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>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

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

One unexpected date night changed everything. What started with reluctance, exhaustion, and a pottery wheel in the middle of an industrial estate turned into one of the most immersive and connecting experiences we’ve had in years.

In this heartfelt episode of I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share why ordinary date nights often fall flat, how novelty can reignite connection, and the surprising activity that completely pulled Justin out of stress and into flow.

Plus, Kylie shares a deeply emotional story about one conversation between two sisters that revealed what children really know about a parent’s love — even in the middle of slammed doors, teenage tension, and hard seasons.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that the moments we think aren’t landing may matter more than we realise.

KEY POINTS:
Why routine date nights can lose their spark
The power of novelty and shared experiences in relationships
How stepping outside your comfort zone strengthens connection
The surprising mental health benefits of immersive activities
What teenagers really remember about love and safety
Why parenting is more about meaning than happiness
The hidden impact of simply continuing to show up for your kids

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Miss-Connection: Why your teenage daughter “hates” you, expects the world, and needs to talk by Dr Justin Coulson 
Preorder Boys: Building strong young men from the inside out by Dr Justin Coulson
Claim your preorder bonuses for Boys
Happy Families membership and resources

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Plan one date night this month that feels new, adventurous, or slightly uncomfortable
Focus less on ‘getting quality time’ and more on shared experiences
Keep showing up with love, even when your child pushes you away
Look for quiet evidence that your influence is deeper than you think
Take time to savour the small family moments that often pass too quickly

One unexpected date night changed everything. What started with reluctance, exhaustion, and a pottery wheel in the middle of an industrial estate turned into one of the most immersive and connecting experiences we&rsquo;ve had in years.
In this heartfelt episode of I&rsquo;ll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share why ordinary date nights often fall flat, how novelty can reignite connection, and the surprising activity that completely pulled Justin out of stress and into flow.
Plus, Kylie shares a deeply emotional story about one conversation between two sisters that revealed what children really know about a parent&rsquo;s love &mdash; even in the middle of slammed doors, teenage tension, and hard seasons.
This episode is a beautiful reminder that the moments we think aren&rsquo;t landing may matter more than we realise.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why routine date nights can lose their spark</li>
<li aria-level="1">The power of novelty and shared experiences in relationships</li>
<li aria-level="1">How stepping outside your comfort zone strengthens connection</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising mental health benefits of immersive activities</li>
<li aria-level="1">What teenagers really remember about love and safety</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why parenting is more about meaning than happiness</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden impact of simply continuing to show up for your kids</li>
</ul>
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/miss-connection">Miss-Connection: Why your teenage daughter &ldquo;hates&rdquo; you, expects the world, and needs to talk</a> by Dr Justin Coulson&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Preorder <a href="https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/5kjvy3">Boys: Building strong young men from the inside out</a> by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1">Claim your&nbsp;<a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/boys-claim-my-bonuses">preorder bonuses</a> for Boys</li>
<li aria-level="1">Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/membership">membership</a> and resources</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Plan one date night this month that feels new, adventurous, or slightly uncomfortable</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus less on &lsquo;getting quality time&rsquo; and more on shared experiences</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep showing up with love, even when your child pushes you away</li>
<li aria-level="1">Look for quiet evidence that your influence is deeper than you think</li>
<li aria-level="1">Take time to savour the small family moments that often pass too quickly</li>
</ul>

Date Night and the Power of Showing Up

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/57174378-508c-49c5-b02e-b45800ba3c29/transcript

Friendship drama is one of the biggest sources of stress for kids — and heartbreak for parents. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the six powerful habits that create strong, lasting friendships and explain how parents can help children build healthier relationships from the very beginning.

From loyalty and inclusion to emotional support and trust, these simple but profound friendship skills can shape your child’s confidence, wellbeing, and sense of belonging for years to come.

If your child is struggling socially, feeling left out, or constantly caught in friendship ups and downs, this conversation will help you guide them with clarity and compassion.

KEY POINTS:
The six friendship habits linked to stronger relationships
Why loyalty matters more than popularity
How gossip quietly destroys trust
The difference between emotional support and “fixing”
Why belonging at school impacts lifelong wellbeing
How small acts of kindness deepen friendships
What parents can teach kids about inclusion and empathy

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Kids who understand that friendships require active care are far better equipped to keep them.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Research by Michael Argyle and Monika Henderson on friendship
Dr Kelly-Ann Allen’s work on school belonging

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Talk with your child about what loyalty looks like in friendship
Encourage them to include others and notice who gets left out
Teach them to pause before sharing hurtful information
Model emotional support by listening without trying to fix everything
Help them look for small ways to encourage and serve friends
Remind them that good friendships need effort, kindness, and consistency

