Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

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.

Feeling the Christmas squeeze? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to drown in stress or debt to give your kids a magical holiday. In this episode, Justin and Kylie share six practical, heartfelt strategies real families use to make Christmas meaningful without blowing the budget. From essential-only Santa sacks to Secret Santa hacks, secondhand gems, and the power of one great gift, this episode is your permission to simplify and still make it special. KEY POINTS The “Four Gifts of Christmas” method that instantly reduces overwhelm How to fill Santa sacks with essentials (and why kids don’t mind!) The #1 mindset shift for sticking to a realistic budget What to do when your extended family list hits 40+ people Secondhand gifts, handmade gifts, and why they often mean more Why one high-quality gift beats a pile of cheap ones The surprising research on vouchers and experiences QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Giving looks different in different situations—but it can always be meaningful.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Facebook Marketplace & Gumtree for secondhand gift finds Secret Santa / Kris Kringle group gifting Marketplace categories for bikes, Pokémon cards & kids’ items ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Set a real budget (cash only, no credit card creep). Choose your gift-giving circle—kids, parents, or Secret Santa only. Use the Four Gifts framework: want, need, wear, read. Add essentials to stockings to lighten January expenses. Try secondhand or handmade for big-ticket or meaningful items. Pick one great quality gift instead of many small ones. Consider experiences or vouchers when you’re unsure what to buy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this emergency episode, Justin responds to the Bondi terror attacks, offering advice on how to talk to our children, as well as how Jewish families can discuss this with their children. For more up to the minute resources visit the Happy Families Facebook Page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas chaos creeping in? This episode dives into the magic of festive films—and how they can buy you a precious pocket of peace. Justin and Kylie share their top kid-friendly Christmas movies (and a few grown-up gems), the surprising stories behind them, and why the right film at the right moment can reset the whole family. Perfect for parents who want joy, calm, nostalgia…and maybe a chance to wrap presents without being ambushed. KEY POINTS Why Christmas feels like a tug-of-war between calm and chaos—and how movies can soften the edges. Top kid-friendly Christmas films that uplift, entertain, and keep kids happily occupied. The unexpected origins and charm behind Klaus, Arthur Christmas, and more. Classics that still land for teens (Home Alone, The Santa Clause). Honourable mentions for grown-ups—yes, even the ones Justin hasn’t watched yet. A gentle reminder to pause and reconnect with the meaning of Christmas, whatever your family’s traditions. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "When your kids are in your arms, they can’t possibly be underfoot." RESOURCES MENTIONED Happy Families Christmas webinars: Tis the Season to be Cranky and How to Unspoil your Kids this Christmas Christmas movie recommendations: Klaus, Arthur Christmas, Elf, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, Christmas Chronicles, faith-based nativity films. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Choose one new Christmas movie to watch together this week—something uplifting and connection-building. Pick a “parent break” movie (a solid, guilt-free screen-time choice) to occupy the kids while you wrap, prep, or recharge. Consider a short nativity or values-focused film to spark meaningful family conversations. Keep your movie list saved for the entire month to avoid decision overwhelm on busy days. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Australia made global headlines — and parents everywhere felt it. Justin shares the emotional, history-making moment inside Kirribilli House as the new social-media age laws rolled out, the families whose stories shaped the legislation, and why this shift matters more than most people realise. Plus: the behind-the-scenes chaos of a family holiday that turned into a resilience masterclass. A powerful mix of emotion, insight, and laugh-so-you-don’t-cry parenting moments. KEY POINTS Inside the Kirribilli House event announcing Australia’s new age restrictions for social media. The heartbreaking parent stories that pushed lawmakers to act — and why the room was filled with tears. A rare moment of political unity that left Justin with goosebumps. What this new law actually means for teens, parents, and tech platforms in the months ahead. A family holiday disaster (expired passports, food poisoning, meltdowns, gale-force winds)… turned into a resilience-building win. Why doing hard, screen-free things is the secret ingredient to family connection. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "This isn’t about politics. This is about our kids." — Prime Minister Albanese RESOURCES MENTIONED Heads Up Alliance Let Them Be Kids campaign Go Rail Trail (Queenstown) ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Talk to your teen about Australia’s new age rules and what they mean for your family. Watch how platforms respond over the next few months — enforcement will evolve. Create screen-incompatible moments: activities that pull kids away from devices naturally. Normalise hard things — help your kids practise choosing helpful thoughts when challenges arise. Lean into connection: shared struggle (and shared laughter) builds family closeness faster than comfort ever will.