Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

What is the best way forward when your child asks for a day off from school?

In this episode:

School refusal Being at school matters The challenge of chronic student absenteeism for teachers Scheduling mental health days Understanding the root cause Explain, explore, empower

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Help your child discover the joy and magic of books, letting shared experiences and connections with stories weave the narrative of your family's literary journey.

In this episode:

A love of reading starts with you: "Readers are leaders, and leaders are readers"  Role modeling Resistant (or unwilling) readers Read aloud to your children Books, books, and more books! Letting go of expectations To bribe, or not to bribe

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Reduce parental and societal pressure, as well as any self-imposed pressure your child may be experiencing, with these relationship-building, autonomy-supporting tips.

In this episode:

Parental pressure Perfectionism and anxiety in children/adolescents School attendance Covid lockdowns and the price our children have had to pay Reaching goals, achieving potential Criticism reduces resilience - 9 Ways to a Resilient Child The 3 basic psychological needs of our children Autonomy supportive parenting School friendships

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Heading back to school can be difficult, but there are ways to make your mornings positive, productive, and peaceful. 

In this episode:

Morning begins the night before  Create margin More connection, less correction and direction Creating anticipation and optimism about school Coming soon - The Quest

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Try these 6 easy lunchbox ideas to get your child eating their school lunch rather than binning it or bringing it back home.

In this episode:

Back to school Finding lunches suitable for hot summers  Extending tastebuds Filling tummies Lunchbox menu plan Bento boxes Reducing the cognitive load

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Pop culture and parenting: we've got you covered, making sure you don't miss the important, the funny, or the plain ridiculous stories making waves in the world of parenting. 

This week in parenting:

Barbie Dreamhouse controversy  Close-ended vs open-ended play

Chris Hemsworth 

Societal norms and expectations in regard to what children call their parents Saltburn on Amazon Prime - A review by Madison, 17 years Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families Meta announces new policy for teenager users

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A conversation about finding balance in 2024, and how to put systems in place for your family (so that things go right more often). 

In this episode:

holidays the tightrope analogy routines, structure, and habits true recreation  building resilience

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5 parenting trends set to be huge in 2024 are placed under the Happy Families microscope. Will they build strong, solid families, or are they fads destined to flop over time?

 

In today's episode:

Celebrating small wins, on top of the big achievements "Sharenting" - putting your children online places them at risk of harm or exploitation Leah Plunkard, author of Sharenthood: Why We Should Think before We Talk about Our Kids Online Listen to my conversation with Madonna King, author of Saving Our Kids Parental benign neglect Helicopter parenting 21 Days to a Happier Family by Dr Justin Coulson Trust in organismic development, autonomy support, and adaptation among mothers and their children - research by Renee Landry and co Gentle parenting and choosing baby names Thrifting vs buying new

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Starting 2024 with a shock announcement from Justin as he reveals the big parenting issue he has gotten wrong! 

Topics in today's episode:

holidays homeschooling the magic of Christmas Santa Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien exciting changes to the podcast our words for 2024, and some words from our listeners

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Have the most wonderful Christmas with your loved ones.

We look forward to joining you again on The Happy Families Podcast in late January.

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This is the full interview with Dr Ross Greene, as heard in episodes #721 and #722.

Topics discussed in today's episode:

The Explosive Child, by Dr Ross Greene an associate clinical professor at Harvard Medical School Kids do well if they can Flexibility & adaptability Problem solving High emotions, low intelligence Lagging skills research Motivation vs ability How to work with intensely rigid children Problem solving Explore, Explain, Empower CPS model Inflexibility + inflexibility = Meltdown Problem solving proactively The truth about consequences Punishment vs problem solving Lives In The Balance

Purchase the 2023 Webinar Bundle for $199 and get instant access to $1087 worth of parenting resources! 

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Solutions for managing parental fatigue - perfect timing as we head into the busiest and most exhausting time of the year! 

Topics included in this episode -

Holidays - a time for rejuvenation or just more exhaustion? Physical and mental fatigue Exhaustion with little kids Causes of parental fatigue Tightrope walker metaphor - a constant balancing act Sleep is not a luxury Diet - eat well, make healthy food accessible Attention management 

 

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Why forming positive habits, especially those with our kids and in our families is so important.

Purchase the 2023 Webinar Bundle for $199 and get instant access to $1087 worth of parenting resources! 

