A guide to the mental health of children and young people : QetA for parents, caregivers and teachers

Supporting the mental health and well-being of children and young people is a top priority for parents, caregivers and teachers, but it can be tricky to find reliable and evidence-based information. Written by an experienced child and adolescent psychiatrist, in a user-friendly question and answer format, this book outlines the mental health challenges facing our children and young people and offers practical advice on how to best support them. The book covers a wide range of topics, including how biological factors and lifestyle factors affect mental health, parenting strategies, managing school, building networks of support, and connecting with children and young people. It gives a broad overview of the most common mental health difficulties and disorders, and considers how they can be managed. A must read for anyone looking to understand what a child or young person may be experiencing and why, and the practical ways in which to effectively support them. "This book started out as a maternity leave project when I was expecting my third child, but then kept me busy for a good while afterwards! First, I would like to thank my husband Sam and my three children for their love, support and patience. My husband also gave me many useful suggestions in the final draft of the book. I am also indebted to family members, colleagues and friends who gave their time to read the manuscript and provide me with useful comments suggestions to improve the book. I am very grateful to my former colleague, Consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Anne Stewart, who gave me very helpful developmental points, which have considerably improved the book"-- Provided by publisher