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Is Your Child’s Mood or Behaviour Trying to Tell You Something? Take the Symptom Quiz

  • Molly Brooker-Roberson
  • Jul 24
  • 3 min read

By Harpenden Kids Nutrition


It’s not always easy to understand what’s going on beneath the surface when a child struggles with focus, emotions, or behaviour. Children often express internal imbalances not through words, but through patterns — changes in mood, energy, digestion, or even how they interact with others.


At Harpenden Kids Nutrition, I work with families to explore these patterns and uncover the root causes — through nutrition, lifestyle, and functional medicine. This short quiz is designed to help you reflect on your child’s symptoms and identify areas that may benefit from further support.


This quiz is based on the well-established Medical Symptoms Questionnaire created by the Institute for Functional Medicine, adapted thoughtfully for children and families, which I use in clinic.


This is not a diagnostic tool. It’s simply a way to gently tune in and see whether your child’s body and brain may be signalling a need for deeper nourishment or balance.


Seeded wholegrain gluten-free toast with a variety of healthy toppings, veggies, healthy fats, protein to help keep children's blood sugar stable.
A puzzle, waiting to be assembled...


How to Take the Quiz

You’ll be asked to rate how frequently you observe certain symptoms or behaviours in your child. Try to reflect on the past 2–4 weeks.


Scoring:

  • 0 – Never

  • 1 – Occasionally (once or twice)

  • 2 – Frequently (a few times a week)

  • 3 – Daily or nearly every day



1. Emotional Regulation & Mood

  •  Frequent irritability or frustration

  •  Difficulty calming down after becoming upset

  •  Feelings of anxiety, nervousness or constant worry

  •  Sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts

  •  Withdrawal or seeming low in mood

  •  Difficulty managing transitions or unexpected changes



2. Focus, Learning & Behaviour

  • Trouble concentrating or sitting still

  •  Easily distracted, even with preferred activities

  •  Impulsive behaviour or difficulty waiting their turn

  •  Defiance, oppositional behaviour, or refusal to follow instructions

  •  Challenges with memory, recall or following multi-step tasks

  •  Frequent overwhelm or sensory sensitivity



3. Sleep & Energy Patterns

  •  Difficulty falling asleep or winding down

  •  Frequent night wakings or restlessness

  •  Wakes tired or struggles to get going in the morning

  •  Noticeable dips in energy during the day (may manifest as 'hanger', meltdowns, distraction, or withdrawal)

  •  Reliance on screens or food for comfort when tired



4. Digestive Health

  •  Tummy aches, bloating, or frequent complaints of discomfort in gut

  •  Constipation or infrequent bowel movements

  •  Loose stools, urgency or unpredictability

  •  Food sensitivities or strong aversions to certain textures/tastes

  •  Noticeable link between food and behaviour or mood (e.g. sugar and hyperactivity)



5. Immune & Skin Symptoms

  •  Recurring infections (e.g., ear, throat, sinus)

  •  Persistent congestion, cough or runny nose

  •  Eczema, hives or skin irritation

  •  Dark circles under the eyes or pale skin tone

  •  Seasonal or environmental allergies



Scoring & What It Might Suggest


  • 0–15 – Your child is likely experiencing only occasional or mild symptoms. Keep supporting their wellbeing through balanced nutrition, routine, and rest.

  • 16–30 – There may be a few signs that your child’s system is under strain. It could be worth exploring subtle dietary or lifestyle changes.

  • 31–50 – These symptoms suggest a need for deeper support. Nutritional therapy may help uncover imbalances and support your child’s nervous system, gut, or immune function.

  • 51+ – A number of areas appear to be affected. A comprehensive, personalised approach can make a meaningful difference in your child’s daily wellbeing.



What This Quiz Can Tell You

This quiz is not intended to diagnose or label. It’s an invitation to reflect and ask deeper questions:


  • Could my child’s symptoms be connected to how their body is functioning on the inside?

  • Might nutrition and environment be influencing how they feel and behave?

  • What gentle, evidence-based changes might help them feel more balanced and resilient?


Often, small signs — like a change in appetite, sleep, energy or mood — are the body’s way of asking for support. Understanding these signals can be the first step towards helping your child thrive.



Next Steps

If your child’s score raised some questions for you, you’re not alone — and there are simple, science-backed, natural ways to help.


At Harpenden Kids Nutrition, I work closely with families to explore the links between diet, brain function, gut health, and behaviour. Using a functional medicine framework, I help identify and address the root causes of symptoms — always tailored to your child’s unique biology and needs.


Whether your child is navigating anxiety, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, mood swings, or digestive discomfort, the right nutritional support can make a powerful difference.


If you’d like to discuss your child’s results or learn more about how I work, you’re welcome to reach out.


You can visit the FAQs page, contact me, or book a complimentary, no-obligation discovery call:

Book a Free Discovery Call

I offer friendly, no-pressure 15-minute discovery calls to help you explore whether nutritional therapy could be the right fit for your child.




And for more educational guidance and practical tips, you can:



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