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Topics included in this episode -

Ideas on how to motivate your kids and set goals as a family.

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What does Dr Mona think about gentle parenting?

Topics included in this episode -

Justin speaks with Dr Mona Delahooke Brain-Body Parenting Responsive parenting Permissive parenting Reading your child's cues Bottom-up behaviours are instinctual Behavioural biomarkers What to do instead Red & green zones Being responsive with time constraints

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Are you ready for summer swimming and surf? Dr Anthea Rhodes, a paediatrician, researcher and child health advocate from The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne shares some water safety tips. [Replay]

Topics included in this episode -

Justin shares a very personal story related to water safety Drowning can take 20 seconds Drowning is often silent Swimming lessons RCH National Child Health Poll NATIONAL DROWNING REPORTS

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Justin & Kylie share their favourite Christmas movies. [Replay]

G-rated options:

The Polar Express Klaus Arthur Christmas Elf Home Alone Santa Clause

Honourable (grown up) mentions:

Christmas Chronicles Bad Santa The Holiday

Nativity movies:

The Nativity Story (2006) Chasing The Star (2017) VeggieTales: The Little Drummer Boy (2011) Watch The Star | Netflix (2017) Journey to Bethlehem - Teaser Trailer | IMDb (2023)

Purchase Tis the Season to be Cranky or How to Unspoil your Kids this Christmas

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Rebecca Dredge is the Founder and Director of Kiddo, and she shares some tips on surviving the holidays. [Replay]

Topics included in this episode -

Why are Aussie parents feeling anxious about the holidays? Getting the balance right in long school holidays The power of 'No' Happy Families Podcast Episode #655 Grandparents Gone Wild How Kiddo can help your family Feeling burnt out? Watch our FREE Happy Families Webinar - The Resilient Parent

Learn more about Kiddo or find them on Facebook

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Kylie's "year in review" was a difficult but worthwhile process, enabling her to see how much personal growth and progress was made in 2023.

 

What has gone well?  What hasn't gone so well? Lessons learnt in 2023 What can be done better, moving forward? "Joy is the ability to see beauty."  "Give yourself permission to make ugly art."

 

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Help your kids have a great Summer! 7 tips for parents who want to see their children experience more independent play in a way that is both safe and fun.

In today's episode:

Healthy kids need to be playing, taking risks, and involved in independent activity Peter Gray - Children today are suffering a severe deficit of play | Aeon Essays Decline in mental health  Resilience and happiness Kylie and Justin share childhood experience of independent play and activities - risk, adventure, danger, exciting, noise, freedom, fun Learning risk assessment Helicopter parenting Kids need to feel capable, competent, and a sense of autonomy Exploring boundaries

 

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The inconvenience you can feel when a child asks to play a boring game or upon finding their clothes on the floor (again) is real. In these moments of frustration, dig deep and have compassion for your child, seeing life from their perspective. THIS is the real game-changer for a happier family.

Topics in this episode:

Playing board games when you hate them Should we let our children win? Teaching through play, verbalising strategy Nagging The importance of having compassion for our children Our children want us to listen to them!  7-day Miss-connection challenge - a Happy Families online program (free!)

 

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The books that have meant the most to Justin and Kylie this year. 

Kylie's top 3 books of 2023:

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin "A beautiful story about friendship." Homecoming by Kate Morton "Riveting!" Better Than Happy - Jodi Moore "Enlightening and powerful"

Justin's 5 star reads of 2023:

Silas Marner by George Eliot "The perfect story - sublime, utterly absorbing" The Case Against the Sexual Revolution by Louise Perry Testosterone: The Story of the Hormone that Dominates and Divides Us | Carole Hooven "Brilliant" Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson "A rip-roaring read." The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne-Bryson Saving our kids - Madonna King "Vitally important"  Generations by Jean M. Twenge "Compelling." Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond Happier Hour by Cassie Holmes Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski "Gives people info that really matters." The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Lisa Damour "Solid book, easy to read."

 

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Justin looks at how 2023 has been for him, both personally and professionally, and shares insights and ideas that will inspire you to improve family living in your own home.

It will be Kylie's turn for reflection next Tuesday!

What has gone well? What hasn't gone so well? Lessons learnt in 2023. What can be done better, moving forward? You Don't Just Lose Someone Once ? Donna Ashworth ?You are precisely as big as what you love and precisely as small as what you allow to annoy you.? ? Robert Anton Wilson

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It's almost the end of the year so we thought we'd look back at the top 5 Happy Families episodes that you listened to in 2023.

