Dr Justin Coulson - Navigating Anxiety and Parental Guidance

CSPWA recently had the privilege of hosting Dr. Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts, for two insightful sessions, the first being around Anxiety and how it impacts our children and young people today. The second session was entitled Parental Guidance and explored the different areas that parents are needing help with, including the online environment and access to social media. Justin's expertise and engaging approach provided parents with practical strategies to support their children through the various challenges including anxiety while at the same time fostering a nurturing home environment.

Justin's presentation delved into the complexities of childhood anxiety, explaining how seemingly minor worries can accumulate into overwhelming stress. His guidance on resetting the nervous system and managing anxiety effectively resonated deeply with parents, equipping them with tools to help their children regain a sense of control.

Beyond anxiety, Justin explored modern parenting challenges, including screen time, peer pressure, and mental health. His insights, drawn from years of research and personal experience as a father of six, provided actionable advice that parents could immediately implement. His emphasis on open communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience-building empowered families to create stronger connections.

Parents left with a renewed sense of confidence, armed with strategies to navigate their children’s emotional struggles while keeping the vital lines of communication open, particularly with tweens and teenagers. Justin's ability to easily explain complex psychological concepts into relatable, easy-to-apply advice made his presentations both engaging and impactful.

You can find more information and advice on Justin's website at https://happyfamilies.com.au or through the podcast he hosts with his wife - The Happy Families podcast.

Catholic School Parents WA would also like to sincerely thank Mr Mark Antulov, Principal of Ursula Frayne Catholic College who generously allowed us to use the schools' facilities for both presentations. This allowed us to provide this event free of charge to our affiliated schools for which we are most grateful. Mark's staff at both sessions were wonderful and a true sign of what it means to be part of a Catholic school community.