How to support an anxious child: A parenting expert's top tips

Dr Justin Coulson is often asked for advice on how best to support kids with anxiety.

The parenting expert says it's something many children can experience from an early age, often manifesting physically, such as in the form of a sore tummy or angry behaviour.

And it can become an issue if it disrupts their daily lives.

READ MORE: Five ways to calm your toddler before bed

"Whatever form anxiety takes, anxious thoughts are actually a sign of a brain that is doing its job keeping us safe. But it can happen whether the danger is real or not, which is where anxiety can become problematic," he says.

Dr Coulson says it is possible to help kids work through their fears. The most important step, he says, is to talk about their fears, adding: 'When you name it you can tame it'.

"Talk to your child about what anxiety is. How it makes you feel, and where it comes from. If it's mentionable, it's manageable."

Watch the video above to hear all of Justin's amazing advice.