President Joe Biden is condemning what he says is the “appalling assault” against Israel by Hamas militants

Spotting when your child is struggling with their mental health, and knowing how to support them, can be tricky for parents and carers. It’s an important issue to be aware of, however. According to the Children’s Society, in the three years up to 2022, the likelihood of young people having a mental health problem increased by 50%, while children and young people’s mental health charity Place2Be says one in six children experience mental health difficulties, rising to one in four amongst 17–19-year-olds. Emotional disorders including depression and anxiety are among the most common problems to crop up. James Emmett, regional clinical lead at Place2Be, says although the Government has taken “great strides” to address the issue by introducing support teams and senior mental health leads in schools, “we’re still seeing a sharp increase in diagnosable mental health conditions among children and young people, now affecting one in six children – which is around five in every classroom”. Stevie Goulding, senior manager for parents and carers services at the charity YoungMinds, says: “More young people than ever are struggling with their mental health and are in need of support. This generation is facing a unique set of pressures – living through a pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis and ongoing global instability – and they’re worried about their future. “As young people navigate the ups and downs of growing up, recognising when to be concerned about your child’s mental health can be difficult.” Here, Goulding and Emmett outline how parents can spot whether their child may be struggling, and how to help… 1. Look for behaviour changes A change in behaviour is usually the first sign that a child or young person is feeling low, says Emmett: “They may eat too much or not enough, have problems sleeping, or stop doing things they normally enjoy.” Goulding adds: “If you notice changes in your child’s behaviour or if they appear persistently distressed, it could mean they’re struggling with their mental health, and it’s important to take their concerns seriously.” 2. Give them the opportunity to talk Goulding suggests parents try to talk to their child or teen about how they’re feeling in a non-judgemental way. “Remember, they might not want to open up at first, so reassure them you’re there for them when they’re ready to talk. Remind them it’s ok for them to feel scared or unsure, and try to reassure them,” she advises. 3. Don’t force them to talk However, Emmett says sometimes they may not want to talk, adding: “It’s important that adults don’t force them to have a conversation they don’t want to have. Parents and carers must make sure they’re available – but don’t pressure them to talk. “It can be really tempting to ask a lot of questions, but it’s easy to slip into interrogation mode. Try to focus on the here and now and what would help moving forward.” 4. Choose your momentAvoid discussing the underlying causes of your child’s distress with them during intense moments, Goulding advises: “While it’s crucial to provide support, it can be more beneficial to address these topics when they’re feeling calmer.” 5. Ask how they’re feeling Ask if your child notices when they feel more or less sad, for example, at school, or when they’re with their friends and family, suggests Emmett. “Responding sensitively to your child’s signals with concern and interest will help them learn you’re there for them,” he notes. Goulding says parents can acknowledge their child’s feelings by saying something like: ‘It’s completely understandable that you’re feeling…’. She explains: “This helps to reassure them their feelings are valid and it’s ok to feel different emotions.” 6. Remind them of obstacles they’ve overcome in the past When a child or young person gets overwhelmed, they forget just how much they’ve already dealt with in their lives. “Tell them stories about how proud you were when they coped with certain moments in their life, such as an sitting an exam, or moving house,” says Emmett. “This will remind them of their resilience – their ability to adapt to difficult situations.” 7. Encourage them to stay active Physical and mental wellbeing are often linked. “This means doing something active can be a great way to boost your child’s mental health, and heading outside into green space can have even greater benefits,” says Emmett. He suggests parents walk or cycle short distances with their child instead of going in a car: “It’s cheaper and will help the planet to be healthier too.” 8. Model positive relationships Happy relationships between parents and significant adults lead to better mental and physical health for everyone, stresses Emmett. “By modelling positive relationships of your own, you can help your child to see what positive, healthy and meaningful relationships should look like – and to recognise when friendships aren’t positive,” he says. 9. Remind them how they feel will change Your child might not be able to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel they’re in. “Reassure your child that how they’re feeling is temporary,” says Goulding. “Things can change and they can feel better.” 10. Discuss what help is available Talk to your child about the different sources of help that are available, such as helplines, text lines and online chat services. “Reassure them it’s alright to confide in others, as young people often worry about upsetting their parents,” says Goulding. As well as YoungMinds parents’ helpline (0808 802 5544) and Place2Be, other sources include your child’s school, which will have a designated senior mental health lead, your GP who can refer your child to CAMHS, Parenting Smart, which provides free advice for parents and carers of 4–11-year-olds on how to support their child’s wellbeing and behaviour, and the free Shout 24/7 textline for anyone in crisis (text SHOUT to 85258). Read More Does your pillowcase make a difference to your skin and hair health? Sarah Jessica Parker channels Carrie Bradshaw on the red carpet in mismatched shoes Does your pillowcase make a difference to your skin and hair health? As transphobic hate crimes rise by 11% in a year, how to be a better ally Impact of relationships with AI chatbot programmes ‘worrying’, psychologist says Pokemon’s Detective Pikachu Returns and more top games of the week

