Three-year-olds are exhausting! Energetic, emotionally reactive, and uninhibited—all the things that can make a parent begin to question if their child has ADHD! Today, Dr Justin looks at the developmentally normal behaviours of a three-year-old and shares four things they need in order to learn, grow, and thrive.

Plus, three tips for neurodivergent parents trying to hold it all together while navigating the chaos of family life and struggling with their own ADHD.

In this episode:
ADHD, ODD, or just three?
Developmental Milestones - Preschoolers
Little People, Big Feelings (Webinar)
What Your Child Needs From You
Why saying "use your words" isn't helpful
Theory of mind
Diagnosing ADHD
What 3-year-olds need
Neurodivergent parents
Challenges of ADHD as an adult
Help For the ADHD Parent - from the Happy Families team

.

Related links:
Parenting an ADHD Child
Women in Australia with ADHD - FB support group
ADHD Mums - Australian resource and podcast

.

Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website

Three-year-olds are exhausting! Energetic, emotionally reactive, and uninhibited—all the things that can make a parent begin to question if their child has ADHD! Today, Dr Justin looks at the developmentally normal behaviours of a three-year-old and shares four things they need in order to learn, grow, and thrive.
Plus, three tips for neurodivergent parents trying to hold it all together while navigating the chaos of family life and struggling with their own ADHD.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>ADHD, ODD, or just three?</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/developmental-milestones-part-3-preschool">Developmental Milestones - Preschoolers</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/little-people-big-feelings-webinar">Little People, Big Feelings (Webinar)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/what-your-child-needs-from-you">What Your Child Needs From You</a></li>
<li>Why saying "use your words" isn't helpful</li>
<li>Theory of mind</li>
<li>Diagnosing ADHD</li>
<li>What 3-year-olds need</li>
<li>Neurodivergent parents</li>
<li>Challenges of ADHD as an adult</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/help-for-the-adhd-parent">Help For the ADHD Parent</a> - from the Happy Families team</li>
</ul>
.
Related links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/parenting-an-adhd-child">Parenting an ADHD Child</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/WomenInAustraliaADHD">Women in Australia with ADHD - FB support group</a></li>
<li><a href="https://adhdmums.com.au">ADHD Mums - Australian resource and podcast</a></li>
</ul>
.
Find us on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamilies.au/"> Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@happyfamiliesau">TikTok</a>
Subscribe to the Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.activehosted.com/f/40">newsletter</a>
Leave a <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast">voice memo here</a> or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/the-quest">our website</a>

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?&nbsp;Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia&rsquo;s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1009 ADHD in Adults & Toddlers

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/893970ae-d8ee-4fd1-bbe7-b18b00c58417/transcript

More than eight in ten Australian kids were still using age-restricted social media platforms months after the under-16 law came into effect. So is the legislation working?

Justin speaks with Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells about what has happened since the social media minimum age law began, why compliance has been slower than expected, and what the new Digital Duty of Care could mean for families.

The proposed laws go much further than social media. They cover AI chatbots, online games, messaging platforms and other digital services, with new responsibilities for tech companies to identify and reduce risks to children.

They also tackle harmful content, addictive design features, algorithmic feeds and the growing challenge of keeping kids safe from pornography and other dangerous material online.

KEY POINTS
Why more than 80% of children were still using age-restricted platforms
Why enforcement against big tech takes time
What the Digital Duty of Care would change for parents
How AI chatbots, gaming and messaging platforms could be covered
The harmful content platforms would have to address
What "safety by design" could mean for kids
How algorithmic feeds could change
The challenges created by VPNs and children accessing pornography
Why group chats and private sharing are harder for parents to monitor
What the government says is changing for young Australians

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"We want you to be able to say, this is the law and you can point to the law to try and address these daily fights that people are having in their home."

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Talk with your kids about what they are seeing online, including content shared privately in group chats.
Check which social media, gaming, messaging and AI platforms your child is using.
Look at the feed settings on platforms your family uses and understand whether algorithmic recommendations can be changed.
Keep talking about pornography and harmful online content before your child encounters it.
Use Australia's changing online safety laws as a starting point for conversations about what is and isn't acceptable online.

