All In The Mind cover image

All In The Mind

'Bad behaviour' or just misunderstood? What to know about kids' mental health

Feb 15, 2025
Dr. Billy Garvey, a developmental pediatrician from Melbourne, specializes in children's behavioral issues and is also the author of "10 Things I Wish You Knew About Your Child's Mental Health." He discusses why kids often get labeled as 'bad' and dives into the complexities of attachment and emotional difficulties. Dr. Garvey emphasizes the importance of secure relationships and effective parent-child communication. He also shares strategies for fostering emotional resilience and supporting caregivers in understanding their children's mental health challenges.
30:23

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding a child's behavioral issues requires recognizing the deeper emotional and attachment struggles that often lie beneath their actions.
  • Consistent, non-judgmental support from parents is crucial in fostering children's emotional security and resilience during challenging times.

Deep dives

Billy Garvey's Challenging Upbringing

Billy Garvey's childhood was marked by hardship and adversity, being raised in a disadvantaged community by a single mother who juggled multiple jobs while facing her own mental health challenges. This difficult environment often led to instability, such as power outages and lack of food, which contributed to his feelings of anger and rebellion during adolescence. His clashes with authority figures and educators resulted in his expulsion from school, perpetuating a negative cycle of mistrust and frustration. However, beneath this 'bad kid' image was a young person struggling with his circumstances, eventually leading him to seek change.

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