One day, it’s endless dishwashing games, kids fighting over who presses the crossing button, and carrying sleeping children from the car to bed. Then suddenly… it’s the last time.

In this heartfelt Do Better Tomorrow episode, Justin and Kylie reflect on the “Last Time Meditation” — a powerful mindset shift that changes how we experience ordinary family moments before they disappear. From broken stoves and parenting under pressure to daughters growing up and leaving home, this episode is a moving reminder that the little things are often the big things.

If you’ve ever wished parenting away during the hard seasons, this conversation might change the way you see your family life forever.

KEY POINTS

• Why parenting is more about our growth than our children’s behaviour
• How “the right tools” make hard parenting seasons easier to navigate
• The emotional power of the “Last Time Meditation”
• Why ordinary family moments become the ones we miss most
• How to be more present before life quietly changes

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Sometimes you don’t realise it was the last time until long after the moment has passed.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• The “Last Time Meditation” from A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William B. Irvine

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Pause during ordinary moments and ask yourself: “What if this was the last time?”
• Notice the family routines you usually rush through or resent
• Focus less on controlling children and more on regulating yourself
• Create small moments of connection, even on hard days
• Let gratitude soften the frustration of parenting’s repetitive seasons

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if improving your wellbeing was far simpler than you thought?

In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a huge new scientific review published in Nature that analysed 183 wellbeing studies involving nearly 23,000 people worldwide. The conclusion? You don’t need the perfect routine, expensive programs, or hours of free time to feel better.

You just need to do something.

From exercise and mindfulness to yoga, gratitude, therapy, and simple self-awareness practices, the research shows that consistent small actions have a powerful impact on mental health and happiness. Justin and Kylie also share their own honest experiences of trying to prioritise wellbeing in the middle of busy family life.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to take care of yourself, this episode is your reminder that small steps still count.

KEY POINTS:

• A major Nature study reviewed 183 wellbeing interventions
• Exercise combined with psychological support had the strongest results
• Mindfulness, gratitude, yoga, and compassion practices all improved wellbeing
• Consistency matters more than perfection
• Small actions done regularly can create major emotional shifts
• Parents don’t need hours of free time for self-care to work

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Don’t overthink the perfect wellbeing routine. Just do something.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Nature systematic review and meta-analysis on wellbeing interventions
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness and positive psychology practices
• Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

• Choose one simple wellbeing habit you can realistically repeat this week
• Aim for consistency over intensity
• Pair movement with reflection, mindfulness, or connection
• Notice how you feel when you stop prioritising your wellbeing
• Give yourself permission to start small rather than waiting for perfect conditions

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if protecting our kids too much is actually holding them back?

In this powerful conversation, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with extreme athlete, sports psychologist, and author Ant Williams to unpack why so many kids struggle with pressure, discomfort, and resilience — and what parents can do differently.

From diving beneath Arctic ice to coaching elite athletes under extreme stress, Ant shares the mindset shifts that help people stay calm, capable, and courageous when life gets hard. Together, they explore the parenting habits that unintentionally weaken resilience, the fine line between support and overprotection, and why kids need opportunities to struggle, fail, and recover.

If your child avoids hard things, melts down under pressure, or constantly says “I can’t”, this episode will change the way you respond.

KEY POINTS

• Why resilience is built through challenge — not comfort
• The difference between being a safety net and a shield
• How parents accidentally reinforce anxiety and avoidance
• Why kids need evidence they can handle hard things
• The long-term risks of wrapping children in cotton wool
• How your reactions to stress become your child’s template
• The simple “fish hook” strategy for staying calm under pressure
• Why modelling courage matters more than preaching confidence

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Our reaction becomes their template.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Let It Be Tough by Ant Williams
• Resilience: Developing strength, calm, & kindness in our kids [a Happy Families Webinar]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Resist rescuing your child from every uncomfortable situation
• Encourage small, manageable challenges that build confidence
• Talk openly about your own fears and how you handle them
• Stay calm during stressful moments — your child is learning from your response
• Focus on supporting your child, not shielding them
• Help kids reflect after setbacks instead of immediately fixing things

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family holidays are supposed to create magical memories… so why do they often leave parents exhausted, stressed, and financially stretched?

In this episode, Justin and Kylie respond to a mum asking how families can still enjoy meaningful holidays during a cost-of-living crisis — especially when accommodation, food, and travel prices keep climbing.

They share the surprising truth about what kids actually remember from holidays, why expensive trips often aren’t worth it for young children, and the low-cost experiences that brought their own family the most joy.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for not being able to afford the “Instagram version” of family travel, this conversation will help you rethink what really matters.

KEY POINTS

• Why most young kids care more about pools and friends than expensive destinations
• The hidden pressure social media creates around family holidays
• How to create unforgettable memories without leaving your city
• Why experiences matter more than luxury
• Simple staycation ideas that genuinely feel special
• The power of involving kids in planning and saving for holidays
• How family connection matters more than the destination

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Don’t focus so much on what a traditional holiday looks like. Focus on the experiences that create the memories.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Plan one low-cost “novelty day” your kids wouldn’t normally experience
• Explore a local attraction you’ve never visited before
• Stop comparing your family holidays to social media highlights
• Prioritise connection and shared experiences over expensive travel
• Create a family savings goal together for a future holiday adventure

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parenting styles are having another viral moment — tiger mums are out, “beta mums” are in, and social media has plenty to say about how parents should raise their kids.

