The ADHD experience is increasingly common and most people with a diagnosis (or seeking one), or who are parenting ADHD children are struggling in some way.

Jane McFadden, host of the Australian podcast "ADHD Mums," shares her lived experience of receiving a shock adult ADHD diagnosis following a period of burnout, overwhelm, and mental health struggles, and the unique challenges she faces as a neurodivergent mum to neurodivergent children.

In this episode:
Adult ADHD diagnosis
Neurodivergent parents
Assessment criteria for adult ADHD
Masking and camouflaging
Setting up systems, scaffolding, and accommodation
Mental health and comorbidities of ADHD
Labels
Benefits of a diagnosis
Sensory issues

Related Links:
Help For the ADHD Parent [Article]
Join the Waitlist: Parenting ADHD [The Course]
Parenting an ADHD Child [Article]

Doors are now open to the Happy Families Membership

NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print & Play’ subscription FELT (Fostering Emotional Learning Together)

Find us on Facebook or TikTok

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter

The ADHD experience is increasingly common and most people with a diagnosis (or seeking one), or who are parenting ADHD children are struggling in some way.
Jane McFadden, host of the Australian podcast "<a href="https://adhdmums.com.au/podcast/">ADHD Mums</a>," shares her lived experience of receiving a shock adult ADHD diagnosis following a period of burnout, overwhelm, and mental health struggles, and the unique challenges she faces as a neurodivergent mum to neurodivergent children.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>Adult ADHD diagnosis</li>
<li>Neurodivergent parents</li>
<li>Assessment criteria for adult ADHD</li>
<li>Masking and camouflaging</li>
<li>Setting up systems, scaffolding, and accommodation</li>
<li>Mental health and comorbidities of ADHD</li>
<li>Labels</li>
<li>Benefits of a diagnosis</li>
<li>Sensory issues</li>
</ul>
Related Links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/help-for-the-adhd-parent">Help For the ADHD Parent [Article]</a></li>
<li>Join the Waitlist: <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/parenting-adhd-the-course">Parenting ADHD [The Course]</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/parenting-an-adhd-child">Parenting an ADHD Child [Article]</a></li>
</ul>
Doors are now open to the <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/membership">Happy Families Membership</a> 
NEW weekly kids’ ‘Print &amp; Play’ subscription <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/felt-subscription">FELT</a> (Fostering Emotional Learning Together)
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>

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

#1065 - Being an ADHD Mum With Jane McFadden

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/4ff1faed-f49c-451e-a385-b1d800c80669/transcript

Would you let your 9-year-old ride the NY subway alone or your 15-year-old son travel abroad with friends? For doing just that, one mother received the label of "world's worst mum," and another was reported to social services!

In today's risk-averse society, our children lack adventure. We want resilient children, and yet we try to control them in the name of safety, preventing them from being too adventurous. The problem is that if our kids don't do hard things, they don't get to be resilient. 

Justin and Kylie share why playing it safe may just be the biggest risk of all!
Kirstie Allsopp reported to social services for allowing son,15, to travel abroad | The Guardian
Free range kids
What if...?


Resilience malaise
I let my 9-year-old ride the subway alone. I got labeled the 'world's worst mum' | Lenore Skenazy | Washington Post
Developmentally appropriate independence
Finding purpose and direction through adventure and risk-taking
The Least Interesting Generation | Brett McKay | The Art of Manliness
Resilience

.

Related links: 
The Case for Risky Play in an Age of Overprotection
9 Ways to a Resilient Child [Book]
#906 Raising Free Range Kids This Summer

.