Here's how it played out:

#721 - Defusing Explosive Children #679 - Managing Fatigue as a Parent #674 - The Power of Habit #673 - Family Goal Setting #706 - Gentle Parenting: Is It a Fad or Fabulous?

We're so glad that so many people are listening to the podcast and finding value in the information that's being provided!

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Controversial parenting, a growing problem with school attendance (or lack thereof!), a video game the whole family can get excited about, and why every new dad should be taking parental leave.

In this episode:

Story 1: 60 Minutes Australia: Hidden anxiety epidemic jeopardising ?a generation? of Australian schoolchildren School refusal/anxiety - also referred to as "school can't" THE LITTLE BOY By Helen E. Buckley Story 2: ?I put coal in my kids? Christmas stockings to teach them a lesson? | Townsville Bulletin Controversial parenting techniques Punishing kids at Christmas "Every child needs..." (Bronfenbrenner quote) Happy Families | Facebook Be your child's safe place and provide them with unconditional love Story 3: How Paternity Leave Helps Dads? Brains Adapt to Parenting Paternity leave is a gift to families. Improving father-baby bonding, baby development, relationship between parents Story 4: The creators of Bluey: The Videogame on making a kids? game that?s also about parenting | The Guardian Playing video games as a family The right kind of screen time (Connecting and/or Creating vs Consuming) Story 5: Four in five parents turn to social media for parenting advice

 

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Whether family life feels messy and hard right now or you are in a season of smooth sailing, there's one thing that matters more than anything: loving your kids - and making sure they know it!

In this episode we cover:

Struggles and challenges with food Picky eating Autonomy, structure, and competence Conversations to have with children about what they eat Supporting and loving our kids - No Matter What Wet towels, empty fridge, dirty dishes, messy rooms Empty nesters and change in family dynamics Connection - a Happy Families article

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Problematic screen-use spans from toddlers through to teenagers (especially when love is in the air!) and can affect mental health, sleep, wellbeing and behaviour. There are some simple steps parents can take to ensure your child lives a healthy, balanced life - without having to confiscate the screen!

Topics from 'The Doctor's Desk':

The effects of screens on teenagers Teens as consumers of content Mental health and mental illness are two different things - see "dual continuum of mental wellbeing" diagram Boredom  The importance of strong parent-child relationship Toddlers and screens Screen limits and being intentional Love in the teenage years Delaying romantic relationships Study 1: How Parenting and Self-control Mediate the Link Between Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health Study 2: Toddlers and Tablets: Being Purposeful About Your Child?s Technology Use Study 3: Romantic relationships linked to disturbed sleep patterns in adolescents Helping your child through their first big breakup - a Happy Families article 3 Simple Tips for Managing Screen Time for the Whole Family - a Happy Families article

 

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Kristen Jenson (founder of Defend Young Minds) shares how, when and why to talk to your child about pornography. [Replay]

 

Topics in this episode:

Educating children to reject pornography The ways that pornography harms children 3 basic steps to having this conversation: 1. Define 2. Warn 3. Plan Advice for parents who have found their child viewing pornography Love your child No Matter What Good Pictures Bad Pictures | Books | Defend Young Minds?? Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. | Books | Defend Young Minds?? Defend Young Minds - free guide "How to Talk to Kids About Pornography" Curriculum for children aged 8-12 - Brain Defense Digital Safety Step-by-step SMART plan- "My Kid Saw Porn - Now What?" Bringing Up Boys Summit - Happy Families

 

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Navigating the complexities of tween and teen friendships can be challenging, especially in the age of social media. Here are some insights and tips to help your child run towards wonderful friendships rather than living in fear of exclusion.

Topics in this episode:

Sleepovers Bulling and teasing Snapchat and social media Structured activities and finite time for teenage get-togethers Miss Connection: Why your teenage daughter "hates" you, expects the world, and needs to talk by Dr Justin Coulson What teenage girls worry about most Conversations to have with your child BMX - Be More Exceptional

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It's that time of year when school awards nights are in full swing, celebrating academic and sporting prowess.

But are awards nights actually helpful?  And how can you help your child cope with the disappointment of missing out on recognition?