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever stood in the toy aisle wondering what will actually make my kids happy, this episode is the Christmas miracle you need. We unpack the surprising research on gift-giving—why experiences matter, when they don’t, and what different ages really want (and remember!) on Christmas morning. This one will change how you wrap Christmas… literally. KEY POINTS The science-backed truth: giving really does make us happier than receiving. Why toddlers get more joy from giving than getting (what?!). The ages where kids prefer “stuff”… and why it’s developmentally normal. When experiences finally “click” for kids and bring more lasting joy. How anticipation, shared moments and memories make experiences powerful. A simple framework for choosing the right gift for the right child at the right age. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “It’s not what you give — it’s that you give — that makes you happy.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Dunn & Norton Research on children’s happiness, gifts, and development (Chaplin & colleagues) ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Match the gift to your child’s age — material for younger kids, experiences as they grow. Add anticipation — reveal experiences with something they can hold or open. Share the moment — plan joint experiences for deeper connection and lasting happiness. Teach generosity — include simple opportunities for kids to give (even $5 makes a difference). Shift the focus — emphasise meaning, memory and togetherness over “more things”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s the day. Australia’s new Social Media Minimum Age Legislation kicks in—and families everywhere are feeling everything from relief to panic. In this special episode, Justin is interviewed by “Intrepid Reporter Kylie” in a reenactment of a newsroom conversation that never got to air. You’ll hear what this ban actually means, how parents and teens are reacting, why the timing matters, and what families can do to keep kids connected, active, and thriving—without the algorithm pulling them in. Short, practical, reassuring. A must-listen for every parent navigating summer holidays and a new digital reality. KEY POINTS Why parent reactions have been overwhelmingly positive How teens really feel—and why some are secretly relieved What the legislation does and doesn’t block The truth about VPNs, fake IDs, and workarounds Why school holiday timing may actually be perfect How this ban affects connection, loneliness, and real-life friendships What platforms are age-restricted vs. still accessible Why messaging apps aren’t the same as social media How Justin & Kylie navigated the changes with their own teen The essential role parents still play (the ban doesn’t replace you!) QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “I’m not anti-screen. I’m pro living a full, balanced, whole, healthy life.” RESOURCES MENTIONED eSafety Social Media Hub – full details on the new minimum age legislation Platform list of age-restricted vs. permitted services happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Talk early and often about the changes rather than enforcing them cold. Shift the focus to real life: encourage outdoor time, friends over, hands-on activities. Check your child’s accounts together and deactivate any that are now age-restricted. Discuss messaging alternatives (not algorithm-driven). Stay engaged—the ban reduces risk but doesn’t remove screen challenges. Reassure your child that boredom is normal and survivable—and often the gateway to creativity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does Christmas feel so magical—and how can we bottle that feeling for our families? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the science behind Christmas joy and reveal the seven psychological drivers that make the season feel warm, connected, nostalgic, and full of wonder. From sensory anchors to collective effervescence, discover how small tweaks to your traditions can transform a stressful season into a slow, meaningful, joy-soaked one. This is your cheat-sheet to creating the kind of Christmas your kids will remember forever. KEY POINTS Relationships are the heart of Christmas—intentional togetherness boosts joy and belonging. Anticipated joy (hello Advent calendars) fuels dopamine and lifts mood weeks before the day arrives. Sensory anchoring—smells, sights, tastes—creates powerful nostalgia and emotional connection. Collective effervescence elevates community energy when everyone enters the same seasonal rhythm. Permission for wonder gives adults a rare chance to play, imagine, and embrace childlike magic. Savouring and gratitude turn small moments into the big memories our kids carry into adulthood. Applying these principles can fix a stressful or disappointing Christmas and make it joyful again. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Christmas is culturally sanctioned slowness—and if we savour it, the joy multiplies.” ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Prioritise connection over productivity—plan moments of slow, intentional togetherness. Create anticipation with rituals that build excitement (tree, lights, Advent, small traditions). Use sensory anchors—scents, recipes, music, decorations—to spark nostalgia and joy. Lean into wonder: play, imagine, and embrace the magic your kids already feel. Savour moments in real time—pause, breathe, and let the season be slow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the world’s biggest social media company discovered its platforms were harming mental health… and then buried the evidence? Today, Justin and Kylie unpack explosive court documents about Meta’s secret research, the upcoming social media age-limit legislation, and what really happens when we step away from the online world. Then, we dive into your powerful responses to our most controversial episode of the year — including raw truths from parents who feel exhausted, confused, and desperate for answers. This episode will make you think differently about screens, kids, “normality,” and what families actually need. KEY POINTS Meta allegedly hid internal research showing users became less depressed after deleting Facebook. Why this matters ahead of Australia’s new social media minimum-age legislation. Justin’s own social media detox — and the surprising wellbeing shift. Why young teens are the most vulnerable to social platforms. The cultural shift toward labels, diagnoses, and pathologising behaviour. Parents respond to the Sammy Tamimi episode: gratitude, confusion, frustration, exhaustion. The power — and danger — of language when describing kids’ struggles. Why the environment (screens, sleep, school, structure) often matters more than labels. Reassurance: you can hold the nuance — be curious and compassionate without losing hope. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "When we change our language, we change our experience." — Justin RESOURCES MENTIONED Meta court case reporting (news.com.au) Searching for Normal by Dr. Sammy Tamimi Previous Happy Families episode featuring Dr. Sammy Tamimi Research on Facebook deactivation and mental health ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Audit your child’s digital environment — sleep, screens, stimulation, social pressure. Create a family phone culture (including boundaries around late-night messaging). Hold diagnoses lightly, not dismissively — take what helps, leave what harms. Stay curious about what might be driving big emotions or behaviour. Prioritise connection over correction when your child is struggling. Remember progress > perfection — small steps make a big difference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If Christmas usually feels more chaotic than joyful, this episode is the reset you need. Justin and Kylie unpack the research on what really makes Christmas happier—and what quietly steals the joy from it. You’ll hear the surprising predictors of Christmas wellbeing (hint: it’s not money, gifts, or how perfect your table looks) and why letting go of the pressure to “do it all” might be the best gift you give your family. A warm, funny, practical episode to help you create a Christmas that actually feels good. KEY POINTS Family connection and meaningful traditions are the strongest predictors of Christmas happiness. A sense of purpose—not perfection—makes the season more joyful. Environmental mindfulness is linked with higher wellbeing (yes… even at Christmas!). Consuming less and enjoying nature more boosts Christmas satisfaction. Materialism and gift overload significantly reduce Christmas happiness. Relationship challenges or fractured family dynamics can dampen joy. Age brings more Christmas happiness as expectations shift and priorities mature. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Wrapping presents generally yields fewer rewards than spending time laughing, talking, and playing with the people you love.” RESOURCES Kasser & Sheldon (2002) research on Christmas wellbeing Take Back Christmas [Article] How To Unspoil Your Kids This Christmas [Webinar] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Prioritise connection – plan at least one meaningful, shared activity. Scale back gifts – focus on presence, not presents. Add purpose – highlight generosity, gratitude, or spiritual meaning. Go outside – take a Christmas walk or enjoy nature together. Simplify – drop one “should” that only adds stress, not joy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling the Christmas chaos creeping in already? This episode hands you permission to rewrite the rules. Justin and Kylie share the three simple diagnostic questions that transform Christmas from exhausting and obligatory… to meaningful, memorable, and truly magical. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “do it all,” this is your reset button for a calmer, lighter, joy-filled holiday season. KEY POINTS The three clarity questions that instantly simplify Christmas Why “What lights you up?” matters more than any tradition Identifying what drains you so you can let it go guilt-free The power of deciding “How do I want to feel on Christmas Day?” Helping kids create memories that actually matter How blended families, travel, and extended-family expectations fit into intentional planning Permission to do Christmas your way—without apology QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “If it doesn’t light you up, you don’t have to do it. Christmas works best when it works for your family.” ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Ask the three questions: What lights you up? What drains you? How do you want to feel on Christmas Day? Hold a mini family meeting to hear everyone’s must-haves (and their “don’t worry about it” items). Simplify: Cross out anything that doesn’t bring joy, connection or ease. Protect your vision: Communicate clearly with extended family. Choose one memory-maker to anchor your Christmas this year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas is magic… until it isn’t. Big feelings, tired kids, sugar highs, family drama, and festive chaos can turn the “most wonderful time of the year” into a meltdown marathon. In this episode, Justin and Kylie break down how to handle the full spectrum of Christmas emotions — without overreacting, over-parenting, or overcooking yourself into exhaustion. Real stories, practical tools, and realistic expectations… so your day stays joyful, not stressful. KEY POINTS Why emotional regulation is harder for kids (and adults!) at Christmas The real takeaway from the Marshmallow Experiment The biggest mistake parents make: becoming “at-home therapists” Why letting emotions settle works better than talking them down The glitter-jar brain: a simple metaphor to help kids reset How to use fantasy (“Wouldn’t it be great if…”) to soothe disappointment Why low expectations equal high connection How to stop family tension — especially when alcohol is involved When to step in… and when to step back QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Big emotions on Christmas Day aren’t a failure — they’re developmentally normal. Give them time to settle, and most storms blow over in minutes.” ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Set kids up for success: Protect sleep, reduce overstimulation, keep routines light. Stay calm: Emotions are contagious — yours sets the tone. Pause, don’t fix: Give time for emotions to settle before intervening. Use fantasy to empathise: “Wouldn’t it be amazing if…?” Keep expectations low and flexibility high: Simplicity makes the day better. Be mindful of adult emotions + alcohol: Redirect early, protect kids’ psychological safety. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever feel like your kids walk straight past overflowing laundry baskets, open doors, or lights blazing—and simply don’t see it? You’re not imagining things. In this episode, Justin and Kylie share the hilarious (and slightly painful!) truth about raising kids who swear they’re “contributing”… while the adults quietly carry the load. This feel-good Friday wrap-up dives into family meetings, chore systems that actually work, and the emotional load parents carry as we crawl toward the end of the year. It’s honest, relatable, and packed with practical ideas to help your kids step up—no nagging required. KEY POINTS Why teens truly believe they’re contributing (and why parents disagree). The difference between helping when asked and true initiative. How a simple four-station chore system brought calm back to the household. The real reason parents burn out at the end of the year. Why “don’t give up” might be the most important parenting rule of all. How family meetings create clarity, connection, and accountability—even with adult kids. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Contribution is about initiative—eyes open, notice, and act.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Family meeting questions: What’s going well? What’s not? What do we want to focus on? eSafety Commissioner updates on minimum age for social media platforms Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Hold a quick family meeting—15 minutes max—with the three guiding questions. Introduce clusters instead of chores (laundry, floors, kitchen, bathrooms). Give kids longer rotations (weekly or monthly) to build mastery and responsibility. Reframe contribution as noticing—not waiting. Stay consistent: gentle reminders aren’t failure; they’re part of the process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids are begging for e-scooters and e-bikes this Christmas—but the rise in catastrophic injuries tells a very different story. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson breaks down the shocking stats, the hidden dangers, and the conversations every parent must have before saying yes. This is the episode every parent needs to hear before heading to the checkout. KEY POINTS Emergency departments are seeing a surge in serious e-scooter injuries—many life-threatening. Speed, illegal modifications, and lack of helmets are driving the spike. Developmentally, most kids and young teens are not ready for the risks. Laws vary widely across Australia and haven’t caught up to the tech. Pros vs cons: independence vs genuinely dangerous speeds and environments. What parents can do: age limits, non-negotiable rules, and real-world consequences. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Right now we’re running a massive, uncontrolled experiment on our kids’ safety.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Local state road rules for e-bikes and e-scooters Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Delay the purchase—ideally until at least age 16. Start small: ensure your child can safely handle a standard bike/scooter first. Set iron-clad rules: helmets, no doubling, no night riding, no road riding, no phone use. Inspect regularly for illegal modifications or unsafe setups. Have the big conversation: talk openly about risks, responsibility, and real-world consequences. Use meaningful, consistent consequences when rules are broken.