While this may describe most young children on occasion, both factors are extreme with those who have ADHD. This behavior may vary according to situation and context (for example, behavior is typically worse later in the day, in the absence of adult supervision, and in more complex situations), and often shows comorbidity with various cognitive abilities. ADHD is diagnosed when a child exhibits six or more each of the Inattention and Hyperactivity-Impulsivity symptoms listed in the APA’s DSM-IV criteria for the disorder.

While ADHD is a very real disorder, the diagnosis is often suspect. Many argue that ADHD is often used as an excuse for parents to medicinally control children who either a) display behavior normal for young children; or b) have been inadequately disciplined in the traditional manner. Many adults have become intolerant of normal childhood behavior and are unwilling to discipline children, so they turn to Ritalin and other ADHD control drugs for surcease.

Prevalence and Gender Difference

Based on parental and teacher descriptions of behavior, the prevalence of ADHD in the juvenile population should be as high as 57%; however, ADHD is clinically diagnosed in only 2-6.3% of children. Younger children are much more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, with rates falling by as much as half between preschool and the 6-12 year old range, and falling significantly again in adolescence, to 0.9-2% for girls and 1-5.6% for boys. Boys are roughly three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. However, this may be a function of how the diagnostic criteria are applied, especially since the gender differences even out once co-morbid conditions are controlled for.

The fact that ADHD prevalence decreases sharply with age underscores the contention that most accounts of ADHD are the result of adult intolerance for ordinary childhood behavior. Younger kids (especially little boys) are naturally more exuberant and noisy than older children, who are undergoing changes related both to physical maturity and enculturation that encourage more adult behavior. The fact that ADHD prevalence dives sharply at adolescence bolsters this argument.

Developmental Problems Associated with ADHD

Individuals with ADHD suffer from a variety of developmental and social defects, some of them quite severe. These include problems with the following:
·    Cognitive defects (deficits in intelligence, reading ability, poor time-sense)
·    Language (delayed onset, speech impediments)
·    Adaptive functioning
·    Motor development (delayed coordination, sluggishness)
·    Emotion (poor self-regulation, problems with frustration tolerance)
·    School performance (disruptive behavior, repeating grades, requiring tutors)
·    Task performance (poor persistence, decreased productivity)
·    Health risks (accident prone, growth delays, earlier onset of sexual activity)

These problems add up to poor motor coordination, poor academic performance, persistent social problems, and even reduced intelligence. Health may be compromised by proneness to accidental injury, especially when driving, as well as by sleep disorders.

The developmental problems associated with ADHD are significant and distressing, almost worse than the disorder itself, and this brings home the seriousness of ADHD. While ADHD may not be as prevalent as many parents and teachers would like us to believe, it’s clear that it can be a dangerous and debilitating illness.

Etiologies

The factors thought to be responsible for ADHD are both complex and multitudinous. One theory is that at least some ADHD symptoms are the result of brain damage, since they are similar to those arising from some types of brain infections and trauma. Neurological studies indicate a connection with dysfunction in the frontal lobes, which regulate attention and inhibition. Neurotransmitter deficiencies may also be responsible. Otherwise, some studies link ADHD to pregnancy and birth factors; younger mothers tend to have more ADHD children. ADHD may also have a genetic basis, or may be due to thyroid disorder, environmental toxins, or psychosocial factors.

That ADHD may be caused by a variety of factors, from brain dysfunction to social issues, seems most likely. Too often, researchers try to reduce complex issues to single causes, if only because a single cause would allow for a single “magic pill” solution. However, few things in the human realm — either medical or social — are ever that simple. What we identify as ADHD may be a constellation of related disorders that are lumped together under one term, much as lump together all the dozens of cancers under one term in general conversation. As our understanding of the disorder evolves, it may in the future become possible to discern and define the different types of ADHD based on cause, in a manner more specific than the divisions we use today.

Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework underlying our current understanding of ADHD remains rather nebulous. Various theories have been put forth, most revolving around defects in behavioral inhibition, deficits in sensitivity to reinforcement, deficits in inattention, arousal, and inhibition in the absence of immediate reward, and neurological explanations for the observed behavior. It is obvious that poor behavioral inhibition is the most important behavioral factor in ADHD.

