88 – Understanding and navigating anxiety with Dr Billy Garvey, developmental paediatrician

Sadly more and more children are exhibiting signs of anxiety at an early age. But how can parents discern between normal childhood fears and more serious anxiety issues? And what steps can they take to support their child through these challenging emotions? This week we welcome back our honorary co-host Dr. Billy Garvey, a renowned developmental paediatrician, to explore a topic that weighs heavily on many parents’ hearts—childhood anxiety.

Billy is a developmental paediatrician with nearly 20 years experience working with children in a number of settings. His clinical and research interests include child development and mental health, multidisciplinary collaboration, improving health literacy and promoting community engagement to support all families.

He is also the co-founder and co-host of an excellent podcast – Pop Culture Parenting, which aims support child development and wellbeing using evidence in a meaningful, fun and realistic way. Definitely check it out!

In this podcast we chat to Billy about:

• Some common signs of anxiety in young children that parents might overlook
• How parents differentiate between normal childhood fears and more serious anxiety issues
• Common triggers of anxiety and the most common age group this occurs in
• When we should consider seeking professional help for our child’s anxiety (or our own!)
• Lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce anxiety in children
• How parents can manage their own anxiety, and whether having an anxious parent predisposes a child to having anxiety as well
• What to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your child’s anxiety
• … and so much more!

This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the often turbulent waters of childhood anxiety. Billy’s advice offers both reassurance and practical steps to help families support their children’s mental well-being. Whether you’re noticing early signs of anxiety in your child or just want to be prepared, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and tools to handle anxiety with confidence and compassion.

You can connect with Billy on Instagram as well as on his podcast (which you can listen to HERE)

You can also check out his book HERE (and we both highly recommend the audiobook version!)

Billy’s previous episodes:

• Tantrums
• Screen time
• Unsettled babies

Today’s episode was brought to you by Mini + Me. Mini and Me, a brand we have loved since they launched just over a year ago. Their very first product, Hydramama, is a game changer.  It’s an electrolyte drink that’s designed to support you and your family in pregnancy, postpartum or even if you are a tired mum looking for a pick me up. It is full of electrolytes, magnesium, methylated folate and vitamins and is endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives too.  Developed by a HG sufferer, Keira Rumble, Hydramama contains zero sugar and it is all natural. It’s a great way to keep hydrated and give some love to your body and baby during those head in the bowl moments. It’s perfect for breastfeeding mamas too and they taste so good – there are now 6 delicious flavours to choose from. They have just launched 2 brand new Hydramama flavours – Cola and Lemonade. They come in convenient single serve sachets, so they are great for on the run, pram walks, park adventures, and even travelling. 

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