Friendship drama is one of the biggest sources of stress for kids &mdash; and heartbreak for parents. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the six powerful habits that create strong, lasting friendships and explain how parents can help children build healthier relationships from the very beginning.
From loyalty and inclusion to emotional support and trust, these simple but profound friendship skills can shape your child&rsquo;s confidence, wellbeing, and sense of belonging for years to come.
If your child is struggling socially, feeling left out, or constantly caught in friendship ups and downs, this conversation will help you guide them with clarity and compassion.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The six friendship habits linked to stronger relationships</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why loyalty matters more than popularity</li>
<li aria-level="1">How gossip quietly destroys trust</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between emotional support and &ldquo;fixing&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why belonging at school impacts lifelong wellbeing</li>
<li aria-level="1">How small acts of kindness deepen friendships</li>
<li aria-level="1">What parents can teach kids about inclusion and empathy</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;Kids who understand that friendships require active care are far better equipped to keep them.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Research by Michael Argyle and Monika Henderson on friendship</li>
<li aria-level="1">Dr Kelly-Ann Allen&rsquo;s work on school belonging</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Talk with your child about what loyalty looks like in friendship</li>
<li aria-level="1">Encourage them to include others and notice who gets left out</li>
<li aria-level="1">Teach them to pause before sharing hurtful information</li>
<li aria-level="1">Model emotional support by listening without trying to fix everything</li>
<li aria-level="1">Help them look for small ways to encourage and serve friends</li>
<li aria-level="1">Remind them that good friendships need effort, kindness, and consistency</li>
</ul>

Teaching Kids About Friendship

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/d7029f1c-71ac-483a-b4bb-b45800ba0529/transcript

Most parents teach their children “stranger danger” and protective behaviours believing it will keep them safe. But what if the way we’ve approached child safety for decades isn’t actually the most effective strategy?

In this confronting but deeply important conversation, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with child sexual abuse prevention specialist Dr Julia Rudolph about how abuse really unfolds, why grooming is often invisible to families, and the practical shifts parents can make to create safer environments for children.

This episode explores the hidden patterns behind grooming, the limits of child-focused prevention strategies, and why parents play the most powerful role in protecting kids. It’s uncomfortable listening at times — but it may also change the way you think about safety forever.

KEY POINTS:
Why most child sexual abuse does not begin with fear or violenceHow grooming targets both children and adults
The “Five Cs of Grooming” parents need to understand
Why traditional “protective behaviours” education may fall short
The research-backed parenting strategies linked to lower abuse risk
How supervision, boundaries, and engagement create safer environments
The shift parents need to make from teaching safety to creating safety

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Prevention is not about preparing children to manage dangerous adults. It’s about adults creating the conditions that make children harder to access, harder to isolate, and surrounded by safe, engaged environments.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Protective Pathways
Happy Families

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Learn the signs and stages of grooming, both online and offline
Get curious about the environments and adults around your child
Create clear family rules and boundaries around supervision and care
Focus on warm, connected relationships with your children
Shift the question from “How do I teach my child to stay safe?” to “How do I create safer environments around my child?”

Most parents teach their children &ldquo;stranger danger&rdquo; and protective behaviours believing it will keep them safe. But what if the way we&rsquo;ve approached child safety for decades isn&rsquo;t actually the most effective strategy?
In this confronting but deeply important conversation, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with child sexual abuse prevention specialist Dr Julia Rudolph about how abuse really unfolds, why grooming is often invisible to families, and the practical shifts parents can make to create safer environments for children.
This episode explores the hidden patterns behind grooming, the limits of child-focused prevention strategies, and why parents play the most powerful role in protecting kids. It&rsquo;s uncomfortable listening at times &mdash; but it may also change the way you think about safety forever.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li>Why most child sexual abuse does not begin with fear or violenceHow grooming targets both children and adults</li>
<li>The &ldquo;Five Cs of Grooming&rdquo; parents need to understand</li>
<li>Why traditional &ldquo;protective behaviours&rdquo; education may fall short</li>
<li>The research-backed parenting strategies linked to lower abuse risk</li>
<li>How supervision, boundaries, and engagement create safer environments</li>
<li>The shift parents need to make from teaching safety to creating safety</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;Prevention is not about preparing children to manage dangerous adults. It&rsquo;s about adults creating the conditions that make children harder to access, harder to isolate, and surrounded by safe, engaged environments.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://protectivepathways.com.au">Protective Pathways</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li>Learn the signs and stages of grooming, both online and offline</li>
<li>Get curious about the environments and adults around your child</li>
<li>Create clear family rules and boundaries around supervision and care</li>
<li>Focus on warm, connected relationships with your children</li>
<li>Shift the question from &ldquo;How do I teach my child to stay safe?&rdquo; to &ldquo;How do I create safer environments around my child?&rdquo;</li>
</ul>

Protective Pathways with Dr Julia Rudolph

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/eb915251-3c72-431c-9f6d-b45800b9db7b/transcript

#1009 ADHD in Adults & Toddlers

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