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

Would you let your 9-year-old ride the NY subway alone or your 15-year-old son travel abroad with friends? For doing just that, one mother received the label of "world's worst mum," and another was reported to social services!
In today's risk-averse society, our children lack adventure. We want resilient children, and yet we try to control them in the name of safety, preventing them from being too adventurous. The problem is that if our kids don't do hard things, they don't get to be resilient. 
Justin and Kylie share why playing it safe may just be the biggest risk of all!
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/aug/25/kirstie-allsop-reported-to-social-services-for-allowing-son-15-to-travel-abroad">Kirstie Allsopp reported to social services for allowing son,15, to travel abroad | The Guardian</a></li>
<li>Free range kids</li>
<li>What if...?</li>
<li>
Resilience malaise
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/01/16/i-let-my-9-year-old-ride-the-subway-alone-i-got-labeled-the-worlds-worst-mom/">I let my 9-year-old ride the subway alone. I got labeled the 'world's worst mum' | Lenore Skenazy | Washington Post</a></li>
<li>Developmentally appropriate independence</li>
<li>Finding purpose and direction through adventure and risk-taking</li>
<li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/the-least-interesting-generation/">The Least Interesting Generation | Brett McKay | The Art of Manliness</a></li>
<li>Resilience</li>
</ul>
.
Related links: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/452-weaponised-incompetence">The Case for Risky Play in an Age of Overprotection</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/?post_type=product&amp;p=51941">9 Ways to a Resilient Child [Book]</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/906-raising-free-range-kids-this-summer">#</a><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/906-raising-free-range-kids-this-summer"></a><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/906-raising-free-range-kids-this-summer">906 Raising Free Range Kids This Summer</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>

#1081 - An Adventurous Life

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/2d752253-1d7d-460b-9eaa-b1ec00b32f19/transcript

An anonymous listener shares their frustration and exhaustion with a husband who feels more like an additional child than a partner, offering little support with household and family responsibilities. Justin unpacks "weaponised incompetence" and the unfairness and resentment that build when one parent is left carrying the load and provides guidance on how to address the issue in a way that avoids blame, accusations, and an all-out conflict.

Michelle, from Victoria, has a daughter experiencing mental illness, with chronic insomnia, anxiety, and friendship issues—all leading to a feeling of exhaustion and desperation in the home. Justin shares some ideas with Michelle that will help her struggling daughter, emphasising the importance of finding what ignites delight in your child—and giving them more of it!

In this episode:
Weaponised incompetence
When one parent feels overwhelmed, exhausted, resentful
Be honest (without accusations or blame)
Setting clear expectations and solutions
NDIS
Couples meeting
Getting on the same page
Enabling laziness
Autism, ADHD, chronic insomnia, anxiety
Importance of sleep and bedtime routine
Extra-curricular activities
Validating emotions
3 basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, connection

.

Related links: 
#452 Weaponised Incompetence 
Parenting On The Same Page [Webinar]
We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing
A Grown Up’s Guide to Worry Stacking (and how to help kids kick it!) [Download]
Riding the Waves: Tools for Taming Anxiety [course for kids and teens]
#310 Bedtime is the Right Time
#990 Mental Health Challenges with Anne Hollonds

.

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

An anonymous listener shares their frustration and exhaustion with a husband who feels more like an additional child than a partner, offering little support with household and family responsibilities. Justin unpacks "weaponised incompetence" and the unfairness and resentment that build when one parent is left carrying the load and provides guidance on how to address the issue in a way that avoids blame, accusations, and an all-out conflict.
Michelle, from Victoria, has a daughter experiencing mental illness, with chronic insomnia, anxiety, and friendship issues—all leading to a feeling of exhaustion and desperation in the home. Justin shares some ideas with Michelle that will help her struggling daughter, emphasising the importance of finding what ignites delight in your child—and giving them more of it!
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>Weaponised incompetence</li>
<li>When one parent feels overwhelmed, exhausted, resentful</li>
<li>Be honest (without accusations or blame)</li>
<li>Setting clear expectations and solutions</li>
<li>NDIS</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/273-coordinating-everything">Couples meeting</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/same-page-parenting">Getting on the same page</a></li>
<li>Enabling laziness</li>
<li>Autism, ADHD, chronic insomnia, anxiety</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/the-importance-of-sleep-how-i-work-crossover">Importance of sleep</a> and bedtime routine</li>
<li>Extra-curricular activities</li>
<li>Validating emotions</li>
<li>3 basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, connection</li>
</ul>
.
Related links: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/452-weaponised-incompetence">#</a><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/452-weaponised-incompetence">452 Weaponised Incompetence </a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/980-the-anxious-generation-with-jonathan-haidt">Parenting On The Same Page [Webinar]</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/we-need-to-talk-about-parent-wellbeing">We Need to Talk About Parent Wellbeing</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/worry-stacking">A Grown Up’s Guide to Worry Stacking (and how to help kids kick it!) [Download]</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/riding-the-waves-the-course">Riding the Waves: Tools for Taming Anxiety [course for kids and teens]</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/310-bedtime-is-the-right-time">#310 Bedtime is the Right Time</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/990-mental-health-challenges-with-anne-hollonds">#990 Mental Health Challenges with Anne</a><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/990-mental-health-challenges-with-anne-hollonds"> Hollonds</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>

