To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we?ve rounded up the things you can do as a parent to care for your children?s mental wellbeing
Recent figures from the Office of National Statistics reveal that one in 10 children between age one and 15 suffers from a mental health disorder ? a sobering statistic. No matter your child?s age, there?s always something you can do to help them understand their thoughts and feelings. Establishing healthy habits from the beginning will benefit them greatly in later life, because looking after your health ? whether it is physical or mental ? is a life-long task.
Here are five things you can do to help support your child:

Talk, talk, talk

It may seem pretty straightforward, but often just talking about emotions and sharing feelings can ease the burden. Whether it?s at the dinner table, or a quick catch-up before bedtime, take the time to be truly present for your child without any distractions. If you have more than one, it might be beneficial to have quality one-on-one time with each child, letting them know they can speak to you about anything whenever they feel the need. However, if it transpires that they would rather open up to someone else, put steps in place to make it happen. It might be a teacher, or perhaps an aunt or uncle, but it?s important they have someone to speak honestly with.
Learn to listen

Really listen to what your child has to say. Give them your full attention, without any distractions, and it will only encourage t...