Some of the things discussed in this episode:

Awards by their nature are exclusive, so they can be a punishment for the majority. Relationships between kids, parents and teachers being damaged. Rewards and awards are ignoring reasons. Is it OK to acknowledge excellence? Should parents care more about grades or character?  Teaching your kids to sit with disappointment. Reminding kids that everyone has different talents, and schools recognise only a few of those talents. Status and recognition.

Check out the Happy Families Mega Sale | Black Friday to Cyber Monday

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Build stronger and lasting connections with those you love. Three game-changing ideas to help you focus on what really matters most in life. 

Topics in this episode:

William Martin - 'The Wonders of an Ordinary Life' Household chaos in a time of grief and upheaval Expecting immediate compliance from children Force creates resistance Autonomy  The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson (currently 25% off + free course!) People vs 'stuff' Investing in extended family relationships Black Friday Sales start today - Happy Families Mega Sale | Black Friday to Cyber Monday

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Three conversations you really need to be having with your teens BEFORE they head off to Schoolies. 

Topics in this episode:

Parents - it's ok to say no to Schoolies Creative and healthier alternatives Rite of passages Peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, fights, unsafe/risky behaviour Safe and healthy beats right and wrong Understanding consent Ensure your kids know you will always have their back #886 Get Set for Schoolies with Paul Dillon - a Happy Families podcast

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Dive into the enchanting land of 'Mine!' and the intricate world of kiddie diplomacy. Justin and Kylie unpack the challenges of sharing, with some big ideas to unlock the magic of cooperation - one shared toy at a time!

Topics in today's episode:

Special toys Sharing with siblings Learning cooperation, negotiation, and fairness through sharing Scarcity mentality vs abundance mentality Three basic psychological needs Self-determination / regulation Theory of Mind Power dynamics Developmental Milestones - a Happy Families article

 

 

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Part 2 of a conversation on perfectionism with Professor Thomas Curran from the London School of Economics.

Rather than expecting perfection from your child try modelling making mistakes - embrace failure and setbacks when they arise. This (not perfectionism) is what leads to success!

Topics in this episode:

Feeling that you are not enough The rise of perfectionism ? and the harm it?s doing us all | Mental health | The Guardian Link between perfectionism and psychological distress Parental/societal expectations Increased competition and excessive pressure "Doing your best" - is this helpful? Self-sabotage, procrastination and avoidance of failure  What is success? The Perfection Trap Thomas Curran's new book

 

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Professor Thomas Curran is (among many impressive titles) a 'perfectionist expert'. He unpacks the 'what, why, where, who, and how' of perfectionism in part 1 of this compelling discussion with Dr Justin Coulson. Part 2 of this conversation can be found here.

Today's conversation covers:

What is perfectionism? The link between mental health challenges and perfectionism Perfectionism in children - genetics or environmental? The 3 types of perfectionism Intergenerational transmission of perfectionistic tendencies The challenging cycle of self-defeat The Perfection Trap Thomas Curran's new book TEDMED - Our dangerous obsession with perfectionism is getting worse

 

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There are some simple yet profound ways to let your family know that they are loved, irreversibly and unconditionally. 

"How do you feel loved?" Being together as a family The power of names Joy and gratitude

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*Content warning: mature themes - listener discretion advised*

How do you talk to your kids when they are touched by the profound loss of a loved one through a suicide? These hard conversations must be had openly with your children - with kindness, compassion, and empathy. Your job is NOT to tell them everything, but to answer their questions honestly, in an age-appropriate way. 

Topics in this episode:

Protecting children from pain Limited evidence for how to have these conversations Keep your reactions level National Centre for Childhood Grief Keep the conversation age/developmentally appropriate Young Children and Middle Childhood: Keep it simple Operate on the principle of 'the fire hose' Answer questions honestly (to the degree with which they are curious) - the more general you can be, the more protected your child will be Offer empathy Talking helps to dispel misinformation and stigma and creates a safe space to ask questions Encourage questions about anything, and at any time Ensure they understand what "dead" means. Give concrete answers, not idioms or euphemisms Expect and accept a range of emotions (and behaviours!) from your child, which will change daily. Let them feel safe to let it all out

Picture Books for Helping Children Navigate Grief

Elergy for an Elephant by Ryan Abramowitz Death Is Stupid by Anastasia Higginbotham Luna's Red Hat by Emmi Smid Red Chocolate Elephants by Diana C. Sands Forever Connected by Jessica Correnti

For help:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 987 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Standby - Support After Suicide 1300 727 247

In Memory of Logan - Happy Families

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*Content warning: mature themes - listener discretion advised*

When someone is grieving the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to know how to approach them and what to say. How do you convey your compassion, your awareness of their enormous loss? What words and actions are helpful to the person grieving, and what is unhelpful or perhaps even harmful?

