Ask the doc: 'I don't want to call him daddy'

Q. My mother insists that we call my brother's father daddy. This is because he pays the bills. At 15, I do not think that I should call this gentleman father as I know my father even though he does not provide for us. Is uncle OK?

A. I understand why you would not want to call your stepfather daddy. Share this perspective in a respectful way with your mother and ask your stepfather and mother if uncle is acceptable.

Q. My sister told a lie at school, saying we lived in a big house and had lots of money. The other girls at high school found out and tease us a lot from time to time. How do I deal with this?

A. The next time a fellow student teases you, let her know that a mistake was made and you do not wish to hear this from her again. If the teasing continues, speak with the guidance counsellor about it.

Q. I have decided to do my CXCs and my children are encouraging me a lot. They are overly zealous, though. Is it OK to tell them that mommy is a slow learner?

A. It is quite OK to tell them that mommy needs to go a little slowly. Enjoy your studies!

- 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. E-mail 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!