Guatemala’s attorney general is calling for the government to act against largely peaceful protesters, which have taken to the streets for weeks demanding her resignation for what they say are clear attempts to undermine their nation’s democracy

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed to wipe Hamas “off the face of the Earth” as the new

Ukraine’s forces have “gained a foothold” on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in a significant step for Kyiv’s counteroffensive, but Russia says they are raining “hell fire” on the troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had crossed onto the east bank of the river in the Kherson region “against all odds”. The river has been one of the key battlegrounds of the conflict, with Russia crossing from the eastern bank to seize Kherson city in the early days of the invasion only to abandon the regional capital late last year. Though they lost ground in the area and retreated back across the river, Russia has maintained a consistent troop presence on the eastern bank, hemming in the Ukrainian counteroffensive. The Russian military said it had pinned down Ukrainian forces who crossed onto the eastern bank of the River Dnipro is raining “hell fire” on them. They said that the average life expectancy of a Ukrainian soldier there is around two days. “The enemy is trapped in (the settlement of) Krynki and a fiery hell has been arranged for him: bombs, rockets, heavy flamethrower systems, artillery shells, and drones,” said Vladimir Saldo Read More Russia admits Ukrainian troops crossed Dnipro river but says ‘fiery hell’ awaits them Putin could face new war crime case as evidence suggests starvation of Ukraine was pre-planned Ukraine troops applying pressure on Putin’s forces having gained foothold along Dnipro River, says Kyiv Bombs, betrayal and burying loved ones: Plight of one Ukraine village illustrates toll of Russia’s invasion

The House of Representatives remains in a state of paralysis. There appears to be growing momentum to give some additional power to the placeholder, Rep. Patrick McHenry, whose chief qualification may be that he says he has no real interest in the job of House speaker.

The internet has spiralled over a certain two-second snippet from the upcoming Barbie movie – and it involves Margot Robbie's feet. In the trailer for Greta Gerwig's hotly anticipated release, Barbie is seen stepping out of her high heels while maintaining her arched foot. In fact, it's become so "iconic" that it's birthed an entire TikTok challenge with the likes of Chrissy Teigen trying it out, and the hashtag alone has racked up over 40 million views. While the niche trend has proven popular on the platform, doctors have been forced to step in with a warning. Dr Jodi R. Schoenhaus, DPM, RPhs, FACFAS, and Board Certified Podiatrist at Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, said the challenge "is not without risk." "If someone attempts the pose once or twice, they will likely be ok and produce a great TikTok video," she said. "However, if attempting the pose and stride over long periods, there are some risks involved. The ankle is unstable, which can lead to ligament sprains and injuries, commonly seen with high heel use." According to Dr Schoenhaus, the foot positioning "places more strain on your low back leading to muscle and spine problems," and can injure growth plates in younger women. "To walk on your toes without heels isn't sustainable, and, in fact, the reality in the movie is that Barbie actually has flatfeet, along with 30 per cent of the population. Considering we aren't trained ballerinas en pointe, let's keep the fad to movie stars who have props and multiple takes to make it look perfect," she added. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter @shannascribner @barbiethemovie inspired me with a challenge idea!! Stitch & show me how well you can do the #BarbieFootChallenge !!! #barbiefootchallenge #barbie #foot #feet #heels #challenge #footchallenge #feetchallenge #margotrobbie Speaking about the famous scene, Robbie told The Project that it didn't actually require as much effort as people expected. "There’s no special effects, you’d be amazed how few [special effects] there are in this film actually," she said. "We didn‘t do that many takes of it, a couple of takes and I kind of held on to a bar so I was sturdy when I stepped." "We just put double-sided tape on the floor so that my shoes stayed still and I did have a pedicure that morning." Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Apple appears poised to unveil a long-rumored headset that will place its users between the virtual and real world

Israel says it will buy 25 F-35 aircraft from the United States

Hard-line Republican lawmakers threatened to exact revenge for a deal between the White House and GOP congressional leaders

Jurors in Florida have began deliberating in the double murder trial of rapper YNW Melly

BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 27, 2023--