Colin Campbell, author of 'Finding the words', shares a practical and helpful approach to supporting someone in their grief, how to move through sorrow and profound loss with hope and purpose, and why there is a vital need for community during the grieving process.

Topics in this episode:

The loss of a child Suicide How to support someone in their deep sorrow - what to say, what not to say "I have no words" ends any chance of a dialogue about grief. Find the words. The evolution of grief, and of the grieving person's identity within that sorrow The importance of engaging with and accepting grief, rather than avoiding it Grief as a sensitive, taboo subject further isolates those in mourning Why trying to comfort a grieving person is not helpful Different societal/religious responses to grief, traditional mourning processes, and cultural tools and rules for managing grief in community. Of particular note:   Jewish mourning traditions: Mourning Kaddish, Shiva ,and Ending Shiva M?ori mourning ceremony - Tangihanga What Losing My Two Children Taught Me About Grief - The Atlantic  Viktor Frankl 'Mans Search for Meaning' Adoption (and the trauma and grief that can accompany it) In Memory of Logan

For help:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 987 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Standby - Support After Suicide 1300 727 247

 

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As many of you would be aware, Justin's nephew Logan died at the age of 20 after taking his own life.

Craig Bruce is the executive producer of the Happy Families Podcast, and provides a quick update on Justin and Kylie and what the podcast will look like over the next few days.

Justin and Kylie will be taking a break to spend time with family, before we return on Wednesday, November 15th with a timely conversation with Colin Campbell.

After the death of his two teenage children in a car accident, Colin wrote the book 'Finding the Words', a powerful account of how he navigated through unimaginable grief.

From everyone at Happy Families, thank you so much for all of your comments, thoughts and messages at this difficult time,

If you or anyone you know needs help, reach out to the following services:

Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467, Mensline Australia on 1300 789 987or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

 

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*Content warning - parental discretion advised*

Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling from ACCCE outlines the critical role parents and carers play in keeping children safe online. Learn how to have important conversations with your children - education is the key to prevention! 

Topics in this episode:

What is capping? The work of ACCCE  Teenagers at risk How in-game chat functions move to encrypted environments or video chat Red flags that are often missed The role of parents and carers in keeping children safe online Supervision and rules for screens Teaching children how to respond  Laws regarding child self-generated material Advice for parents  

Some previous interviews with Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling from ACCCE:

#699 Jayne Crossling on Safe Photo Sharing #731 Kids and Grooming - What You Need to Know #748 Are Paedophiles Really Looking at Your Kids Online?

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In this episode Justin speaks to Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia about getting ready for the schoolies season.

Find out more about Paul Dillon at the Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia website.

Topics discussed in this episode:

The cons of letting your kids celebrate schoolies abroad How safe are organised schoolies events? Why schoolies is the last opportunity for parents to talk safety with their kids before they are legally adults

 

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With the silly season just around the corner we share some simple tips to help navigate (or avoid entirely!) a meaty "Christmas Conundrum" - when disappointed children and disgruntled gift-givers collide.

 Topics in this episode:

Justin's history of dodgy gift giving Being disappointed AND grateful The thought is important Having conversations before Christmas events How to do difficult conversations with extended family Forewarned is forearmed 

 

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Worms, scooters and buckets, oh my! Today we share some personal stories of "nailing it and failing it" to help you be more intentional with your family. 

Topics in this episode:

Connection before direction Flexible intention Homeschooling Worm farming Justin has a no good, very bad, terrible day and gets HANGRY Filling relationship buckets "People matter, things don't"

 

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With only 54 days left until Christmas are you beginning to feel a little anxious about expenses? 

You can have honest conversations with your children about budgets and presents - and still keep the Magic of Christmas alive!

Topics in this episode:

The joys and stress of shopping for gifts Materialism  Giving and receiving Anxiety over money Expectations and values Wants or needs? Santa Three E's of Effective Discipline Giving in fantasy what they can't have in reality Easing parental guilt at Christmas

Some Happy Families Christmas Articles:

Take Back Christmas 10 Easy Traditions That Can Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family 16 Gifts our Children Need For Christmas

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Raising teenagers can be hard even at the best of times. Trying to support our teens when they are struggling can feel like a dead-end street.

