Did you know that 1 in 5 children, including preschoolers, experience a mental illness? Despite how common it is, families often face long waitlists and limited access to resources. Dr. Billy Garvey, a developmental pediatrician with over 20 years of experience, is on a mission to change that.
Through his work at one of the world’s largest pediatric hospitals and as the founder of Guiding Growing Minds, Dr. Garvey is dedicated to making high-quality mental health support more accessible for every child and parent, no matter where they are starting from.
At the heart of Dr. Garvey’s message is a powerful truth: to be loved is to feel safe, celebrated, and supported, regardless of achievements. His approach helps parents understand how safety, connection, and unconditional love shape a child’s emotional development and resilience. He emphasizes that parenting is a continual process of growth and repair, reminding caregivers that “you can always be better, you can always repair, and you can always rebuild” the relationship you have with your child. These principles are explored deeply in his book, Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Your Child’s Mental Health, which has become Australia’s #1 parenting title.
In this episode of the Be Well by Kelly Podcast, Dr. Garvey shares practical strategies for nurturing children’s mental well-being, building emotional safety, and supporting healthy development from the earliest years. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this conversation is full of valuable insights and evidence-based guidance to help kids thrive.