More than eight in ten Australian kids were still using age-restricted social media platforms months after the under-16 law came into effect. So is the legislation working?
Justin speaks with Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells about what has happened since the social media minimum age law began, why compliance has been slower than expected, and what the new Digital Duty of Care could mean for families.
The proposed laws go much further than social media. They cover AI chatbots, online games, messaging platforms and other digital services, with new responsibilities for tech companies to identify and reduce risks to children.
They also tackle harmful content, addictive design features, algorithmic feeds and the growing challenge of keeping kids safe from pornography and other dangerous material online.
KEY POINTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Why more than 80% of children were still using age-restricted platforms</li>
<li>Why enforcement against big tech takes time</li>
<li>What the Digital Duty of Care would change for parents</li>
<li>How AI chatbots, gaming and messaging platforms could be covered</li>
<li>The harmful content platforms would have to address</li>
<li>What "safety by design" could mean for kids</li>
<li>How algorithmic feeds could change</li>
<li>The challenges created by VPNs and children accessing pornography</li>
<li>Why group chats and private sharing are harder for parents to monitor</li>
<li>What the government says is changing for young Australians</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
<blockquote>
"We want you to be able to say, this is the law and you can point to the law to try and address these daily fights that people are having in their home."
</blockquote>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Talk with your kids about what they are seeing online, including content shared privately in group chats.</li>
<li>Check which social media, gaming, messaging and AI platforms your child is using.</li>
<li>Look at the feed settings on platforms your family uses and understand whether algorithmic recommendations can be changed.</li>
<li>Keep talking about pornography and harmful online content before your child encounters it.</li>
<li>Use Australia's changing online safety laws as a starting point for conversations about what is and isn't acceptable online.</li>
</ul>

The Digital Duty of Care Is Coming [with Anika Wells]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/11628570-391b-4952-9069-b4cb008e1568/transcript

What if improving your wellbeing was far simpler than you thought?

In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a huge new scientific review published in Nature that analysed 183 wellbeing studies involving nearly 23,000 people worldwide. The conclusion? You don’t need the perfect routine, expensive programs, or hours of free time to feel better.

You just need to do something.

From exercise and mindfulness to yoga, gratitude, therapy, and simple self-awareness practices, the research shows that consistent small actions have a powerful impact on mental health and happiness. Justin and Kylie also share their own honest experiences of trying to prioritise wellbeing in the middle of busy family life.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to take care of yourself, this episode is your reminder that small steps still count.

KEY POINTS:
A major Nature study reviewed 183 wellbeing interventions
Exercise combined with psychological support had the strongest results
Mindfulness, gratitude, yoga, and compassion practices all improved wellbeing
Consistency matters more than perfection
Small actions done regularly can create major emotional shifts
Parents don’t need hours of free time for self-care to work

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
 “Don’t overthink the perfect wellbeing routine. Just do something.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Nature systematic review and meta-analysis on wellbeing interventions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness and positive psychology practices
Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Choose one simple wellbeing habit you can realistically repeat this week
Aim for consistency over intensity
Pair movement with reflection, mindfulness, or connection
Notice how you feel when you stop prioritising your wellbeing
Give yourself permission to start small rather than waiting for perfect conditions

What if improving your wellbeing was far simpler than you thought?
In this Doctor&rsquo;s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a huge new scientific review published in Nature that analysed 183 wellbeing studies involving nearly 23,000 people worldwide. The conclusion? You don&rsquo;t need the perfect routine, expensive programs, or hours of free time to feel better.
You just need to do something.
From exercise and mindfulness to yoga, gratitude, therapy, and simple self-awareness practices, the research shows that consistent small actions have a powerful impact on mental health and happiness. Justin and Kylie also share their own honest experiences of trying to prioritise wellbeing in the middle of busy family life.
If you&rsquo;ve been waiting for the &ldquo;right time&rdquo; to take care of yourself, this episode is your reminder that small steps still count.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">A major Nature study reviewed 183 wellbeing interventions</li>
<li aria-level="1">Exercise combined with psychological support had the strongest results</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mindfulness, gratitude, yoga, and compassion practices all improved wellbeing</li>
<li aria-level="1">Consistency matters more than perfection</li>
<li aria-level="1">Small actions done regularly can create major emotional shifts</li>
<li aria-level="1">Parents don&rsquo;t need hours of free time for self-care to work</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t overthink the perfect wellbeing routine. Just do something.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02369-1">Nature systematic review and meta-analysis</a> on wellbeing interventions</li>
<li aria-level="1">Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mindfulness and positive psychology practices</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/5kjvy3">Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out </a>by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Choose one simple wellbeing habit you can realistically repeat this week</li>
<li aria-level="1">Aim for consistency over intensity</li>
<li aria-level="1">Pair movement with reflection, mindfulness, or connection</li>
<li aria-level="1">Notice how you feel when you stop prioritising your wellbeing</li>
<li aria-level="1">Give yourself permission to start small rather than waiting for perfect conditions</li>
</ul>