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we turning ordinary childhood struggles into “disorders”? In this gripping conversation with child psychiatrist Dr Sami Timimi, we unpack the rise of ADHD, autism, anxiety — and the cultural story that’s quietly reshaping how parents see their kids. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child actually needs a diagnosis or just needs more connection, this episode will hit home. Dr Timimi challenges the medicalisation of childhood, explains how labels can limit hope, and offers four powerful principles for supporting kids without pathologising them. This one will stay with you. KEY POINTS Why “normal” is a moving target — and why that matters for parents. How subjective definitions in mental health fuel overdiagnosis. The risks of labels: internalised identity, lowered expectations, and unnecessary interventions. Four parent principles: Don’t try too hard — avoid the trap of hunting for problems. Don’t fear emotions — distress is part of growing up. Prioritise relationship over behaviour control. Beware concept creep — when clinical words invade everyday parenting. What’s driving the explosion in ADHD, autism, and neurodiversity narratives. Why today’s kids may be the most pathologised generation in history. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “When distress is medicalised, it steals our hope.” — Dr Sami Timimi RESOURCES MENTIONED Searching for Normal by Dr Sami Timimi Insane Medicine by Dr Sami Timimi Happy Families resources: happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Pause before pursuing a label — ask what your child might be expressing, not what disorder they “fit.” Create more emotional space — sit with their feelings instead of fixing them. Strengthen connection rituals — closeness buffers distress. Use everyday language — avoid clinical terms for normal childhood behaviours. Look at the environment first — school, stress, sleep, and relationships often explain what diagnoses can’t. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids have a magical way of asking the biggest questions at the most unexpected moments. In this episode, we walk you through exactly how to respond when your six-year-old suddenly wants to know how a baby gets into Mum’s tummy—without oversharing, freezing, or fumbling. You’ll learn the calm, clear, developmentally-appropriate way to keep curiosity open, connection strong, and panic levels low. KEY POINTS Why kids ask tricky questions earlier than we expect How to give truthful but minimal info that fits their age The “glass of water, not a fire hose” rule How to delay the conversation gracefully when you need time Why your response now decides if they’ll keep coming to you later Simple language you can use with a six-year-old Teaching kids that these chats belong at home—not the playground QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Answer the question your child is asking—no more, no less.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Where Do Babies Come From? by Michelle Mitchell A Girl’s Guide to Puberty – Michelle Mitchell A Guy’s Guide to Puberty – Michelle Mitchell ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Keep answers short, truthful, and developmentally-appropriate. Use correct anatomical terms without going into extra detail. If you’re unprepared, buy time: “That’s a great question—let’s talk with Mum/Dad together.” Set clear boundaries: these conversations happen at home, not with friends. Revisit the topic later as your child grows and becomes ready for more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the secret to calmer kids, stronger families, and better mental health was free—and we’re the only country ignoring it? In this episode, Justin and Kylie make a bold case for bringing Thanksgiving to Australia… minus the turkey. Discover the neuroscience of gratitude, why it’s a proven buffer against anxiety and depression, and how one simple family ritual can transform your year. KEY POINTS The surprising research: gratitude can reduce mortality by 9% and dramatically improve mental health. How gratitude rewires the brain—calming the amygdala and boosting emotional connection. Why Australians struggle with vulnerability, ritual, and expressed appreciation. How a simple gratitude practice can shift your home from reactive to relational. Easy, meaningful ways to host “Australian Thanksgiving” without any fuss. The power of modelling gratitude for kids (and why lectures never work). QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control where we place our attention—and gratitude changes everything.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Harvard gratitude research (2024) Neuroscience findings on the ACC, medial prefrontal cortex & amygdala Kylie’s gratitude journal practice and gratitude tree idea 6 Science-Backed Benefits of Gratitude [Article] How Gratitude Can Make Your Family Happier [Podcast Article]  ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Start a family ritual this week—one to three things you’re grateful for. Keep it kid-friendly: a gratitude tree, backyard dessert night, or paddle-pop party. Record your gratitude in a notebook or on your phone to revisit next year. Model vulnerability by sharing something meaningful, not just the generic stuff. Make it small, simple, and doable—the ritual matters more than the menu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.