But what if we’ve made parenting far more complicated than it needs to be?

In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the latest parenting trend making headlines and explore why so many parents feel overwhelmed, judged, and exhausted trying to “get it right.” From over-scheduling kids to pulling back completely, they discuss the dangers of parenting extremes and the pressure modern families are carrying.

Most importantly, they share the three simple things children actually need to thrive — and none of them cost a fortune or require perfect parenting.

If you’ve ever worried you’re not doing enough as a parent, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.

KEY POINTS

• Why parenting trends and labels are everywhere right now
• The problem with extreme parenting advice online
• How modern parents are overcomplicating family life
• The hidden pressure to optimise children for success
• Why kids don’t need perfect parents
• The three things children truly need: love, limits, and laughter
• How connection shapes children more than achievement
• Why healthy boundaries still matter
• The role humour and playfulness have in strong families
• The importance of giving parents — and ourselves — more grace

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Kids don’t need extreme parenting styles. They need love, limits, and laughter.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
• The Era of the Tiger Mum is Over: Enter the Beta Mum by Rachel Wolfe
• Happy Families

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Spend ten uninterrupted minutes connecting with your child today
• Reflect on whether your family rhythms feel supportive or overwhelming
• Involve your child in conversations about boundaries and expectations
• Create more opportunities for shared laughter at home
• Let go of the idea that good parenting has to look perfect

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One hilarious family dinner story turned into a powerful reminder of what really matters most.

In this Friday edition of I'll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share the chaos, laughter, and connection that unfolds around their Sunday night family dinners — including the unbelievable lengths one of their daughters went to in order to save money on petrol.

But the episode takes a deeply emotional turn when a listener from the UK shares how the Happy Families Podcast helped her leave an abusive relationship and create safety, stability, and healing for her four children.

This episode is funny, raw, heartbreaking, and deeply hopeful — a reminder that small moments of connection can shape a family forever.

If you've ever wondered whether family traditions really matter, or whether gentle, connected parenting makes a difference, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.

KEY POINTS

• Why simple family traditions create lifelong connection
• The hidden power of sharing stories around the dinner table
• How emotional safety helps children heal from trauma
• The parenting principle that helped one mum escape abuse
• Why connection must come before correction
• The importance of creating calm, stable spaces for children
• How parents can become a “safe base” for their kids
• The reminder every parent needs about gratitude and presence

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“They aren’t giving me a hard time. They are having a hard time.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• The Parenting Revolution by Dr Justin Coulson
• Happy Families

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Start one small weekly family tradition and protect it consistently
• Create device-free moments where everyone can simply talk and laugh together
• Focus on connection before correction when emotions run high
• Respond to difficult behaviour with curiosity instead of anger
• Remind your children regularly that they are safe, loved, and supported
• Look for opportunities to build calm, stability, and trust inside your home

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the way we talk about “harmful words” is actually making kids more fragile?

In this thought-provoking Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin Coulson and Kylie Coulson unpack brand-new research exploring whether believing words are harmful changes our resilience, mental health, and parenting.

From social media comments to playground insults, this conversation dives into the uncomfortable tension between empathy and emotional toughness — and asks whether protecting kids from hard words might actually leave them less prepared for the real world.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child cope with criticism, bullying, or hurtful comments without becoming emotionally overwhelmed, this episode is essential listening.

KEY POINTS

• New research reveals a strong link between believing words are harmful and lower emotional resilience
• Why empathy and emotional fragility can sometimes go hand-in-hand
• How “concept creep” may be expanding what we label as trauma
• The hidden danger of teaching kids they’re emotionally breakable
• Why resilience starts with helping children interpret words differently
• The powerful parenting question: “Would you take advice from that person?”
• How parents can validate feelings without reinforcing victimhood
• Why difficult conversations may strengthen kids more than shielding them

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The way we perceive words — and the weight we give them — is ultimately ours to decide.”

RESOURCES

• The “Words Can Harm Scale” research study by Samuel Pratt, Peyton Jones and colleagues
• Watch Your Words [Article]
• When Your Child is Bullied: A Calm, Practical Guide for Parents [Article]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Teach children that feelings matter, but words do not define them
• Help kids separate criticism from identity
• Encourage resilience by discussing difficult social situations openly
• Ask: “Would you go to that person for advice?” before taking their criticism personally
• Model emotional regulation when you encounter hurtful comments yourself
• Focus on building competence, connection, and autonomy at home

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of criticism around child safety, Roblox is rolling out major changes designed to better protect kids online — and this podcast has the exclusive Australian interview.

Justin talks directly with Roblox Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman about the platform’s new age-based accounts, facial age checks, tighter content moderation, chat restrictions, and updated parental controls.