In light of this, one researcher, Dr. Russell A. Barkley, has developed a hybrid model that includes many of the features of previous ADHD models. His theory explains how behavioral inhibition (self-control) and motor control systems (such as persistence, sensitivity to feedback, and execution of responses) are interrelated to and regulated by four executive functions: working nonverbal memory, working verbal memory, self-regulation of effect/motivation/arousal, and reconstitution (internalization of play). He concludes that ADHD is a disorder of performance, not skill; that is, in their behavior ADHD sufferers are unable to apply previously learned knowledge (especially in the social behavior realm) to new situations, even though, at some level, they may realize exactly what they should do in such situation.

He suggests various ways to treat ADHD patients, both pharmaceutically and otherwise, especially in regards to making actions and their consequences more temporally contiguous. For the ADHD sufferer, punishment or reward must be immediate to be effective, since those with serious ADHD suffer from what Barkley calls a “myopia or blindness to time.” They do not see or understand distances that lie ahead in time.

The key to his theory is the concept of temporal blindness or myopia. Those of us without symptoms of ADHD can see ahead to the future; we not only see what we need to do to reach our goals or maintain the status quo, but have also internalize
d the concept of personal accountability. We understand the consequences of our actions, both good and bad. People with ADHD often do not, or are unable to apply the rules they have learned, and so may be blindsided by future events that others, with a minimum of personal inhibition, might have avoided. This theory seems make imminent sense, though of course the true test of Barkley’s theory is how well it fits the clinical reality of ADHD, and how well it stands the tests of time.

For more resources on ADHD in Children see WebMD , ADHD Treatment and National Institute of Health – ADHD

Stuttering is a speech disorder that affects approximately 3 million Americans with boys being four times more likely than girls to stutter.  While it is common for children between the ages of 2 to 4 to have a temporary stutter, one that persists beyond this age could become a permanent speech disorder.  Certain factors may help you determine whether your child is at risk and whether or not you should have your child evaluated by a speech-language pathologist.  Understanding what to look for and how to treat it can make the difference in how your child’s speech develops into adulthood.

What Causes Stuttering?

While experts don’t know for certain what causes stuttering in children most believe that it occurs due to one or more of the following factors:

Developmental – Children between the ages of 18 months and 2 years may go through a period of stuttering as they are developing their language skills.  This is generally temporary, and should not become a concern to parents unless it persists past 3 years old.

Heredity – Stuttering seems to have a genetic connection.  A large percentage of children who stutter usually have a family member who also stutters.  At this time research is being conducted to isolate the gene that is passed among family members.

Neurological Stuttering – It has been found that people who stutter have difficulty processing language the same way a person without a speech disorder does.  Much like a person who has had a stroke or brain injury, the brain of a person who stutters has a problem with transmitting language properly.  Experts do not yet know why this occurs in some and not others.

Since it is not unusual for a young child to stutter for a period of time it can be difficult for parents to know if their child’s stuttering is temporary or the beginning of a lifetime speech disorder.  There are some risk factors a parent can look at to determine if their child should be evaluated.  As mentioned before, if there are one or more family members who stutter or stuttered as a child then your child is more at risk.  If your child is over the age of 3 and continues to stutter, or the stuttering has continued for more than 6 months then your child may be at risk.  Also, if your child already has another form of speech disorder it is unlikely he will outgrow stuttering without intervention.

Types of Treatment

A child who is over the age of 3 and has been stuttering for more than 6 months should see a speech-language pathologist to be diagnosed properly.  Even a child with developmental stuttering can benefit from seeing a speech therapist before the stuttering becomes permanent.  While there is no cure for stuttering a child who works with a speech therapist may be able to eliminate the stuttering, or at the very least learn to manage the stuttering and improve speaking skills.  Make sure you are working with a certified speech therapist so your child will benefit the most.

Parents can also have a positive influence on their child’s therapy by being aware of the following:

•    Provide a relaxed atmosphere at home where your child feels comfortable speaking and expressing himself.

•    Speak in a slow, calm manner when talking to your child.  This will encourage your child to speak in a more relaxed manner.

•    Listen to your child when he speaks and refrain from finishing words or sentences for him.

•    Refrain from showing impatience or from criticizing your child for stuttering.  Showing irritation will only place more stress on your child and make speech even more difficult.

•    Spend quiet time with your child every day and try to have relaxed conversations so your child can practice speech in a relaxed atmosphere.

