Ask the doc: Should I ask my dad to leave?

Q I am tired of my mother going on and on about my father's laziness. We know he is lazy. He has not had a steady job, ever. I cannot, for the life of me, understand why she does not chase him away. It has been 17 years and she has always been the main breadwinner. Should I ask him to go?

A Your parents' business is not your business. Encourage them to go for counselling. Have you ever sat down with your mother and asked her why she stayed in the relationship. Do that. You may learn a lot. Start to speak with your father in positive ways and encourage him to be active and positive. Get a project going where you and your father can collaborate.

Q I live in the western end of the island. Where do I find services for children with physical and mental disabilities? My child was in a car accident and is now very delayed. Can she still go to school? I am outside of Montego Bay.

A If you are in Westmoreland, contact the Llandilo School of Special Education in Savanna-la-Mar. You may also contact the Jamaica Association on Intellectual Disabilities ,which is based in Kingston and is responsible for many special- education programmes islandwide.

Q My 10-year-old is great friends with two neighbours who are not Christian-like in their behaviour. One lady lives with her younger boyfriend, with a child, and the other neighbours have physical fights, almost weekly. I am a widow. I am afraid my child will think these behaviours are okay. Should I move?

A Wherever you go, you will find persons with varying behaviours. Try to be friendly with your neighbours. Invite them to church and share with them. Pray for them and ask the Lord to bless them. Reach out to the women in ways that are positive.

- Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behavioural problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to editor@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston. Responses to concerns are to be considered as general, as cases shared with psychologists privately would be queried more deeply. Pray always!