#1080 - Q&A: Lazy Husband & Sleep Struggles

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/d7aa14c9-ede6-411d-8c3d-b1ec000eeeb6/transcript

In Australia, children below a certain age will be banned from social media as part of a national plan to counter its negative effects on youth. We discuss the government's commitments, the challenges this new legislation may face, and what parents can do now to protect their kids in a screen-saturated world.

In this episode:
'National Social Media Age Limit' | A Current Affair
Why 13+ is the current legal age
Collecting personal data
Politics and obstacles facing this legislation
The impact of social media on kids
Using screens well: with intentionality, self-regulation, limits
Play-based childhood VS screen-based childhood
Holding tech companies accountable
What parents can do while waiting for legislation to pass
Kids need smart parents not smartphones
Building community
Unplug Childhood - sign the pledge & join the village today! 
The Screen Smart Series: 'Unplug Childhood' & 'Tweens, Teens & Screens' (included in membership)

.

Related links: 
#980 The Anxious Generation With Jonathan Haidt
Tech Giants are Anti-Kids

.

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

In Australia, children below a certain age will be banned from social media as part of a national plan to counter its negative effects on youth. We discuss the government's commitments, the challenges this new legislation may face, and what parents can do now to protect their kids in a screen-saturated world.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/do-australias-kids-support-a-social-media-ban/dac900c3-5f88-4e01-b66d-4d14af18489a">'National Social Media Age Limit' | A Current Affair</a></li>
<li>Why 13+ is the current legal age</li>
<li>Collecting personal data</li>
<li>Politics and obstacles facing this legislation</li>
<li>The impact of social media on kids</li>
<li>Using screens well: with intentionality, self-regulation, limits</li>
<li>Play-based childhood VS screen-based childhood</li>
<li>Holding tech companies accountable</li>
<li>What parents can do while waiting for legislation to pass</li>
<li>Kids need smart parents not smartphones</li>
<li>Building community</li>
<li><a href="Unplugchildhood.org">Unplug Childhood</a> - sign the pledge &amp; join the village today! </li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/event/answers-with-dr-justin-coulson-the-screen-smart-series">The Screen Smart Series: 'Unplug Childhood' &amp; 'Tweens, Teens &amp; Screens'</a> (included in membership)</li>
</ul>
.
Related links: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/980-the-anxious-generation-with-jonathan-haidt">#980 The Anxious Generation With Jonathan Haidt</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamiliesau/posts/pfbid0G5sSAgaYbdzVUCWCVGpAjZWxws6qLvCjGMrfQY2v95Q3S3pGZFGL3xnUYfvfGKaQl">Tech Giants are Anti-Kids</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>

#1079 - Age-Based Social Media Bans Gathering Momentum

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/c0074311-170d-4f53-bcbe-b1e900c02b0d/transcript

#1065 - Being an ADHD Mum With Jane McFadden

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