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Dr. Justin Coulson

About Dr. Justin Coulson

PhD and bestselling author | justincoulson.com

Dr Justin Coulson is a PhD bestselling author, and one of Australia’s most trusted voices on parenting and relationships. His work sits at the intersection of rigorous research and real family life – informed by decades of study in positive psychology and shaped by the daily reality of raising six daughters with his wife, Kylie.

He’s the author of multiple books on parenting and family wellbeing, host of the Happy Families podcast (one of Australia’s most downloaded), and a regular presence in all of Australia’s major news outlets.

Additionally, his insights have been featured in the Washington Post and the New York Times.

But credentials only tell part of the story.

Justin’s real driving force is a belief that every family deserves access to the best of what psychological science has to offer – delivered with warmth, without judgement, and in a way that works in the mess and beauty of everyday life.

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  • The parenting toolkit
    The parenting toolkit
    The parenting toolkit

    The parenting toolkit

    Parenting children and teens is complex, rewarding and demanding. What works at one stage of development may change as children grow, and families often need new strategies as their children move through different ages and challenges. This topic brings together practical tools, strategies and encouragement to support parents and carers raising children and adolescents. It focuses on strengthening relationships, responding constructively to challenges, and building confidence in your parenting approach.

  • Screen time, cyber safety and AI
    Screen time, cyber safety and AI
    Screen time and online safety

    Screen time, cyber safety and AI

    Digital technology is an everyday part of life for children and teens, offering opportunities for learning, creativity and connection. At the same time, navigating screen time, online safety, social media and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence can feel complex and overwhelming for families. This topic is designed to support parents and carers to make informed, balanced decisions about digital use for children and adolescents. It offers guidance on setting boundaries, supporting online safety, and having developmentally appropriate conversations with children and teens about responsible and respectful digital engagement.

  • Friendship, belonging and bullying
    Friendship, belonging and bullying
    Friendship, belonging and bullying

    Friendship, belonging and bullying

    Friendships play a central role in children’s and teens’ wellbeing, sense of identity and connection to school. Feeling accepted and valued by peers supports confidence and resilience, while difficulties such as conflict, exclusion or bullying can deeply affect a child or adolescent’s emotional health and willingness to engage in learning. As parents and carers, it can be hard to know how best to support children and teens through changing social worlds. The information linked to this topic is designed to help you understand how friendships develop across childhood and adolescence, recognise signs your child or teen may be struggling socially, and respond in ways that promote safety, belonging and healthy relationships.

  • Big feelings and behaviour
    Big feelings and behaviour
    Big feelings and behaviour

    Big feelings and behaviour

    Strong emotions are a natural part of growing up, for children and for teens. When big feelings lead to challenging behaviour, it can feel confusing and exhausting for families. Children and adolescents are still developing the skills needed to recognise, manage and express emotions, and behaviour is often a sign of stress, overwhelm or unmet needs. This topic is designed to help parents and carers better understand what sits underneath children’s and teens’ behaviour. It offers practical, evidence informed strategies to support emotional regulation, strengthen connection, and respond with empathy while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.

Guidance for Users

The advice provided on this site and contained within the resources relates to general wellbeing information only and should not be considered medical, psychological, or professional advice. It doesn’t take into account your family’s individual circumstances.

Furthermore, links to external websites are provided for your convenience and to access credible, evidence-based information. Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle does not control, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of information on these external sites.

For personalised support, please consult a qualified health professional.
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