Because the process of social adjustment is still incomplete in children, it is fairly common for parents to overlook signs of emotional or psychological abnormality. It is not uncommon or abnormal for a child to have behavioral problems at home or in school, which is why it may not occur to many parents to seek professional consultation when faced with such issues. If the child begins to display a number of the symptoms below, however, it may be an indicator of a deeper issue that could manifest problems in adulthood if professional intervention is not sought. Common indicators are:

1. Constant feeling overwhelmed by and unable to cope with emotions.
2. Frequent crying, requests for help.
3. Preoccupation with fears and anxieties that may interfere with daily activities.
4. Constant need for self-stimulation, such as thumb-sucking, body-rocking, or more destructive modes like striking body parts.
5. Low self-esteem and self-confidence resulting in the child feeling incapable and helpless.
These are only a few of possible warning signs. Seek the help of a professional if concerned by the behavior of your child.

About the author: Dr. Kimberly Hammes Frank is a mental health specialist who specializes in working with young people. She currently operates a private practice in Racine, Wisconsin.

A veteran child psychiatrist, Dr. Kimberly Frank specializes in mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and trauma in children and adolescents.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood condition, but can also extend through adulthood. ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. 

There are three subtypes of ADHD. The first is “predominantly hyperactive-impulsive,” meaning the majority of the symptoms exhibited are in the hyperactivity and impulsivity group. These can include an inability to participate in quiet play and interrupting. Although inattention may be present to some degree, it is not as severe as the other groups.

The second subtype is “predominantly inattentive.” Most of the symptoms in this category are in the inattention group, while symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity are less present. This subtype is often difficult to diagnose, because these children may still get along with other children and not act out. They have difficulty focusing on what they are doing, but because they sit quietly, can be overlooked by their teachers or parents.

The third subtype of ADHD--and the most common–is “combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive.” These are children who exhibit all of the symptoms of ADHD.

Unfortunately, there is no cure, but treatment is available. Because of the nature of the disorder, ADHD can be difficult to diagnose, and can sometimes be misdiagnosed. It is natural for children to exhibit these symptoms, but it is the severity of these symptoms that is they key to diagnosing ADHD.

All parents want to protect their children, but some traumas can leave parents feeling helpless as their children experience fear, confusion, and isolation. By understanding trauma, parents can help their children emerge from their shells and cope after facing adversity.

First, parents must recognize that trauma comes in many varieties. Neglect, bullying, sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, natural disasters, and violent attacks can all be examples of traumas, and all types can take a toll on children of any age. Most parents sometimes feel helpless to comfort their children during trauma. This is perfectly normal.

To break through a child's shell, parents should focus on their own moods. Children pick up on moods easily, so parents should take care to exemplify the attitudes they would like to see in their children.

Just like adults, children react to trauma in different ways. Fatigue, anger, shock, depression, and guilt are all normal reactions. During any such reaction in children, try to keep a normal routine. Interrupting traditions such as mealtimes and stories before bed can make children feel even more displaced. Finally, use open communication. If children see that the adults in their life are willing to talk about how they're feeling, the children may open up as well—eventually, if not right away.

About the Author

Concentrating on trauma, ADHD, and other mental health conditions, Dr. Kimberly Frank works with children and adolescents suffering from mental disorders.

If you are looking for a new hobby, why not try gardening? There are many reasons to begin; read ahead to learn three. 

1. It is healthy. Not only are you getting physical activity and burning calories while you garden, you are also out in the sun and acquiring vitamin D. Furthermore, once your crops are ready for consumption, you will be eating fresh fruits and vegetables chock full of minerals and vitamins. 

2. It is environmentally friendly. By growing and eating your own food, you are reducing environment waste. Most food requires a great deal of petroleum and energy to get from the source to your local grocery store. Food in your garden requires only your own energy. 

3. It is social. Once you start gardening, you might find that you are cultivating deeper relationships with your friends and neighbors. Studies show that nearly 40 percent of gardeners talk to their neighbors to get gardening tips. 

Hopefully these reasons are enough to inspire you to begin your own garden today. 

About the author: Dr. Kimberly Hammes Frank is an avid gardener who enjoys watching plants bloom and grow. Professionally she is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she utilizes an integrated biopsychosocial approach in treating patients.

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