Watching the Footy

Watching the Footy

Author: Dr Justin Coulson May 14, 2026 Duration: 17:23

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

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.


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
Sylvia Arotin on Montessori Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:09
What if school isn’t the only path to raising a capable, confident child? In this eye-opening conversation, we unpack the Montessori approach - why more families are quietly stepping away from mainstream education, and w…
When Your Adult Child Refuses to Launch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:34
He quit. He won’t help. And now the resentment is building. When your adult child refuses to launch, it’s easy to label it as entitlement—but what if that’s not the real problem? In this episode, we unpack what’s really…
When Parents Become Bullys [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:41
A viral parenting moment shocked the internet - but what if the real problem isn’t the child… it’s the response? When a young girl’s bullying leads to a harsh, fear-based punishment, millions applaud the dad’s reaction.…
The Truth About Men, Emotions, and Silence (with Craig Russouw) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:08
He’s snapping, shutting down, or pulling away… but what if it’s not anger at all? In this powerful conversation, psychologist Craig Russouw unpacks what’s really going on beneath the surface for so many men and boys — an…
Is Homework Actually Helping Your Child? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
Content Creep & the Invisible Influence of What Kids Watch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:18
What your child is watching matters more than you think. From movies to games to social feeds, today’s kids are exposed to more violence and sexual content than ever before - and most parents don’t realise just how much…
Raising Kids Who Think Deeply About Relationships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:40
A song lyric stopped us in our tracks… and turned into one of the most powerful parenting conversations we’ve ever had. In this episode, a casual car ride, a classic song, and a teen’s perspective collide, revealing how…
The Hidden Way Games Are Training Kids to Gamble [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:09
What if your child is learning to gamble… without ever placing a bet? From loot boxes to “harmless” game rewards, today’s episode exposes the subtle systems inside kids’ games that are shaping how they think about money,…
Raising Boys Who Become Men People Actually Respect (with Andre Casson) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:11
What if the real problem isn’t “toxic masculinity”… but that we’ve stopped showing boys what healthy masculinity actually looks like? In this powerful conversation, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with educator Andre Casson…
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…