'My son thinks I am horrible'

Q: My seven-year-old told me that I am a horrible father and that he wanted to go and live with his aunt. When I asked him why, he said that I make him do too much homework. Is it wrong for me to have him do less homework?

A: Share with your son the importance of homework. Sit close by him as often as possible when he is completing his homework so he feels he has your support. Be encouraging when he finishes the activities.

Q: How is it possible to have two children who have opposing political views. My 17-year-old and my 16-year-old are like night and day. One is ultra-socialist and the other super-capitalist. We are Christians and I never grew them to be so extreme. Will they change?

A: Please remember that your children are influenced by many factors outside of the home. They are still young and may change their beliefs many times as they get older. Encourage them to have healthy debates. At the end of the day, they will always be siblings.

Q: Is it possible that children can be misdiagnosed? A psychologist said that my son was autistic at five and now, at 10, another psychologist says he is learning disabled. Is that possible?

A: The psychologist will give a diagnosis with the information that he or she is presented with. This why most psychologists will let the parent/guardian know that the diagnosis that they are giving is based on what they see at that particular time. I hope that you will be able to get the support services that your son will need.

- 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!