About this item
21 DAYS TO A HAPPIER FAMILY gives parents scientifically proven suggestions for making 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.
About the Author
I'm a parent.And I admit that I find parenting incredibly challenging. That's how I got here.Like some people, I struggle with my priorities. Family first... right? Sometimes it seems that my work or other interests matter more than my wife and kids.Despite still not being the perfect husband and father, I am absolutely passionate about learning to be the kind of parent my children need me to be. And I'm just as passionate about sharing the science, the skills, and the heart that connect and strengthen families.What got me started?In my late 20's I left a flourishing radio career and returned to school looking for answers to a new challenge I faced.My parenting experience with a three year-old and an infant left me feeling inadequate. I had no idea how to be the dad I wanted to be. I spent four years studying psychological science, hoping for answers. I graduated with first class honours, and an insatiable desire for more answers.My studies - and my passion for parenting - consumed me. It took another four years to complete a PhD. I researched how parents see their role, and how their perceptions were associated with their own happiness and meaning in life, and that of their children.After more than four years as a university lecturer and researcher, I began full-time writing and speaking about parenting.What I do now.For close to a decade I've presented workshops to thousands of parents, and coached many of them to be better parents. It's my life.My book What Your Child Needs From You: Creating a Connected Family summarises the most important parenting principles any parent can practice.Media and PRI talk about parenting a lot in the media. I've been on the TODAY show, The Project, and loads of radio stations including ABC Sydney and Brisbane, Radio National, 2UE and more.I write a lot about parenting too. You'll find some of my work at kidspot.com.au, The Sydney Morning Herald, Psychology Today, The Punch, and blogs, magazines, and news articles around Australia.Away from work I'm a husband to a wife I cherish. We have five daughters who give me endless opportunities to practice what I preach, and who I can't cuddle enough. I'm a cycling fanatic, a Sunday morning church-goer, an avid reader, and a Type A guy who is trying hard to relax a little more.Most of all, I'm someone who helps people make their families happier.