With speech therapy, patience and practice your child can learn to overcome or control their stuttering and become a confident speaker in the years ahead.

Find quick help for ADHD in children and other children’s health issues.

A medical breakthrough designed to wipe out head lice is on the marketing horizon. Called the LouseBuster, it was designed and tested by several people at the University of Utah. Co-inventor and lead researcher, Professor Dale Clayton, said he took interest in the head lice problem, when his own children developed head lice about ten years ago. “The over-the counter shampoos just didn’t work! I ended up using a net comb to get rid of the head lice which took many hours.” Dr. Clayton isn’t the only one to have such a frustrating experience. Studies have shown that head lice are becoming more resistant to the current chemicals that are key ingredients in the over-the counter shampoos and head lice formulas. When a child is sent home from school with a head lice infestation, it can take up to two weeks to effectively treat the infestation and clean the hair. Families with two working parents are presented with an economic hardship. Schools are also be affected by head lice outbreaks (even with home schooling) as educational funding is often based on how many children attend. These buggy problems affecting children, schools, and day-care could be wiped out in a timely manner with the LouseBuster.

Three Key Conditions

The LouseBuster utilizes three key factors to rid a person of head lice: low heat, a special hair lifting comb, and air, lots of dry air. Clayton recognized that small insects have trouble staying alive without moisture. Dr. Sarah Bush, Clayton’s wife and co-author on the LouseBuster paper states that “With small insects, water evaporates on their cuticle quickly.” Bush is also very sure that head lice will not be able to evolve and become resistant to the dry air technique of the LouseBuster. “It’s really hard for small insects, such as head lice, to make changes in their water physiology. We don’t think that head lice will be able to evolve so that they are resistant to the LouseBuster.”

Just Dry Air

The LouseBuster’s dry air is put out by a modified dog grooming device which the team had specially engineered. The machine puts out over twice the air of a standard blow dryer. A microprocessor that is transparent to the user communicates with a temperature sensor in the hand piece to level the heat at a comfortable 59 degrees Celsius. The cylindrical hand piece, custom designed from molded plastic, rakes the hair and lifts it in relation to the blowing air so that the dry air is blown directly at the roots of the hair where head lice tend to thrive. The bugs and their eggs dry out and die. The dead eggs or nits can then be removed over one to two days with a nit comb. The dead head lice can also be removed. A big problem with head lice treatments is re-infestation and trying to get rid of all the bugs before the eggs or nits hatch and the reproductive cycle starts all over again. Clayton states that after a treatment with the LouseBuster “You’re more dealing with dirty hair, than an active infestation.”

LouseBuster Research Results Reported in Pediatrics Journal

An article on the LouseBuster in the November issue of Pediatrics states that “Virtually all subjects were cured of head lice when examined one week after treatment.” Clayton and his team tested six different methods of utilizing hot air to provide an effective alternative head lice treatment. The LouseBuster proto type was equipped with a computer to collect data. Although the LouseBuster uses dry air, it’s not a blow dryer and Professor Clayton warns parents against using a standard blow dryer for head lice treatment as it can easily burn a child’s scalp. The air of the LouseBuster puts out less heat than a standard blow dryer which provides effective treatment with optimum comfort.

The LouseBuster has a unique hand piece with ten teeth which Clayton likens it to a “garden rake.” “When we comb, we rake down from the top of the ear while the air is blowing up over the crown of the head, in that direction. The air is blowing opposite to the raking motion and air is blowing through the lifted hair.” Getting the angles just right was the tricky part for Clayton and his team. “The hair has to be lifted in relation to the air flow to dry out the head lice and eggs. The hand piece is set at a particular angle to the hose. We kept trying different angles. It took us five years to get to the sweet spot.” In the near future, that sweet spot could provide head lice relief on a very grand scale.

LouseBuster is a medical device

The LouseBuster is a medical device with patents pending. The Food and Drug Administration is also in the loop with Clayton and his team hoping to receive the go ahead in about a year or so. Once approved, Clayton hopes to market the product to schools, day-care and clinics through a U spin-off company, Larada Sciences . Cost would be based on where it’s manufactured but Clayton predicts cost to be around “$1,000.00 or so.” Clayton hopes to provide training on how to use the machine “ideally through a video.” Clayton says that the LouseBuster “is not hard to use, but quite different than a blow dryer. The motion and action are different.” Randy Block, President and COO of Larada Sciences, states that “The LouseBuster is a medical device, much more sophisticated than a blow-dryer, with important safety controls that ensure the device will always perform the same. The user doesn’t have to adjust any settings or worry about temperature control. The LouseBuster provides treatment that is consistently safe and effective for everybody who is going to use it no matter where they are.”

