Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

As the holidays approach, many parents are preparing their children for the transition into school. Zoe Wragg, a parent educator and former primary school teacher, shares practical advice on making this major change easier. From understanding what school readiness really means to offering tips for supporting reading development, Zoe will help ease your worries.  Plus—strategies for a smooth start to 2025 with simple, actionable tips that parents can apply during the holidays. In this episode: Transitioning children to school School readiness Overcoming overwhelm in preparing children for school Reading skills and supporting beginning readers Free school readiness checklist  Tips for parents navigating the holidays and preparing for school next year www.edzocate.com.au Related Links: Starting School Activity Book [A free Happy Families resource!] The Big Debate: Should you Delay your Child’s Start in School? Facing First Day Fears [Webinar]  Find massive savings during the Happy Families Black Friday Sale Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few months ago we spoke about the momentum that was building for age restrictions around social media for children under 16.  On Friday those laws were passed in the Australian Parliament, so we thought this was the perfect opportunity to replay this episode, as it will help your family navigate the changes that are ahead. In Australia, children below a certain age will be banned from social media as part of a national plan to counter its negative effects on youth. We discuss the government's commitments, the challenges this new legislation may face, and what parents can do now to protect their kids in a screen-saturated world. In this episode: 'National Social Media Age Limit' | A Current Affair Why 13+ is the current legal age Collecting personal data Politics and obstacles facing this legislation The impact of social media on kids Using screens well: with intentionality, self-regulation, limits Play-based childhood vs screen-based childhood Holding tech companies accountable What parents can do while waiting for legislation to pass Kids need smart parents not smartphones Building community Unplug Childhood - sign the pledge & join the village today!  The Screen Smart Series: 'Unplug Childhood' & 'Tweens, Teens & Screens' (included in membership). Related links:  #980 The Anxious Generation With Jonathan Haidt Tech Giants are Anti-Kids Black Friday sale ends tonight!  Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Friday, which means our weekly 'I'll Do Better Tomorrow' reflections, looking back on the week that was and thinking of ways we can improve as parents. As the year winds down, Kylie and Justin reflect on their goals and parenting approaches, offering a mix of humor, candid thoughts, and lessons learned. Topics discussed in this episode: Our words of the year - EMBRACE (Kylie) and PRESENT (Justin) - did we live up to them? Justin putting the important things on hold to have fun with the kids. The "good enough" parent Fun pool games Homeschool reflections Kylie discovering that the things we have always held tightly to, may not be what's important now. Find massive savings during the Happy Families Black Friday Sale Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive with us into three issues impacting parents today: Woolies has partnered with Roblox (and parents are mad!). The rise of nicotine pouches among teens as a discreet alternative to vaping or smoking. Proposed legislation to ban kids under 16 from accessing social media and the challenges of enforcement. In this episode: Roblox Rewards at Woolies Thousands of Australians Call for Woolworths to Axe Partnership with Gaming App Roblox | Daily Telegraph Teens getting "nic-sick" with zyns Addictive, hard to detect, easy to procure Nicotine pouches gaining popularity with teens despite being illegal in Australia | ABC News Opposition to the social media legislation Finding refuge & safety online Policing legislation Unplug Childhood Related Links: #974 Roblox Rules The Screen Smart Series [Webinars] Smells Like Teen Spirit Summit (More nirvana. Less drama.) Bad Influence of Influencers Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.