Dr Jo Prendergast shares the most important thing you can do that will make a difference for your teen when life just sucks.

Topics in this episode:

When Life Sucks - Jo's new book Parents and self-regulation Emotions are contagious Deep breathing Being self-aware of your own triggers 'Ghosts in the nursery' Neurodiversity When does life suck for teens? 'The Three Rs of Great Parenting' Connected interactions

Learn more about The Teenage Brain in our FREE Happy Families Article.

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Worried that your low-achieving, school-hating, stressed and struggling child is ruining every chance of their future success?

Learn how to kindle the flame of curiosity in your child - and hear Justin share a poet's definition of success that will encourage and inspire any worried parent.

Topics in this episode:

Curiosity Flaws of our educational system Lifelong learning Exams and stress Living up to expectations Anxiety and perfectionism in our kids Resilience External vs internal worth "Success is..." by Anonymous 

 

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Every young person needs to have a close, significant adult to talk to when they experience challenges in life. Sadly, new research has revealed that far too many adolescents do not feel listened to and aren?t speaking to anyone when they?re worried.

Dr Katrina Lines (CEO of Act for Kids, and registered psychologist) shares some simple ways to connect with your child that will encourage them to share their problems with you.

Topics in this episode:

Speaking to a professional Act for Kids Campaign "Get Comfy Switching ON by Switching OFF"  - all the research stats, tip sheets and an animation Incidental conversation or "small talk" Being present Connection  Pressures of school, friendships, social media 3 basic psychological needs Mental health issues - anxiety, depression, poor sleep Fear of parental criticism or dismissal, or not being listened to

 

Enough: Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Self Loathing - a Happy Families article

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Education is important. Completing high school is important. And yes, final exams are also important. But they are not MORE important than other things - like connection, resilience, hope, and wellbeing.

Nigel Howard is a Research associate at Flinders University, a former Secondary Principal, and currently studying for his PhD. As someone who sees the importance of education and knows the terrain of senior school/final exams both practically and academically, Nigel gives some terrific advice to parents and students currently facing the pressure of HSC exams.

Topics in this episode:

Gap in school completion rates between city/country and high/low socioeconomic backgrounds Entry-level jobs and apprenticeships Why do kids stay at school? Why do others leave? The importance of listening to our children Specialised/alternative education Learning to pass exams vs learning how to apply knowledge National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au) Neurodiversity Responsiveness of schools to struggling students  How important is the ATAR system? What does it mean for schools? Resilience and success Articles in The Conversation written by Nigel Howard - Parents have just started their own school in Sydney ? this is part of a long tradition in Australia 20% of Australian students don't finish high school: non-mainstream schools have a lot to teach us about helping kids stay School attendance rates are dropping. We need to ask students why Are flexible learning options giving schools a convenient way out of taking responsibility for 'difficult' students?

 

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School matters, and education is important... but they are not "the be-all and end-all".

Your graduating child can look forward to their future with excitement and positivity irrespective of grades or academic outcomes.

From humble beginnings growing up in the west of Ireland, to retiring at 41 years of age, Tom O'Brien shares his powerful story of how life can play out regardless of your level of formal education. 

Topics in this episode:

Work ethic and motivation Do kids today need the 'safety net' of a university degree to get a good job? Opportunities - where and how to find them? Tools for success in life Chasing your passion When decisions need to be made - taking chances or playing it safe? When your child decides to drop out of school or university Opportunity, effort, and doing hard things How do we measure failure or success?

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Is your child experiencing exam pressure, final year stress, or feeling burdened by expectations? Are they worried about their future? It's time to reassure them that it is going to be ok - THEY are going to be ok - regardless of academic results.

Listen in for fantastic advice and encouragement from Dr Susan Rogers, who graduated from high school at the age of 44 and then obtained a PhD in Music and Psychology (after working as Sound Engineer for Prince!).

 

Topics in this episode:

Difficulties in youth when parents are unwell Bright kids, challenging circumstances Pursuing passions The Guardian - Prince's sound engineer, Susan Rogers: 'He needed to be the alpha male to get things done' "Lightbulb moments" Stepping into the world of the unknown after school Learning to listen to the voice within Mature-aged students Parental expectations Dr Susan Rogers' book - This is what it sounds like: What the music you love says about you Questions to ask your child - helping to figure out what success looks like for them

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