Thirty Minute Treatment Should Wipe Out a Child’s Head Lice

School nurses, daycare providers, and nurses in medical clinics could be trained to use the machine for a thirty minute treatment that involves no chemicals and no opportunity for head lice to become resistant. The invention of the LouseBuster could have an especially high impact on school attendance. Clayton’s vision sees an infested child going back to class after receiving a LouseBuster treatment from the school nurse. The child could then take home a nit comb and have parents in the evening remove the dead nits and head lice. Parents do not have to leave work to take an infested child home from school. Millions of dollars spent each year on chemical shampoos, that may or may not work due to resistance problems, would no longer be washed down the drain.

Treatments for head lice removal that are currently available are nit combs, over-the counter shampoos and natural alternative treatments such as olive oil and mayonnaise. When asked about alternative treatments other than the LouseBuster, Dr. Bush, also one of the directors of the Center for Alternative Strategies of Parasite Removal, still recommends the time-consuming nit comb. On olive oil and mayonnaise, Bush comments that “Natural alternative methods such as olive oil and mayonnaise have not yet been tested in any scientific way, so nobody really knows if they work or not.”

Authors on the LouseBuster paper featured in the November 2006 issue
of Pediatrics include: Brad Goates, Joseph Atkin, Kevin Wilding, Kurtis Birch, Michael Cottam and Professor Clayton’s wife, Dr. Sarah Bush.

For more information about the LouseBuster these selected links.

Pediatrics The original published research paper on the LouseBuster.

Information Information and pictures of the LouseBuster

Do you despair of your child’s poor academic performance? Do parent-teacher conferences yield disturbing comments like the following? “Johnny has trouble focusing on simple tasks.” “Mary often blurts out answers and has trouble waiting her turn.” “Carl has difficulty following instructions.” Perhaps that same teacher has suggested your child may suffer from ADD. Perhaps you were already wondering yourself.

Definition Let’s start with a little bit of alphabet soup: The official term for what used to be called Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is now Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, (ADHD or AD/HD). Why the change? Because we now know there are three main types of ADHD. One type is characterized by inattentiveness, one by hyperactive or impulsive behavior, and the third by a combination of both.

Warning Signs All children show these behaviors sometimes. When should you suspect these could be signs of a more serious problem? Specialists agree that at least six symptoms from one or both of the lists below must be present to consider a diagnosis of ADHD:

Signs of inattentive behavior:

1. Difficulty following instructions
2. Difficulty focusing on tasks
3. Losing things at school and at home
4. Forgetting things often
5. Becoming easily distracted or having difficulty listening
6. Lacking attention to detail, making careless mistakes or being disorganized
7. Failing to complete homework or tasks

Signs of hyperactive behavior:

1. Fidgeting excessively
2. Difficulty staying seated
3. Running or climbing inappropriately
4. Talking excessively
5. Difficulty playing quietly
6. Always seeming to be “on the go”
7. Blurting out answers or frequently interrupting
8. Having trouble waiting his or her turn
9. Interrupting or intruding on others

Specialists also look for evidence that these behaviors have continued for at least six months, and that they cause problems at both home and school. If you are kicking yourself for not seeing this problem sooner – don’t. Experts agree, it is common for these symptoms to go unnoticed until a child starts school.

Is ADHD Real? ADHD is very real. There is an overwhelming body of research and evidence supporting that conclusion. Brain scans show differences between the brains of children with ADHD and those without. We do not yet have all the answers, but we do know some things for sure:

• ADHD has its root in brain chemistry. There are many studies underway right now to understand exactly what happens in the brain’s neurotransmitters.
• Most people with ADHD have normal, or even above normal, intelligence.
• In many cases, ADHD is genetically inherited. If a parent or close relative has ADHD there is a 30% to 40% chance that a child will have the disorder. If one twin has ADHD, the other has a 50% chance of the disorder.
• ADHD affects 3% to 7% of school age children. Problems often last into adolescence. Two to four percent of adults have ADHD.
• There is absolutely no evidence that ADHD is caused by poor nutrition, poor parenting, drugs, allergies, or excessive TV.
• Special education legislation in the 1990’s increased school attention and services to children with ADHD. This has led some to conclude it is over-diagnosed. In fact, some studies concluded that ADHD may still be under -diagnosed.

