Anxiety in young people has undoubtedly been on the rise in the past couple of decades. While anxiety is a perfectly normal and often a healthy human response, when it interferes with our child’s or teen’s capacity to engage fully with their normal life, they need our help.
Sometimes, that help might involve seeking support from a mental health professional (or going on a waiting list!). So often, there are also simple, practical things that parents, carers and teachers can do that can make a significant difference. Things that can help our kids and teens take real steps towards bravery, shift their emotional state, and change the way they feel about themselves.
In our first online masterclass for 2026, Maggie is teaming up with anxiety expert Karen Young. Together, they’ll explore what anxiety is, when it’s a problem and what we can do to ensure it isn’t ruling our kids’ lives.
In this class, they will unpack:
- what anxiety is and why it is so prevalent today
- the flight, fight, freeze and fawn responses (polyvagal theory)
- why the brain loves predictability – and why transitions can get tricky
- neurodivergence and anxiety
- responding to change, whether anticipated or unexpected
- what's happening for under 5s
- separation distress - what's normal
- anxiety around starting big school/high school and changing schools
- school reluctance/school can't – what's happening and how to help
- their top tips to help parents & carers when kids & teens struggle with anxiety
- things adults should avoid doing and saying to anxious kids
- why a child can be safe and yet not feel safe
- the impact of puberty and adolescence
- what to do if there’s no professional help available or you have to wait.
Maggie first started writing about calming our kids’ stress and anxiety over 20 years ago (well before the tech tsunami), and Karen is known worldwide for her capacity to distil the neuroscience into simple steps towards bravery for kids and teens.
Together they will give you the tools to resource your kids, teens and/or students for a braver, calmer year ahead.
Join us live from 3pm (Sydney time) on Saturday 21st February 2026
…or watch on your device whenever suits you.
The live session will run for approximately 1.5 hours, including a Q&A near the end of the class. A video recording will be available for anyone who cannot join us live. An audio-only version will also be available for those who prefer to listen on-the-go. Once you sign up you will receive access to the participant area where you'll find the special link to join the webinar via Zoom, plus all the additional resources.
Free gifts included...
Everyone who registers will receive three free audio tracks (usually $15) from Maggie, including:
Soothing the Frightened Butterflies – A creative visualisation especially created for children aged 4-10 who are experiencing irrational feelings of anxiety and fear.
Sky Blue Relaxation – A short, standing audio relaxation for anyone aged five and over.
Relax and Escape – A relaxing visualisation for the whole family (especially adolescents and adults) encourages you to completely unplug from the external world to restore yourself to a natural balance of mind, body and spirit.
Plus
As a handy reference, we've included a PDF handout with notes and links to further information and resources.
Your Hosts
Maggie Dent
Commonly known as the ‘queen of common sense’, Maggie Dent has become one of Australia's favourite parenting authors, educators and podcasters. She has a background in teaching and counselling, and a particular interest in the early years, adolescence and resilience.
Maggie is the author of 10 major books, including the bestselling Mothering Our Boys, From Boys to Men, Girlhood and Help Me Help My Teen. Maggie hosts The Good Enough Dad podcast and also hosted the award-winning ABC podcast, Parental As Anything. In 2025, she also starred in the genre-bending ABC TV series, The Role of a Lifetime.
Maggie is a dedicated advocate to quietly changing lives in our families and communities. She is a founding member of the Ctrl+Shft online safety coalition. Maggie is the mother of four sons and a very grateful grandmother.
Karen Young
Karen began her career as a psychologist and is recognised as one of Australia’s leading authorities on child and adolescent anxiety. She a sought-after speaker, educator and consultant, and works with parents, schools, government bodies, and child and adolescent focused organisations both in Australia and overseas.
Karen is the founder of ‘Hey Sigmund’, an internationally popular online resource that provides contemporary, research-driven information on anxiety and the neurodevelopment of children. She has written six books, including the bestselling Hey Warrior which creatively assist children to understand and manage anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I access the webinar?
How does lifetime access sound? Join us live from 3pm (Sydney time) on Saturday 21st February 2026 or watch the replay of the live class and have access to the bonus content and handout for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own. Just come back to this website and login!
What if I am unhappy with the masterclass?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
I already signed up but can't find the participant area!
If you have already signed up, login to the participant area here to access your content. You can also use the Login link in the website menu where you will find your webinar under the menu link 'My Content' - available once logged in.
Can you provide me with a certificate of completion?
Yes. You will unlock the course certificate once you have marked all lectures as complete. The certificate will appear on the screen once you have completed the final content. Click the Download button underneath the certificate to save the certificate to your device.
How can I get the 25% Members Discount?
If you are a part of Maggie's Membership Community, don't forget you can get 25% off this webinar using the discount code on the Members' Dashboard. And if you're not a member, you can signup anytime (and cancel whenever you like) at maggiedent.com/membership
You'll receive...
✔️ A live approx. 1.5 hour video webinar with Maggie and Karen, including Q&A
✔️ Lifetime access to the video and audio replays to watch in your own time
✔️ 3 free audio tracks from Maggie (worth $15)
✔️ PDF handout
Prices displayed in Australian Dollars
Interested in licensing this content for your school or organisation?
We offer a bulk purchase price on our webinars, masterclasses and online courses & conferences for schools and organisations.