Can parents finally trust Roblox? What risks still remain? And how involved do parents really need to be?

This conversation unpacks what’s changing, what parents should know, and why online safety can never be fully outsourced to technology alone.

KEY POINTS

• Roblox is introducing separate accounts for kids under 9, ages 9–15, and users 16+
• Younger users will have heavily restricted chat and content access
• Facial age estimation technology will be used to verify ages
• Roblox says content moderation now combines AI with human review
• Parents will gain more control over chat, content, and account settings
• Justin challenges Roblox on past failures and broken trust with families
• The biggest safety tool still isn’t technology — it’s parental involvement

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Parents shouldn’t have to be constantly involved. The platforms have a responsibility.”

RESOURCES 

• #761 - Game… or Off? Are Video Games Really That Bad?
• #1261 - Hooked on Games: How to Help Kids Break Free from Addictive Gaming (feat. Scott Novus, former VP at Disney & gaming expert)
• The Screen Smart Series (Webinar)

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Review your child’s Roblox settings and parental controls together
• Talk regularly about who they’re chatting and gaming with online
• Make sure your child’s age is set up correctly on their account
• Keep devices in shared family spaces where possible
• Treat online safety as an ongoing conversation, not a one-time setup

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your child starts school… and suddenly a screen becomes non-negotiable.

What happens when a school’s BYOD policy clashes with your family values? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the growing pressure on parents to hand over devices earlier than ever -  sometimes from kindergarten - and the hidden tension BYOD policies can create at home. 

What does the research really say about screens in classrooms and why do many top tech executives keep devices away from their own kids? Justin and Kylie share a practical framework to help parents make confident decisions when school expectations don’t sit right.

If you’ve ever wondered whether technology in primary school is helping kids learn — or simply making life harder for families — this conversation will give you plenty to think about.

KEY POINTS

• Why BYOD policies in early primary school are becoming more common
• The hidden parenting pressure created by school-issued devices
• What research says about technology and learning outcomes
• Why many leading schools are reducing screen use in younger grades
• The difference between meaningful tech use and “mindless” screen tasks
• How to decide when a school policy clashes with your family values
• Why clarity around priorities makes hard parenting decisions easier

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“If a decision clashes with your family’s core values, it may not be the right fit — no matter how good the school is.”

RESOURCES

• The Screen Smart Series: Unplug Childhood + Tweens, Teens & Screens

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Clarify your family’s priorities around technology before school decisions are made
• Ask schools to explain the educational value behind device use
• Set firm boundaries around screen use at home
• Consider whether devices genuinely need to travel between school and home
• Remember that “normal” doesn’t always mean “best” for your child

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if your child reviewed your parenting performance today? Would you want to hear the results?

In this deeply personal episode, Justin and Kylie share the parenting exercise that completely changed the way they connect with their children. From painful truths to unexpected reassurance, they reveal how asking a few simple questions uncovered what their kids truly needed most.

This conversation is honest, emotional, and incredibly practical for any parent who wants a stronger relationship with their child — even if the feedback stings a little.

KEY POINTS:

• The 10 powerful questions that reveal how your child experiences you
• Why good intentions don’t always feel loving to kids
• The surprising parenting moments children remember most
• How small daily habits can quietly damage connection
• Why honest feedback from your child can strengthen trust
• The difference between providing for your child and making them feel supported
• How to create emotional safety so kids open up honestly

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Your children’s honesty is a gift. They’re giving you another opportunity to get it right.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• What Your Child Needs From You by Dr Justin Coulson
• Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

• Ask yourself: “Would my child say I’m truly available to them?”
• Put away distractions during conversations with your child
• Choose one area where your child may need more connection or reassurance
• Try a simple parenting check-in using the questions shared in this episode
• Listen without defending yourself if your child shares something difficult

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A quiet car ride. A game of footy. A conversation no one planned to have.

This week, Justin and Kylie reflect on a Mother’s Day that unexpectedly became one of their most meaningful yet — not because of gifts or grand gestures, but because of honest conversations with their adult daughters about motherhood, family, and the impact mums really have.

Plus, Justin shares how a surprising new obsession with rugby league has created an unexpected bond with their teenage daughter, proving that sometimes connection happens in the most ordinary moments.

This episode is a reminder that the small things families do together often become the moments kids remember forever.

KEY POINTS

• Why motherhood often matters more than the world gives it credit for
• The powerful conversations that can happen side-by-side in the car
• How adult children begin to see parenting differently with age
• Why simple family traditions create lasting connection
• The surprising way sport brought a father and daughter closer
• How shared interests help teens open up naturally
• The hidden joy of grandparenting

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Sometimes the small things families do together become the moments kids remember forever.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Happy Families
• Boys: Building Strong Young Men From the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Create space for side-by-side conversations — especially during car rides or shared activities
• Don’t underestimate the impact your parenting is having, even when it feels unnoticed
• Look for low-pressure ways to connect with teens through shared interests
• Prioritise time together over perfect celebrations
• Build small family rituals that give everyone something to look forward to

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.