Just Do Something - The Ultimate Wellness Hack

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/d54c35cd-23e1-44e2-b8bb-b4cb008df00b/transcript

What if protecting our kids too much is actually holding them back?

In this powerful conversation, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with extreme athlete, sports psychologist, and author Ant Williams to unpack why so many kids struggle with pressure, discomfort, and resilience — and what parents can do differently.

From diving beneath Arctic ice to coaching elite athletes under extreme stress, Ant shares the mindset shifts that help people stay calm, capable, and courageous when life gets hard. Together, they explore the parenting habits that unintentionally weaken resilience, the fine line between support and overprotection, and why kids need opportunities to struggle, fail, and recover.

If your child avoids hard things, melts down under pressure, or constantly says “I can’t”, this episode will change the way you respond.

KEY POINTS
Why resilience is built through challenge — not comfort
The difference between being a safety net and a shield
How parents accidentally reinforce anxiety and avoidance
Why kids need evidence they can handle hard things
The long-term risks of wrapping children in cotton wool
How your reactions to stress become your child’s template
The simple “fish hook” strategy for staying calm under pressure
Why modelling courage matters more than preaching confidence

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Our reaction becomes their template.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Let It Be Tough by Ant Williams
Resilience: Developing strength, calm, & kindness in our kids [a Happy Families Webinar]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Resist rescuing your child from every uncomfortable situation
Encourage small, manageable challenges that build confidence
Talk openly about your own fears and how you handle them
Stay calm during stressful moments — your child is learning from your response
Focus on supporting your child, not shielding them
Help kids reflect after setbacks instead of immediately fixing things

What if protecting our kids too much is actually holding them back?
In this powerful conversation, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with extreme athlete, sports psychologist, and author <a href="https://www.instagram.com/freediveguy/?hl=en">Ant Williams</a> to unpack why so many kids struggle with pressure, discomfort, and resilience &mdash; and what parents can do differently.
From diving beneath Arctic ice to coaching elite athletes under extreme stress, Ant shares the mindset shifts that help people stay calm, capable, and courageous when life gets hard. Together, they explore the parenting habits that unintentionally weaken resilience, the fine line between support and overprotection, and why kids need opportunities to struggle, fail, and recover.
If your child avoids hard things, melts down under pressure, or constantly says &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t&rdquo;, this episode will change the way you respond.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why resilience is built through challenge &mdash; not comfort</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between being a safety net and a shield</li>
<li aria-level="1">How parents accidentally reinforce anxiety and avoidance</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why kids need evidence they can handle hard things</li>
<li aria-level="1">The long-term risks of wrapping children in cotton wool</li>
<li aria-level="1">How your reactions to stress become your child&rsquo;s template</li>
<li aria-level="1">The simple &ldquo;fish hook&rdquo; strategy for staying calm under pressure</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why modelling courage matters more than preaching confidence</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Our reaction becomes their template.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Let-it-be-Tough/Ant-Williams/9781761638565">Let It Be Tough</a> by Ant Williams</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/resilience">Resilience: Developing strength, calm, &amp; kindness in our kids</a> [a Happy Families Webinar]</li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Resist rescuing your child from every uncomfortable situation</li>
<li aria-level="1">Encourage small, manageable challenges that build confidence</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk openly about your own fears and how you handle them</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay calm during stressful moments &mdash; your child is learning from your response</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on supporting your child, not shielding them</li>
<li aria-level="1">Help kids reflect after setbacks instead of immediately fixing things</li>
</ul>

Raising Kids Who Can Handle Hard Things [with Ant Williams]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/ff0541af-1b4b-4ad2-92a3-b4cb008dc7ce/transcript

#1009 ADHD in Adults & Toddlers

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