Robert asks, What can you do when your teenager won’t go to school? Throw in the complexity of neurodivergence, and this becomes a tough situation!

Plus, a question from Sian about managing the inconsistency between a reward/token system at school and what is going on at home. Can two very different structures coexist and work for your child?

In this episode:


Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)


Emotion-Based School Avoidance


Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) or Persistent Desire for Autonomy


Conflict around gaming
Connection vs control
Explore, explain, empower
Emotional valence (the extent to which an emotion is pleasant or unpleasant, ranging from negative to positive)
Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
Building structure in the home

Related links:
School Refusal
Screens And Our Boys
Punishment, Reward, and Other Disciplinary Mistakes
#720 What are the Psychological Needs of Our Kids?

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

Robert asks, What can you do when your teenager won’t go to school? Throw in the complexity of neurodivergence, and this becomes a tough situation!
Plus, a question from Sian about managing the inconsistency between a reward/token system at school and what is going on at home. Can two very different structures coexist and work for your child?
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
</li>
<li>
Emotion-Based School Avoidance
</li>
<li>
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) or Persistent Desire for Autonomy
</li>
<li>
Conflict around gaming
</li>
<li>Connection vs control</li>
<li>Explore, explain, empower</li>
<li>Emotional valence (the extent to which an emotion is pleasant or unpleasant, ranging from negative to positive)</li>
<li>Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation</li>
<li>Building structure in the home</li>
</ul>
Related links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/school-refusal">School Refusal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/screens-and-our-boys">Screens And Our Boys</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/punishment-reward-and-other-disciplinary-mistakes">Punishment, Reward, and Other Disciplinary Mistakes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/720-what-are-the-psychological-needs-of-our-kids">#720 What are the Psychological Needs of Our Kids?</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

#1070 - Q&A: Teen School Refusal & Motivation Styles

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/15d5fc78-368b-482e-89dc-b1de002f9f17/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

Justin shares his disappointment in unwittingly missing out on the opportunity to share meaningful, heartfelt words with the people he loves after choosing to clean the kitchen during an extended family get-together rather than participating in a family activity. 

We all have a need to belong. You can help your child to have a sense of who they are and how they belong by creating family traditions and sharing family stories with them. Kylie shares how she included son-in-law Jared in one of their traditions by writing him into their family 'birth" story.

In this episode:
Missed opportunity
Getting priorities right
"If tomorrow never comes..." Ronan Keating
Why vulnerability is hard!
Using technology to check in with people we love
Coulson daughter #2 has returned from Europe
The need to belong
Family traditions and stories
Adoption
Knowing family roots- -> increased resilience
Teaching kids about positive relationships

.

Related links: 
How well do you score in Prof. Duke's 'Do You Know' scale?

Family Traditions Help Kids Make Sense of Life
#589 Mental Fitness With Gus Worland

.

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

Justin shares his disappointment in unwittingly missing out on the opportunity to share meaningful, heartfelt words with the people he loves after choosing to clean the kitchen during an extended family get-together rather than participating in a family activity. 
We all have a need to belong. You can help your child to have a sense of who they are and how they belong by creating family traditions and sharing family stories with them. Kylie shares how she included son-in-law Jared in one of their traditions by writing him into their family 'birth" story.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>Missed opportunity</li>
<li>Getting priorities right</li>
<li>"If tomorrow never comes..." Ronan Keating</li>
<li>Why vulnerability is hard!</li>
<li>Using technology to check in with people we love</li>
<li>Coulson daughter #2 has returned from Europe</li>
<li>The need to belong</li>
<li>Family traditions and stories</li>
<li>Adoption</li>
<li>Knowing family roots- -&gt; increased resilience</li>
<li>Teaching kids about positive relationships</li>
</ul>
.
Related links: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamiliesau/posts/pfbid0G5sSAgaYbdzVUCWCVGpAjZWxws6qLvCjGMrfQY2v95Q3S3pGZFGL3xnUYfvfGKaQl">How well do you score in Prof. Duke's 'Do You Know' scale?</a> <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/the-little-people-big-feelings-summit"></a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/family-traditions-help-kids-make-sense-of-life">Family Traditions Help Kids Make Sense of Life</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/589-mental-fitness-with-gus-worland">#589 Mental Fitness With Gus Worland</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>

#1078 - Choose Life Not Dishes

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/a3d4cc48-e1ac-4108-923e-b1e800c77f57/transcript

#1070 - Q&A: Teen School Refusal & Motivation Styles

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