How Serious is ADHD? Untreated ADHD can be very serious indeed. The most obvious problem is school failure. Other serious consequences include depression, problems with relationships, substance abuse, delinquency, risk for accidental injuries and job failure. Children with ADHD are more likely to suffer other mental disorders, including anxiety disorder, severe depression, bipolar disorder and oppositional defiant disorder (clinically hostile and defiant behavior). Early identification and treatment for ADHD is extremely important.

Is There Hope? Absolutely! Children and adolescents with ADHD can go on to lead very successful lives. The diagnosis of ADHD is quite new, but the biographies of many famous people, past and present, indicate they probably had the disorder. The great British leader, Winston Churchill, is one example. Mozart is another. Living examples include the athlete, Magic Johnson, and the founder of the Virgin business empire, Richard Branson.

Even if your child does not go on to become famous, a diagnosis of ADHD can be the first step towards a happier and more productive life. One mother whose child has the inattentive form of the disorder reports that, prior to diagnosis and treatment, her daughter could never find or locate things, was irritated all the time, and had difficulty paying attention in school. Now she is calmer and more focused, and benefits from her daily life being under greater control.

Effective Treatments for ADHD Children

The most effective treatments for ADHD include a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and parent support and education. Nine out of ten children respond to medication, and 50% of children who do not respond to a first medication will respond to a second. When ADHD is accompanied by other mental health disorders, a combination of drug therapies have been shown to be highly effective.

Behavior therapy is an important complement to medical treatment. Behavior therapy helps children by teaching them “survival skills” such as how to solve problems positively, communicate, and advocate for themselves. Children, especially teenagers, need to be actively included in treatment decisions. Consistency at home and school is essential. Schools can – and must, by federal law – make a variety of adaptations in classroom instruction to assist in your child’s learning. Some children may require special education services.

Most important of all is your support as a parent. Instill a
sense of self worth in your child or adolescent. Emphasize his or her talents and strengths. Remember that the side effects of untreated ADHD (such as failure, frustration, discouragement, social isolation, low self-esteem and depression) may cause more problems than the disorder itself.

Where to Go for Diagnosis Your first step should be your child’s pediatrician, who cannot only diagnose ADHD, but also do a physical exam, including vision and hearing assessment, to rule out other medical problems. Others who are qualified to diagnose the disorder are school psychologists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, neurologists and psychiatrists. You may wish to start by asking your child’s pediatrician or school for a recommendation.

Links

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention/Hyperactivity Disorder) has a great link, CHADD for locating local chapters and support groups in your area. From the CHADD website you can link in turn to excellent articles and information published by their National Resource Center on ADIHD. Or you can link directly to the resource center at Resource Center For information on other mental health disorders, we suggest you go to the National Mental Health Association’s website at Mental Health

Summer allergies could be to blame for your child’s coughing, sniffing and itchy throat and eyes. Allergies can cause inflamation and fluid accumulation in the ear leading to ear infections. Here are your parenting tips to protect your child’s health. Plan to reduce your child’s symptoms and suffering by avoiding the sources of the problem.

Parenting Tips for Child Allergies

Here are a few parenting tips to limit your child’s exposure to dust, pollens, pet dander and mold spores,

✓ Trees, grass, and other plants produce allergy causing pollen. Avoid playing outdoors in windy or dusty conditions. Pick days after a rain for outdoor activities.

✓ Close windows and doors indoors and in the car while driving, especially when pollen counts in your area are at medium or high pollen levels.

✓ Use the air conditioner to aid in cleaning the air. Turn off fans.

✓ Change your child’s clothing when coming indoors.

✓ Avoid exposure to mold spores. Clean moldy walls, floors and other surfaces. Mold loves damp places. Reduce damp areas in the bathroom, kitchen and wash room and basement. Fix all leaks and other sources of damp spots. Dehumidifiers help avoid both mold and dust mites. Limit yourself to a few house plants. Outdoors, remove piles of leaves, weeds and moldy firewood.

