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The Secret to Getting Kids Off Screens

The Secret to Getting Kids Off Screens

Author: Dr Justin Coulson July 23, 2026 Duration: 15:05
Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
KidsKids & FamilyCultureFamilyParentingRelationshipsSocietySociety & Culture

A Disney movie about toys ended with a conversation about screens, sewing and what childhood is starting to lose.

After watching Toy Story 5, Justin and Kylie found themselves talking less about the movie and more about what happens when tablets replace cubby houses, craft tables and backyard adventures.

Kylie shares how teaching their 12-year-old daughter to sew sparked confidence, patience and a brand new business idea. They also unpack the message Toy Story 5 sends about technology, why it missed an important opportunity, and what parents can do instead.

If screens have become the default in your house, this episode offers practical ideas that don't involve another argument.

KEY POINTS

  • What Toy Story 5 gets right about childhood.
  • The screen time message the movie missed.
  • Why sewing, baking, gardening and other "grandma hobbies" are making a comeback.
  • How making something with your hands builds confidence.
  • Why learning alongside your child strengthens your relationship.
  • The family project that turned into a small business.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"The joy isn't making something. The joy is making it together."

RESOURCES MENTIONED

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

  • Pick one hands-on hobby your child can learn this month. Sewing, baking, gardening, woodworking or knitting all work.
  • Learn it together instead of handing them a YouTube tutorial.
  • Watch Toy Story 5 and ask what they noticed about the kids using screens.
  • Set aside one afternoon each week to make something you can hold, use or give away.
  • Celebrate what your child creates, even when it's wonky.

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: 50

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Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
Podcast Episodes
Can We Ban Laptops From Primary School? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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What if trying to create the perfect family moment is the very thing getting in the way? After a week away with three of their daughters, Kylie realised she’d arrived with a clear picture of how their time together shoul…
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The Friendship Skills Every Child Needs [with Michelle Mitchell] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:57
Friendship isn't just part of childhood. It shapes confidence, mental health and whether kids feel they belong. So why does it seem harder than ever? Michelle Mitchell joins Dr Justin Coulson to unpack the biggest friend…
Why Trying to Fix Your Child Backfires [a listener Q&A] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:02
Nothing seems to work. You model gratitude. You talk about growth mindset. You ask what went well each day. Yet your child still expects the worst, finds the problem first, and drains every exciting moment. So should you…

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