When everything's a battle with your three-year-old, understanding the developmental realities can transform your approach. Learn why emotional regulation, theory of mind, and language development explain those challenging behaviours, and discover three practical solutions that actually work. Plus, find out why your child might be an angel at daycare but struggle at home - and why that's actually a good sign.

Quote of the Episode: "We expect way too much of our children emotionally and not nearly enough of them physically."

Key Insights:
Emotional regulation begins developing at age 3-4
Theory of Mind develops around ages 4.5-5.5
Language limitations affect behaviour management
Different contexts (home vs daycare) create different behaviours
Connection matters more than correction
Rushing and time pressure escalate emotions
The importance of autonomy for toddler cooperation
Fun can transform routine tasks

Resources Mentioned:
Little People, Big Feelings [webinar]
The Parenting Revolution [book]
Happy Families

Action Steps for Parents:
Slow Down
Create margin in routines
Reduce rushing
Maintain calm
Build Connection
Focus on feeling seen, heard, and valued
Prioritize emotional availability
Engage in their activities
Make it Fun
Add playful elements to routine tasks
Use music and movement
Transform ordinary moments with simple games

When everything's a battle with your three-year-old, understanding the developmental realities can transform your approach. Learn why emotional regulation, theory of mind, and language development explain those challenging behaviours, and discover three practical solutions that actually work. Plus, find out why your child might be an angel at daycare but struggle at home - and why that's actually a good sign.
Quote of the Episode: "We expect way too much of our children emotionally and not nearly enough of them physically."
Key Insights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Emotional regulation begins developing at age 3-4</li>
<li aria-level="1">Theory of Mind develops around ages 4.5-5.5</li>
<li aria-level="1">Language limitations affect behaviour management</li>
<li aria-level="1">Different contexts (home vs daycare) create different behaviours</li>
<li aria-level="1">Connection matters more than correction</li>
<li aria-level="1">Rushing and time pressure escalate emotions</li>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of autonomy for toddler cooperation</li>
<li aria-level="1">Fun can transform routine tasks</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/little-people-big-feelings-the-webinar">Little People, Big Feelings</a> [webinar]</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/the-parenting-revolution">The Parenting Revolution</a> [book]</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families</a></li>
</ul>
Action Steps for Parents:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Slow Down</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">Create margin in routines</li>
<li aria-level="2">Reduce rushing</li>
<li aria-level="2">Maintain calm</li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Build Connection</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">Focus on feeling seen, heard, and valued</li>
<li aria-level="2">Prioritize emotional availability</li>
<li aria-level="2">Engage in their activities</li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Make it Fun</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">Add playful elements to routine tasks</li>
<li aria-level="2">Use music and movement</li>
<li aria-level="2">Transform ordinary moments with simple games</li>
</ul>
</ol>

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

#1179 - Why Your Three-Year-Old Seems Possessed (And What to Do)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/97e1ad9c-da3b-492f-9ce3-b27e00ce6061/transcript

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