite nostalgic memories of “learning” from Sesame Street, research shows TV is a poor teacher compared to real-world engagement.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:

"Screens are a hollow imitation of real life... real development happens in person-to-person, face-to-face interactions."

RESOURCES:

• The study published in Nature Scientific Reports (March 2025)
• Unplugged Parenthood: Reducing Screen Time to Strengthen Family Connections [Article]
• Happy Families website: happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Be Present: Put down your phone when you're with your child—especially in those early years.
2. Set Boundaries: Limit both your own and your child’s screen time with simple routines (e.g., no phones at the table or during playtime).
3. Model Mindful Use: Show kids what healthy tech habits look like—because they’re watching.
4. Prioritise Engagement: Make time for face-to-face chats, shared play, and reading together—real-life interactions build real brains.
5. Use Screens Intentionally: If you need a break, opt for TV over devices, and choose age-appropriate, narrative-driven content.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boys take risks. They push limits. They scare us. But underneath all that danger is an ancient drive to grow up and belong. In this deeply eye-opening conversation with Dr Arne Rubinstein, we unpack why boys behave this way, the missing “rite of passage” that modern culture has abandoned, and what parents can do today to help boys become grounded, respectful, and emotionally mature young men. This episode delivers clarity, relief, and practical steps every family needs.

KEY POINTS

• Boys are wired for risk — if adults don’t create safe challenges, they’ll create their own.

• Cultures worldwide share four rite-of-passage elements: storytelling, challenge, visioning, and honouring.

• Without that process, boys can grow into adult men with boy psychology (self-centred, entitled, emotionally volatile).

• Dads, mums, and male role models each play a critical role — but the village matters for every boy.

• Early parenting is crucial: strong relationships, fair boundaries, shared stories, and responsibilities build maturity.

• Single mums can create support through uncles, mentors, friends, and community.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Every boy will go through a rite of passage. The question is whether he creates it himself — or whether we create something appropriate for him.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Dr Arne Rubinstein — Rites of Passage Institute

• The Making of Men (book)

• Happy Families Bringing Up Boys Summit

• The Miss-Connection Summit is also available
• Sign up here to be the first to news about Justin's new book 'Boys'

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Create 1:1 connection time — device-free and regular.

2. Share stories from your own adolescence — including failures and learnings.

3. Acknowledge strengths — notice what goes right.

4. Teach reflection before correction — ask what they think first.

5. Pair privileges with responsibility — avoid entitlement.

6. Build the village — involve mentors, relatives, teachers, coaches.

7. Separate the child from the behaviour — “I love you, but this isn’t okay.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever been halfway through a parenting reel thinking *“Oh wow, this is gold”… only to realise it’s actually terrible advice dressed up with pretty music and a pastel background? We’ve been there too. In today’s episode, Justin and Kylie unpack six pieces of popular parenting advice they’re choosing to ignore forever—and why you should too. From controlled crying to timeouts, “spoiling” kids with love, and the classic “just ignore the tantrum” strategy, we’re calling out the myths that sound helpful but harm connection. This episode is your permission slip to parent with heart, not hacks.

KEY POINTS:

• Controlled crying is not independence training — It misunderstands attachment and ignores babies’ real needs.
• Timeouts don’t teach, they isolate — Punishment in disguise erodes trust and connection.
• Responsiveness isn’t spoiling — Kids thrive when we tune in, not tune out.
• Ignoring tantrums doesn’t make them go away — Empathy teaches emotional regulation.
• “Seen and not heard” is still hanging around (and still harmful) — Kids need space to be curious, push back respectfully, and develop their voice.
• Self-soothing is a myth for little ones — Kids learn to calm down with us, not alone.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Abandoning children in their most vulnerable moments teaches them nothing—except that our love is conditional.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel
• Attachment research by Dr. Allan Schore

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Challenge bad advice — When you hear advice that feels off, trust your gut and check the research.
2. Choose connection over correction — When your child is distressed, meet them with empathy instead of isolation.
3. Be responsive, not reactive — Show up consistently so your child learns to regulate through co-regulation.
4. Make space for their voice — Let your kids respectfully question, push back, and express themselves.
5. Ditch the naughty chair — Find real discipline strategies that teach, not punish.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most family goals sound great… and quietly disappear by February.