✓ Don’t smoke or let others smoke around your child.

✓ If pets must be indoors, keep them out of the bedrooms and off furniture your child may use. Animal dander is clingy, put your pet’s favorite furniture outdoors or away from bedrooms and play areas. Low pile carpet or better, wood or tile floors are easier to keep clean of pet allergens. If possible, choose a pet without fur or feathers. Several breeds of dogs have low allergen hair instead of fur.

✓ Clean your child’s pillows and bedding often.

✓ Bathe children at bedtime to remove allergens, dust, pollen and pet dander from skin and hair.

Child Allergy Facts

An estimated 40-45 million Americans have some type of allergy and, most of these allergies first appear during infancy or childhood. Allergen immunotherapy( Allergy Shots) has been shown to be especially helpful in the treatment of allergies and asthma in children. Allergy shots against current allergens can reduce the chance that your child will develop new allergies in the future.

Although some child allergies are only seasonal, for example, having allergy symptoms when grass, pollen, or mold counts are high, many children have year round allergies. Allergies are more common in boys than girls and are more likely to develop in the oldest child in the family. By adulthood, however the number of men and women who have allergies is about the same. The tendency to develop allergies are inherited from parents. When one or both parents have allergies, there is a greater likelihood that their children will too.

As doctors learn more about allergies and asthma, they are beginning to understand there is a connection and that they have a lot in common. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma are both known as allergic conditions, both can be triggered by many of the same allergens. Many people with asthma also have indoor and outdoor allergies. Although having allergies does not necessarily mean that you have or will get asthma.

For medical help for your child see an allergy specialist or your pediatrician.
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For more information go to Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America or Keep Kids Healthy
Best for child health and parent health. Easy to use with helpfull descriptions and just enough detail: With topics like “My Body”, “Dealing with Feelings”, “Kids health problems” and “Health Problems of Grownups,” this site should be good child health help for older children to use for school reports and learning. Try this site: — Kids Health

We have all heard parents complaining, “this baby never stops crying, is up all night, none of us are getting sleep, and we have tried everything! We just don’t know what to do.” Parents of an infant with colic are not alone, and new research is shining a different light on colic that is bringing hope to families of crying babies and asking the question, “is colic really just a myth?”

Estimates say that one in five infants suffer from inconsolable crying, generally diagnosed as colic. A crying infant is hard on the entire family and parents will try anything to calm their child. Let’s face it, everyone has the miracle cure for a crying baby that you have to try whether it be prescription medications, folk remedies, or that “amazing new product.” Some may work, at times, but for most parents nothing works all of the time.

We have learned of a book by Dr. Bryan Vartabedian titled Colic Solved: The Essential Guide to Infant Reflux and the Care of Your Crying, Difficult-to-Soothe Baby. In his book, Dr. Vartabedian, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Texas Children’s Hospital shares his beliefs that colic is really a wastebasket term that pediatricians use “when they have no idea what in the heck is going on.”

He estimates, 60 percent or more of babies dubbed colicky have either milk-protein allergy or acid reflux disease, a condition in which the stomach contents come back up and irritate the esophagus. Both of these conditions “are highly treatable” by a pediatrician.

Dr. Vartabedian explains that babies are especially prone to acid reflux for several reasons. They drink only liquid, which is less likely to stay put, they don’t benefit from gravity until they’re old enough to sit up, and their stomachs do not empty effectively.

He advised parents to watch for these signs of reflux in their “colicky” baby: spitting and vomiting , constant hiccups, feeding disturbances such as pulling away from the nipple and grimacing, chronic irritability, discomfort while laying on the back, sleep disturbance and chronic cough and/or congestion.

Symptoms of milk-protein allergy include blood-streaked stools, mucus in the diaper, crankiness, diarrhea, eczema, and wheezing and congestion.

Parents need to feel empowered to find the cause of their infants crying. If you feel that you are not getting the help you need, look elsewhere until your needs are met.

It is also important that during the months that you have a crying infant you get help for the entire family. Every family reacts differently to crying babies. Some families may need intervention. Treatment may be as simple as getting a baby-sitter so that the family can leave the home and have some downtime for the evening, or even a weekend away, where other families may need medical intervention. Most importantly, parents need to know that this is not their fault.

For more information on colic visit the Keep Kids Healthy child health site.