Q. I am having problems with my five-year-old son. I live in St Catherine but work in Kingston. I am a bit worried about his behaviour. Thanks in advance.

A. Remember, five-year-olds are usually cheerful, full of questions and answers and energetic. They are always planning to do things and will spend a lot of time talking about who should be doing what in their little plans. They usually want to do things right away, so this is the time to teach and model patience skills, such as waiting for your turn. Friends are also very important at this stage. Ensure that you know who their friends are. Please call the Counselling Centre at Central Jamaica Conference in Spanish Town,at 984-5576, or Family Life Ministries in Kingston, at 926-8101, to get the professional help that you need.

Q. At church and school, my 10-year-old is attentive and well behaved, but as soon as we get home, he is back to his noisy, busy-body self. How can I get him to be well behaved all the time?

A. It is just wonderful that he is so well behaved when he goes out. What positive things do you say to him or what rewards do you promise him? Possibly, he is behaving as he knows there will be something pleasant at the end of church or school or unpleasant if he does not participate and cooperate. Review this and see if you can use the same type of activities that are used to motivate him to behave at church and school when you are at home. Ensure that they are not threatening or harmful. Remember, he is not going to be perfect.

Q. My 15-year-old thinks that because she is very bright and in fifth form, she can go out and party with her older sisters who did not do so well in school. I work with an organisation and I am away many weekends, as we do special work in other places. I cannot take her with me. I am so worried when I leave, but we need the money and her older sisters cannot be trusted. What can I do?

A. I am happy to know that your daughter is so intelligent. Sit with her, away from everyone, and gently share with her your concerns. Is there a responsible relative or friend whom you can leave her with when you are away? Also, talk with your older children and have them understand the dangers that they are exposing their younger sister to. Remind them that their younger sister has a lot of potential and you want her to be the best that she can possibly be.

When you have kids, you get the full package: runny nose, nausea, diarrhoea, gripe and a slew of testy troubles that come with early childhood. The Gleaner's health specialist, Dr Orlean Brown-Earle, has all the answers. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston.

This little boy inches through flood waters in Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine. - file