Is Homework Actually Helping Your Child?

Is Homework Actually Helping Your Child?

Author: Dr Justin Coulson March 30, 2026 Duration: 14:05

What if the nightly homework battle… isn’t worth fighting?

In this episode, we unpack a surprising truth about primary school homework that challenges everything parents have been told. Plus, breaking global news reveals a major court ruling against social media giants, and why it should completely change how we think about screens at home.

If you’re exhausted by homework resistance or worried about screen time, this episode will shift your perspective fast.

KEY POINTS

  • Why primary school homework often does more harm than good
  • The real reason kids resist homework (and it’s not laziness)
  • What actually improves academic outcomes in younger children
  • The one simple habit that matters more than any worksheet
  • Landmark court ruling finds social media platforms contributed to harm
  • How persuasive tech design is keeping kids hooked
  • Why this changes the conversation around screens for parents

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Kids don’t hate homework because they’re lazy. They hate it because it’s either pointless or painful.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

  • Drop the pressure around primary school homework
  • Prioritise reading daily (together or independently)
  • Protect unstructured play time after school
  • Limit passive screen use where possible
  • Focus on connection and curiosity over compliance

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Finding a clear path through the chaos of family life can feel overwhelming. Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families steps into that space with grounded, relatable conversations. Hosted by parenting expert Dr. Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie, this podcast feels like a honest chat with friends who truly understand the daily grind. Together, they draw from their own life raising six daughters, offering a common-sense perspective that resonates with parents everywhere. The discussions move beyond theory, focusing on practical strategies you can apply immediately to navigate common challenges and strengthen your relationships at home. Each episode aims to cut through the noise of conflicting advice, providing thoughtful insights that address real-world situations with empathy and evidence-based wisdom. Tuning into this podcast is like finding a moment of calm reflection in a busy week, a resource for building a more connected and joyful family culture. It’s a place where the complexities of parenting, culture, and society are explored through the lens of everyday experience, making the journey feel a little less solitary and a lot more manageable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
Podcast Episodes
Minister for Boys and Men? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:24
What if the biggest threat to families right now is something no one wants to talk about? Boys and men are struggling - and the ripple effect is hitting homes, relationships, and entire communities. In this confronting a…
The Friendship Advice Experts Swear By [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:41
You’re not too busy for friendships - you’re just missing this. Loneliness is rising, even among people who seem to have it all. So why does making (and keeping) friends as an adult feel so hard? In this episode, we unpa…
Why Most Families Feel Stuck and How to Fix It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:04
What if the thing your family needs most… isn’t more time - but better conversations? In this episode, we reveal the one habit that keeps us aligned, connected, and actually moving forward - despite the chaos of raising…
Justin & Kylie's 28th Anniversary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:23
What really keeps a marriage strong after nearly three decades? In this honest, funny, and surprisingly emotional anniversary episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the real lessons behind a lasting relationship—beyond the cli…
Responding to Your Child About Body Safety (John Cardamone) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:11
What happens in the moment a child finally says something is wrong? For many children experiencing abuse, it takes years to speak up - if they ever do. And when they finally tell someone, the response they receive can sh…
Does Your Child Feel Worthy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:50
What if the very thing we’re trying to protect our kids from… is the thing they actually need most? Many parents want their children to feel confident, resilient, and worthy. But in our effort to make life easier for the…
You’ll Give More Than You Ever Get as a Parent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:07
One quiet car ride. One tired teenager. One frustrated parent. And one powerful reminder about what parenting really asks of us. In this reflective Friday episode, Justin shares a moment he’s not proud of—sitting in traf…
Training for Old Age [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:15
When Kylie hit perimenopause, her body stopped responding the way it used to. The weight kept climbing. Energy disappeared. And after years of trying everything, she started seriously considering surgery, injections, and…
10 Reasons For Ditching Homework [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:16
Homework has been a school staple for generations. But what if it’s doing more harm than good? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the research behind primary school homework—and the findings may surprise you. From…