21 Days to a Happier Family

by Justin Coulson

Dr Justin Coulson, resident parenting expert on Channel 9's Parental Guidance , draws on positive psychology to gives parents ways to make their family happier than ever, starting today!

'Parenthood can be a jungle, but Justin's advice and simple strategies will help you find that path back to sanity, stability and smiling kids.' - Lisa Wilkinson

Everyone wants their family to be happy, but so much gets in the way - work stress, commitments and our children's challenging behaviour are some of the usual suspects. Less obvious obstacles are our own habits and expectations, a reactive parenting style, and even a lack of clarity about what makes a family truly happy. As a result, families often seem fragmented, stressed and out of control.

Kidspot parenting expert Justin Coulson knows how to make families happier. In this book, he combines cutting-edge insights from positive psychology with classic psychological research to help parents identify and develop habits that will strengthen their family. In his trademark warm and empathic style Justin covers topics like finding the most effective parenting style for your child, getting relationships right and how that leads to effective discipline, using mindfulness in parenting, being emotionally available to your children - and so much more.

'Justin Coulson's compassionate and helpful advice helps me unravel my many parenting dilemmas' - Jessica Rowe

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2016

Reviews

[Mechelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a parent yet but this is a great blueprint for getting the little things right and that making all the difference. Great 21 points to focus on and drown out all the noise

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book purely for research. Well, there are 10 year old hormones bubbling in my house right now, so a few tips never hurt anyone!

I loved that this book was based in the latest science of the brain and positive psychology. This meant that a lot of the theory was not new to me, but the application of it on the family was.

Everything he says, including the reason he got into this field in the first place, makes so much sense. He is also very clear, that although he provides lots of strategies to just pick one and work on that.

The application is a little harder. Think about it, it’s unlikely that in any other arena of your life will you have a person stand right in front of you screaming! It’s so hard to pause and apply a strategy but Justin covers this very well.
Justin and his wife have a LOT of children so he gives practical examples of how they apply his methods at home.

In summary, I think it would be better utilised as a text book to dip in and out of rather than one read and done.

[Na · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 yo son is an angry ant at times, easily frustrated and can be physically aggressive. I turned to this book in an effort to find solutions to help me deal with his emotions, to help him learn self-regulation, to reduce the amount of shouting and fighting and to otherwise calm our rowdy household. It's helping.

While the use of platitudes can grate after a while, the book is filled with practical suggestions that work in a format that's easily digestible. Coulson backs up his suggestions with various scientific studies and anecdotes from his own life. In fact, the introduction where he talks about what led him to want to be a better parent is both revelatory and relatable.

Coulson is an excellent writer and this book is proving invaluable in our now slightly less chaotic. Such are the early results, I'm keen to progress and have the happier family I've dreamed about. I can't wait.

[Peta · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great parenting ideas. Definitely one to keep on the shelf for regular reference

[Ross and Bronwyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changes thinking about parenting

Good stuff. Practical and easy read with good stories and suggestions.
Well worth the read. It will change thinking about how you are as a parent.

[RaeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy Justin Coulson's podcasts and was excited to read his book. The book was very good, and if you are just starting out, it is a great place to start. I recently became a parenting coach, to coach parents how to coach their kids from a heart-based approach. This book is definitely written like a psychology book (he is a psychologist), and it was interesting to me to see the parallels between psychology data and the biblical heart-based approach. I found they complemented each other quite well. But I will say, that because of my background, there are other books that I have found more helpful and insightful than this one. If I had read this a year ago, I would have had several light bulb moments, but after walking in it for awhile now, I would recommend the parenting books by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller as a more helpful place for parents to explore.

[Dr_AU571N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone who has young kids. Its not an actual plan for a happier family in 21 days but some general things you can do to improve your relationships. Some of the key points are found in many self-help books, such as having clear family values and purpose (and communicating such), and improving yourself rather than expecting others to change. These lead to improved relationships both internal and external to your family. Discussing issues such as screen time and making time for your kids (being present and engaged), Justin makes you think about what you can do better and gives examples of things that have worked for others for you to consider implementing.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing book that gives great ideas on how to support your child with compassion and understanding instead of distain while also reminding adults it's ok to be human.
Like with all 'self-help' books, there are ideas that resonate and others that don't. If it's read with the idea to take what works for you then I highly recommend it.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring in that the focus is to build habits that set particular tones, and always put connection first. Realistic ideas for applying these mindsets even in the middle of frustrations and chaos of every day life. Heard him speak during the Happy Child Summit, and this book just continued the “breath of fresh air” I found Dr. Coulson’s voice to be.

[Karla Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, easy to read, practical book with loads of great advice