In this short, honest episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson share why family goal-setting usually falls apart — and the simple shifts that actually make goals work. From kids’ fitness goals to holidays, habits, and hopes for the year ahead, this episode shows how buy-in, accountability, and involvement turn good intentions into real change.

If you want goals your kids don’t just agree to — but actually own — start here.

KEY POINTS

• Why top-down family goals almost always fail
• The power of bottom-up buy-in (especially with older kids)
• How accountability and visible progress keep motivation alive
• Why parents must support goals without becoming the “goal police”
• The overlooked ingredient that makes family goals stick: involvement

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The goals that work aren’t the ones parents announce — they’re the ones families build together.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Family meetings (What’s going well? What’s not? What should we focus on?)
• Happy Families website: happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Hold a short family meeting and let kids lead the goal ideas
• Choose one goal that feels challenging but achievable
• Set clear check-in points to notice progress
• Support the system — don’t police the outcome
• Get involved alongside your kids, especially when it’s hard

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's our final episode for 2025! With another year in the rear view mirror, its a very special I'll Do Better Tomorrow, as Justin and Kylie wrap up the year.

Topics discussed include:

• Justin's reflection on the Bondi terror attack.
• Kylie's thoughts on the recent New Zealand cycling trip, and persevering through hard things.
• Digging deep when we're dealing with the day to day mundane.
• Justin and Kylie's highlights of 2025.

Merry Christmas from the Happy Families Podcast team - Justin, Kylie, Mim and JR! We hope you have a wonderful season with those nearest and dearest to you.

Thank you for making the Happy Families Podcast the most downloaded parenting podcast in Australia this year.

We'll be back in 2026 with more daily parenting advice to help make your family happier.

As always visit the Happy Families website for more resources, or join the conversation on our Facebook page.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the Christmas your kids remember most isn’t about what’s under the tree — but how it felt to be together?

In this episode, we unpack the four gifts children truly need at Christmas — the ones you can’t buy, wrap, or return — and how letting go of perfection might be the very thing that brings more joy, calm, and connection into your home this season.

KEY POINTS

• Why chasing the “perfect” Christmas often leaves parents exhausted and grumpy
• How peace doesn’t mean quiet — it means letting go of pressure
• Why kids crave presence more than presents
• How playfulness creates connection without deep talks or big emotions
• The role of purpose in giving Christmas meaning beyond consumerism
• Why imperfection might be the secret to a more memorable day

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Perfection isn’t what makes Christmas magical. Peace, presence, playfulness, and purpose do.”

RESOURCES

• Born This Happy Morning
• Luke Chapter 2 & Matthew (The Christmas story)
• Take Back Christmas [Article]
• 10 Easy Traditions That Can Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family [Article]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Release one expectation that’s creating stress this Christmas
• Put your phone away for a block of uninterrupted family time
• Plan one playful activity just for fun (games, jokes, silliness encouraged)
• Talk as a family about what Christmas means to you — beyond gifts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas is meant to be joyful… so why does it leave so many parents anxious, exhausted, and overwhelmed?
In this episode, Justin sits down with Rebecca Dredge (CEO of the Kiddo App) to unpack why school holidays spike parental stress — and what actually helps families survive the juggle of work, money, childcare, and endless commitments without burning out. This is a permission-giving conversation every tired parent needs before Christmas arrives.

KEY POINTS

• Why over a third of parents feel anxious about school holidays
• The hidden pressure of “making Christmas magical”
• How saying no can protect your family (and your sanity)
• Why over-planning everything backfires — and what to plan instead
• Practical ways to get support without guilt or overwhelm

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“It’s okay to say no. Your fridge doesn’t need every invitation on it.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Kiddo App – On-demand babysitting and care support for families
• Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au
  

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Circle the non-negotiables that matter most to your family
• Say no to at least one invitation this week
• Plan a few meaningful moments — not every moment
• Line up support before you’re desperate for it
• Aim to “glide into Christmas,” not collapse into it

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.