Ask the doc: Is it OK for me to tell mommy her behaviour is rude?

Q. My sister passed her exams and started college this term. My granduncle is providing the money. I heard her saying something rude behind his back about him I chastised and told her she was ungrateful. Now she is not speaking to me. What should I do?

A. Continue to be polite and courteous to your sister. Pray with, and, for her, as much as you can. If your sister talks about the situation with you, simply let her know you only desired for her to be respectful of all persons.

Q. My mother has a boss who was very kind to her last year when the family had many health problems. She got time off and other types of support. The boss had to be firm with my mother now my mother, is very curt with her. My father is now also terse with the boss. Is it OK for me to tell mommy her behaviour is rude?

A. You may ask your mother why her behaviour is now so different from in the past, as it pertains to her employer. This way, you may have a clear explanation of the reason for your mother's behaviour change. I hope your mother, father and her employer restore their former positive relationship.

Q. Where do I get help for a family friend, who does not wish to acknowledge that she is depressed?

A. Does this person have a close friend or family member that they listen to? You may ask either of those persons to speak with her. If that does not work, offer to accompany her to see a counsellor, a counselling psychologist or a psychotherapist.

- 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!